Perhaps it’s a symptom of my low self-esteem, but every once in a while, I drive a vehicle that makes me think, “This is too nice for me.” It doesn’t happen often, but it happened last week during my time with the 2018 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription.
XC90 was all new for 2017, the first vehicle to ride on Volvo’s new SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, which also underlies the Volvo S90 sedan and V90 wagon. As its name suggests, SPA allows Volvo to use engineering and production resources across a significant range of vehicle in a very efficient, scalable way. XC90 is a full-size three-row SUV, available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct gasoline injected four-cylinder engine (T5), 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged direct gasoline injected four-cylinder engine (T6), or hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged direct gasoline injected four-cylinder engine and electric motor (T8). Four trim levels are available: Momentum (starting at $46,900); Inscription (starting at $52,300); R-Design (starting at $59,450); and Excellence (starting at $104,900). My 2018 XC90 T6 AWD Inscription loaner carried an as-tested price of $74,090, including a Convenience Package ($1,950); Luxury Package ($3,150); Graphical Head Up Display ($900); 4-Corner Air Suspension ($1,800); Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound ($3,200), 21-inch Spoke Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels ($800); Tailored Dash ($1,000); Heated Steering Wheel ($300); Integrated Center Booster Cushion ($250); and Destination Charge ($985). In other words, too nice for me.
Volvo has transitioned from transportation for the people to luxury conveyance, and now competes in a whole different class than it languished in before being purchased by Geely Automotive of China in 2010. XC90 is a fantastic SUV and deserves to be considered alongside the Land Rover Discovery, Maserati Levante, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Acura MDX.
What makes it so fantastic? Attention to detail. XC90’s exterior design is striking, even as it conforms to the two-box paradigm. Check out the cheeky “Thor’s Hammer” detail in the standard headlights. Note how the arrow in the Volvo emblem now matches the angle of the diagonal crossbar across the grille. Delight in the expressive LED taillights that define the edges of the upper rear corners of the vehicle.
The interior is similarly distinctive. I border on cliché when I quote Volvo’s description of the cabin as a “Scandinavian Sanctuary,” but the description fits. A tasteful mix of authentic materials – real wood, metal and leather – accentuate the functional elements within the XC90. The visual highlight includes a strong horizontal element that looks like a support beam for the upper part of the dash. Jewel-like texturing of the ignition switch in the center console feels like an upgrade from the expected push-button start of other brands. Real wood sliding tambour covers elegantly conceal the cupholders when not in use. Everywhere you look and touch, quality abounds.
Volvo’s infotainment system, Sensus Connect, is accessed via a nine-inch touchscreen that is inset into the center stack in portrait orientation. A physical home button just below the screen brings up a stratified view of navigation, audio, climate and other controls, making it easy to access functions without distraction. The GPS map can be resized using iPad-like pinch and pull touch controls. Pairing a Bluetooth smartphone takes seconds. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard when using a wired USB connection, and a WiFi hotspot is included with a 6-month trial subscription. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel can mirror information from Sensus Connect. My test-vehicle’s optional HUD was an additional aid to keeping my eyes on the road, though it was defeated by my polarized sunglasses during the daylight hours.
Though it’s an expensive option, the $3,200 Bowers and Wilkins sound system should be considered essential equipment for XC90. It’s one of the best car audio systems I’ve experienced recently, with great sound available in all seating positions. The added bonus of a surround sound map that emulates the acoustics of the Gothenburg Cathedral in Volvo’s Swedish home town puts the B&W system over the top.
Which brings us to driving the XC90. The combination of turbocharging and supercharging on the small-displacement inline four-cylinder engine in my T6 model is rated to deliver 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with full-time all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo claims that XC90 can scoot from 0 – 60 mph in 6.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130 mph, and the EPA rates this configuration to achieve 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. Selecting “Dynamic” from the available drive modes makes the most of the performance, livening up XC90 noticeably from “Normal” mode (the default), and allowing the transmission to hold gears a little longer before each shift. I really enjoyed the sense of momentum that came with each press of the accelerator. XC90 powers down the highway with smooth grace – you have to keep an eye on the HUD to make sure that you’re not exceeding the speed limits. Twists and turns remind you that XC90 is a big vehicle that weighs in between 4,520 and 5,113 lbs (depending on equipment), but it handles very predictably, especially with the optional air suspension on my test vehicle.
I can hardly believe that I’ve gotten this far in my review without mentioning Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, which is standard on the T6 Inscription. Perhaps that’s because it’s so well-integrated into the operation of XC90, especially during highway operation. Engage the system via a steering-wheel button, and Pilot Assist uses the radar cruise control and other sensors to keep the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic ahead while maintaining lane position with steering assistance, even on gentle curves. Combined with other electronic driving aids, Pilot Assist takes the stress out of long drives, but doesn’t relieve the driver of responsibility. You still have to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road – but the car essentially drives itself until you intervene. I’m not a convert to semi-autonomous driving yet – I believe that the driver should remain completely alert and engaged at all times. But having intelligent systems that support safe driving, like Pilot Assist, can make driving less tiring and safer when used properly.
With all of the positives that I found during my week with XC90, I’m left with my lingering Wayne’s World “I’m not worthy” mantra running through my head. Maybe my taste runs toward a slightly more rugged design aesthetic than Scandinavian Design. Maybe the $74,050 price tag on my test vehicle filled me with fear that spilled Diet Doctor Pepper bottles and dog hair would inevitably destroy the elegance of a 2018 Volvo XC90. Or maybe I just need to shift my perspective from a Wayne and Garth mindset to Stuart Smalley: “I’m good enough. I’m smart enough. And doggone it, people like me.”
