Volvo XC90: The Stylish SUV

Here’s one test drive that was definitely worth the wait. When Viking Cars, Incorporated, authorized dealer of Volvo cars in the Philippines, introduced the XC90 to the market early this year, we were promised that we’d be among the first to get to test drive their newest offering. Unfortunately, unbelievably strong demand for the vehicle forced Viking Cars to actually sell their first test unit, and the subsequent and very sudden strict implementation of the "no plate, no travel" policy (a pre-election joke of a system, if you ask us — just wait ’til all the fuss fizzles out) had us waiting at the back of the test drive line before we could even finish spelling S-C-A-N-D-I-N-A-V-I-A-N. Well, before the month of May ended, we finally got to say that the wait was over. And what we drove after that wait completely blew us away.

The Volvo XC90 is the Swedish car maker’s first real foray into the SUV market. While the XC70 juggled its identity between functional crossover vehicle and stylish car/wagon, the XC90, by its sheer proportions, makes no pretensions whatsoever — it is definitely an SUV. Still, it is quite unique in its SUV-ness. Those who have seen the XC90 are one in saying that it is one attractive piece of engineering. It looks rugged enough to be seen as a true-blue Sport Utility Vehicle yet stylish enough to be instantly labeled as a European marquee. No doubt, Volvo’s current design standards have translated well in SUV proportions.

In the Philippine setting, the XC90 goes head to head up against another of our favorites — the BMW X5. Far be it for us to actually point out which is the better vehicle between the two, considering we don’t exactly have the moolah to acquire either. Let’s just say that both vehicles have their own merits (and share some, too) — a lot of merits at that. Where the BMW X5 comes across as aggressive, for example, the XC90 looks more refined. So which of these two qualities are better? Depends on which side of the fence you find yourself in. Bottom line — these SUVs set the standard.

The XC90 is powered by a 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 208 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. And though that may sound like a mouthful, the vehicle’s gross weight (2,726 kg) is enough to make the driver feel that he’s getting ample power from the XC90’s powerplant — not an excessive amount of get-out-of-my-way-or-I’ll-go-through-you power, just ample power to make one feel that he’s not getting the raw end of a P3.795M deal (the XC90’s selling price). The engine may begin to sound a bit coarse when you push it, too. In short, its acceleration dynamics are not the kind which would invite aggressive driving (which cannot be said of the monster that lurks underneath the X5’s hood). But wait! If you have the extra cash, and you are willing to wait a bit longer for a vehicle that looks like the XC90 and accelerates like the X5, here’s some good news — the XC90 AWD T6, which produces a stouter 268 horsepower at 5,200 prm via a twin turbocharged 2.9 liter inline 6-cylinder engine, can be ordered. Just contact your nearest Volvo dealer for further information.

Back to the 2.5 liter model that we drove. Though the XC90 is admittedly taller than the average Volvo, thus making it more prone to rollover, it is fitted with a stability control system that counteracts oversteer as well (safety is one of Volvo’s strong points — as if we didn’t already know that). The result of this admirable system is a drive that makes you feel grounded to the earth — and we mean that in a very positive sense. You’ll feel safer and less likely to topple over despite sudden turns (we drove the XC90 in wet conditions). This further reinforces our contention that the XC90 is a vehicle geared more towards driving comfort and safety despite its SUV moniker. Still, though we didn’t exactly drive the vehicle into a mountainside, its ground clearance (219 mm) is enough for its driver to take it into off-road conditions with confidence. Why anyone would want to drive this stunning Swede beauty into less than perfect roads is something we won’t understand, however.

Inside, the XC90 looks just as refined as any Volvo. Soft, plush leather that’s actually softer than that of its German counterpart greets the driver and his passengers (again, whether such a case is good or bad depends on who’s riding the vehicle). There is also an extra row (just two seats, however) that can be stowed when unnecessary. That, at least, makes the XC90 a bit more versatile. When the third row seats are stowed, luggage space is more than generous. The XC90’s interiors carry a few other surprises as well — an adjustable center child seat with a 3-point seatbelt being one of the more pleasant among them. There are also the individual air vents located at the vehicle’s pillars that guarantee ample airconditioning in all areas of the XC90. Very smart and very chic. Yes, dear reader, the XC90 is as stylish inside as it is outside. A little too laid back for some maybe, but stylish nonetheless.

The verdict — unless you weren’t paying attention from the very start of this article — the XC90 has what it takes to impress even one who has driven some of the best cars in the world. Would we buy one given the chance? It’ll take two words that came straight from this writer’s wife’s mouth to answer that one: dream car.