Back in 2002 when the XC90 was first introduced worldwide, Volvo dubbed it "the most important car we have ever made".

Considering it's an innovative concept by Volvo back then - combining an SUV and MPV into one car - this is the model that could make, or break Volvo. After all, who on earth would buy a Swedish SUV (back then)? Sedan - yes. Wagon - yes. Other than that, it is still highly questionable.

Thankfully though, the XC90 proved popular. It is a mighty effort, for a first timer. There's that right amount of aggression and elegance, for a large luxury SUV. That ability to accommodate six other passengers easily and comfortably deserves a round of applause...

Fast-forward a decade later, and the XC90 is still here and going strong. Well it did go through two minor facelifts (this being the second one), but even with that, is it still able to hold its own when there are fresher offerings in the market?

Exterior

With the latest facelift, the XC90 doesn't only get a new front bumper. It also gets some refreshed exterior details, namely daytime running lights upfront (at a switch of a button it will change to the foglamps), standard metallic bumper bars and silver-coloured roof rails, colour-coded bumper areas and redesigned tail lamps which includes an LED strip, like the smaller XC60.

A set of multi-spoke 19-inch 'Galateia' alloy rims also comes standard, wrapped in premium 255/50 R-19 Pirelli P Zero Rosso rubbers.

This might come across as a little too tame a facelift, but at least Volvo did not go overboard, preferring to keep it simple and subtle.