Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 7-Seater (A) Review
11 May 2016|50,117 views
All Volvos from the past had a few things in common. They may not have been the sexiest cars, but they feel invincible, luxurious, plush and sturdy. This is probably why they are the preferred choice of many - driving a 'tank' is better than being crushed by one.
One of these tanks is the Volvo XC90. The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is one of the best-selling and most critically well-received models from the Swedish brand. Since its inception in 2002, the XC90 has been praised for its incredible build quality and its family-friendly design. Despite its many great features, very little was changed for the car in the last 12 years, and it was starting to show its age.
Launched in 2014, the new XC90 marks the SUV's first comprehensive redesign and puts the Swedish carmaker right back in the game. Having previously driven the D5 and T6 model, we hopped into the base T5 model to see how it drives.
Up close and Personal
The new style of the Volvo XC90 really makes the SUV stand out and it's actually a great design because it's elegant yet simple. The more assertive styling, with its larger grille, aggressive lower air intakes and slimmer head lights fitted with 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running lights, manages to be modern without losing its identity as a Volvo.
The XC90 T5 unit tested here is only available with the entry-level Momentum trim. While most buyers will be impressed with the sportier T6 R-Design or more luxurious T6 Inscription variants that will tempt them with even more clever kits, the generous specification of this base model will make them more than happy.
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There's a whole heap of standard kit available with this car such as silver roof rails, twin chrome tailpipes, climate control, navigation and Volvo's full range of safety systems, just to name a few.
As for comfort, the increased space helps but Volvo has paid special attention to how that space is divided. The third row is capable of holding two pint-sized Asian passengers and it has been moved slightly inwards to create a theatre-style seating arrangement, allowing its occupants to see past the second row.
More importantly, Volvo is well-known for its supremely comfortable seats and the XC90 is no exception. Leather upholstery is standard and there's an extendable thigh cushion that provides good support for taller drivers. Shorter drivers like this writer do not have to worry, too, as the electronic front seats offer a huge range of adjustment.
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The Drive
Powering the XC90 T5 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which may seem underwhelmed for moving 2,053kg of metal but the turbocharged unit feels pretty lively under acceleration.
While the performance figures of the T5 and T6 differ, there is not much of a discernible contrast. The T5's motor here gets a little bit raucous in the upper reaches of the rev range but at cruising speed it feels quiet and refined.
Its well-matched eight-speed automatic transmission also helps to create smooth and rapid progress. Unfortunately, more turbo lag is apparent here than the T6.
Of course, you won't need to wait for a long while for the turbo to spool up but still, it is noticeable - something we expected considering that there isn't a supercharger thrown in the mix.
That said, you could easily live with it as the SUV accelerates decently up to three-digit speeds in a reasonable 8.2 seconds.
On the move, the cabin is truly a serene sanctuary, with road, engine and wind noise all kept at bay. Even poor weather with heavy wind and rain never interfered much with conversations in the car.
The XC90 may have four-wheel drive, but it's more of a luxury SUV than a rugged off-roader.
Its road-biased setup means a plush ride, though we feel that the T5 is a little more comfortable than the T6. This could be due to the fact that its 19-inch wheels are more forgiving than the 20-inchers on the latter variant.
The handling, thanks in part to electric power-assist steering, makes the big car feel a little less so around the corners. The car doesn't really drive like a three-row SUV, and despite its high centre of gravity, it manages to stay pretty flat in one.
Conclusion
The new XC90 is dramatically different from any Volvo that came before it, and after driving it, you begin to realise it still has all those qualities people cherished - it feels invincible, luxurious, plush and sturdy.
More importantly, the T5 Momentum variant here garners a $30,000 price advantage (as of 6th May 2016) over the T6 Momentum, making it a value proposition in the local XC90 lineup.
All Volvos from the past had a few things in common. They may not have been the sexiest cars, but they feel invincible, luxurious, plush and sturdy. This is probably why they are the preferred choice of many - driving a 'tank' is better than being crushed by one.
One of these tanks is the Volvo XC90. The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is one of the best-selling and most critically well-received models from the Swedish brand. Since its inception in 2002, the XC90 has been praised for its incredible build quality and its family-friendly design. Despite its many great features, very little was changed for the car in the last 12 years, and it was starting to show its age.
Launched in 2014, the new XC90 marks the SUV's first comprehensive redesign and puts the Swedish carmaker right back in the game. Having previously driven the D5 and T6 model, we hopped into the base T5 model to see how it drives.
Up close and Personal
The new style of the Volvo XC90 really makes the SUV stand out and it's actually a great design because it's elegant yet simple. The more assertive styling, with its larger grille, aggressive lower air intakes and slimmer head lights fitted with 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running lights, manages to be modern without losing its identity as a Volvo.
The XC90 T5 unit tested here is only available with the entry-level Momentum trim. While most buyers will be impressed with the sportier T6 R-Design or more luxurious T6 Inscription variants that will tempt them with even more clever kits, the generous specification of this base model will make them more than happy.
There's a whole heap of standard kit available with this car such as silver roof rails, twin chrome tailpipes, climate control, navigation and Volvo's full range of safety systems, just to name a few.
As for comfort, the increased space helps but Volvo has paid special attention to how that space is divided. The third row is capable of holding two pint-sized Asian passengers and it has been moved slightly inwards to create a theatre-style seating arrangement, allowing its occupants to see past the second row.
More importantly, Volvo is well-known for its supremely comfortable seats and the XC90 is no exception. Leather upholstery is standard and there's an extendable thigh cushion that provides good support for taller drivers. Shorter drivers like this writer do not have to worry, too, as the electronic front seats offer a huge range of adjustment.
The Drive
Powering the XC90 T5 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which may seem underwhelmed for moving 2,053kg of metal but the turbocharged unit feels pretty lively under acceleration.
While the performance figures of the T5 and T6 differ, there is not much of a discernible contrast. The T5's motor here gets a little bit raucous in the upper reaches of the rev range but at cruising speed it feels quiet and refined.
Its well-matched eight-speed automatic transmission also helps to create smooth and rapid progress. Unfortunately, more turbo lag is apparent here than the T6.
Of course, you won't need to wait for a long while for the turbo to spool up but still, it is noticeable - something we expected considering that there isn't a supercharger thrown in the mix.
That said, you could easily live with it as the SUV accelerates decently up to three-digit speeds in a reasonable 8.2 seconds.
On the move, the cabin is truly a serene sanctuary, with road, engine and wind noise all kept at bay. Even poor weather with heavy wind and rain never interfered much with conversations in the car.
Powering the XC90 T5 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which may seem underwhelmed for moving 2,053kg of metal but the turbocharged unit feels pretty lively under acceleration.
While the performance figures of the T5 and T6 differ, there is not much of a discernible contrast. The T5's motor here gets a little bit raucous in the upper reaches of the rev range but at cruising speed it feels quiet and refined.
Its well-matched eight-speed automatic transmission also helps to create smooth and rapid progress. Unfortunately, more turbo lag is apparent here than the T6.
Of course, you won't need to wait for a long while for the turbo to spool up but still, it is noticeable - something we expected considering that there isn't a supercharger thrown in the mix.
That said, you could easily live with it as the SUV accelerates decently up to three-digit speeds in a reasonable 8.2 seconds.
On the move, the cabin is truly a serene sanctuary, with road, engine and wind noise all kept at bay. Even poor weather with heavy wind and rain never interfered much with conversations in the car.
The XC90 may have four-wheel drive, but it's more of a luxury SUV than a rugged off-roader.
Its road-biased setup means a plush ride, though we feel that the T5 is a little more comfortable than the T6. This could be due to the fact that its 19-inch wheels are more forgiving than the 20-inchers on the latter variant.
The handling, thanks in part to electric power-assist steering, makes the big car feel a little less so around the corners. The car doesn't really drive like a three-row SUV, and despite its high centre of gravity, it manages to stay pretty flat in one.
Conclusion
The new XC90 is dramatically different from any Volvo that came before it, and after driving it, you begin to realise it still has all those qualities people cherished - it feels invincible, luxurious, plush and sturdy.
More importantly, the T5 Momentum variant here garners a $30,000 price advantage (as of 6th May 2016) over the T6 Momentum, making it a value proposition in the local XC90 lineup.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW X5 xDrive35i 7-Seater (A) vs Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription 7-Seater (A)
Car Information
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.7km/L
Horsepower
186kW (250 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo XC90
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