Volvo XC90 3.2 R-Design (A) Review
12 Nov 2010|21,058 views
From London to Sixth Avenue (in Singapore), the XC90's popularity is undeniable. I mean so popular is the Swedish SUV that Volvo even decided to delay the launch of its replacement by another 2 more years! That, ladies and gentleman says a lot about the car. Well, what makes this unassuming SUV so popular then?
Well, in the words of Jeremy Clarkson I quote, "I've just bought my third Volvo XC90 in a row and the simple fact is this: it takes six children to school in the morning.". Of course that isn't all the XC90 is about.
The reason why so many affluent parents find it appropriate to bring their children to school in this Swedish leviathan is the fact that it IS a leviathan. Other cars on the road next to it are reduced to vulnerable Matchbox toy cars. So imposing is the SUV that even the local police division that takes care of politicians and dignitaries have chosen the V8 models as their road rage intimidation weapon of choice.
Speaking from personal experience, I once found myself inadvertently travelling between a politician's white sedan and its security detail in the XC90 V8.
Well, in the words of Jeremy Clarkson I quote, "I've just bought my third Volvo XC90 in a row and the simple fact is this: it takes six children to school in the morning.". Of course that isn't all the XC90 is about.
The reason why so many affluent parents find it appropriate to bring their children to school in this Swedish leviathan is the fact that it IS a leviathan. Other cars on the road next to it are reduced to vulnerable Matchbox toy cars. So imposing is the SUV that even the local police division that takes care of politicians and dignitaries have chosen the V8 models as their road rage intimidation weapon of choice.
Speaking from personal experience, I once found myself inadvertently travelling between a politician's white sedan and its security detail in the XC90 V8.
 |
Even before I managed to get into the lane cleanly, the leviathan immediately accelerated and literally 'charged' up to take up the void behind its politician's white sedan even before my little 1.5M Swift made it half way into the lane.
The sight of a towering monster of a vehicle bearing down on you from the corner of your eye with its HID lights blazing like the blinding rage of a deranged lunatic will have you instinctively move out or give way in an instant. So effective is its psychological effect.
 |
On another occasion, I got to reverse my role in this high-speed scare tactic on the roads. In my defence, I wasn't doing it intentionally. While travelling on the AYE from East to West, I started noticing cars in front of me were instinctively pulling outta the way to let me pass. At first I thought it was just my imagination but when it happened a second time on a separate occasion, I knew it wasn't just me. The XC90 really does intimidate other road users into giving way even when they're not asked. Of course my habit of driving with the headlights on during the day probably exacerbated the intimidation factor.
However I'm not advocating that its size is the only selling point of the XC90. I'm sure the incredible safety it offers is perhaps a greater selling point than any other. Nevertheless, its size is still the first thing that captures other road user's nightmares.
Exterior
The XC90's design has been looking a little dated since the release of its better-looking sibling, the XC60. But it is unfair to compare them both considering the XC90 is eight years old. Nevertheless we still love the tall muscular shoulders of this beefy SUV. More so now that it has been enhanced with some R-Design bits.
In the front, pretty much everything remains the same save for a prominent R-Design badge on the lower right portion of the slightly re-designed grille that comes with a slightly larger Volvo insignia. A XC90 fitted with the R-Design package can be identified with its chrome side mirror housings although a more obvious trait can be found in the rear.
In the rear, you will take immediate notice of the special R-Design quad pipes of the exhaust. Uniquely shaped, they're sure to capture the attention of anyone taking your lead.
The R-Design package gives the XC90 19 inch Vulcanis wheels designed with five diamond cut spokes that really accentuate the sportiness of the overall vehicle.
However I'm not advocating that its size is the only selling point of the XC90. I'm sure the incredible safety it offers is perhaps a greater selling point than any other. Nevertheless, its size is still the first thing that captures other road user's nightmares.
Exterior
The XC90's design has been looking a little dated since the release of its better-looking sibling, the XC60. But it is unfair to compare them both considering the XC90 is eight years old. Nevertheless we still love the tall muscular shoulders of this beefy SUV. More so now that it has been enhanced with some R-Design bits.
In the front, pretty much everything remains the same save for a prominent R-Design badge on the lower right portion of the slightly re-designed grille that comes with a slightly larger Volvo insignia. A XC90 fitted with the R-Design package can be identified with its chrome side mirror housings although a more obvious trait can be found in the rear.
In the rear, you will take immediate notice of the special R-Design quad pipes of the exhaust. Uniquely shaped, they're sure to capture the attention of anyone taking your lead.
The R-Design package gives the XC90 19 inch Vulcanis wheels designed with five diamond cut spokes that really accentuate the sportiness of the overall vehicle.
Interior
When getting into the XC90, you don't hop into it so much as scale up the side of it to get into the cockpit. But once in, you're rewarded with a view that allows you to look down (both metaphorically and literally-speaking) on other road users.
The front passenger seats while comfortable are spaced quite a distance apart due to a rather thick transmission tunnel running down the centre. That aside, the driver's seat is very comfortable and it's easy to imagine driving long distances without fatigue. The steering in here is distinguished from other XC90s with a subtle R-Design badge inlayed with aluminium on the lower spoke. Beyond the steering wheel sits the beautifully designed instrument panel. By now, Volvo users will be familiar with the chrono inspired dials that here look especially lively with a blue background to them.
Highest on the centre console sits Volvo's excellent sound system. The system is made up of an 8-speaker system with 4x40W amplifiers. So getting your booms from this system won't be too much of a difficulty. Conveniently it comes with both iPod and AUX-in connections already supplied. A rather innovative design feature of this system are the additional headphone connectors in the second row of seats that allow your passengers to listen to their own audio source and volume level.
Below the audio resides the interior climate control system that is quite fuss-free to use. While the interior quality is nothing short of excellent, it does seem a little gloomy due to the general abundance of black and grey. The aluminium surrounding the gear stick does attempt to liven things up but appears somewhat out of place.
The XC90 starts making sense as a family favourite when you move on to the second row of seats. Here, the centre seat doubles as a child booster seat when you raise the seat bottom up.
When getting into the XC90, you don't hop into it so much as scale up the side of it to get into the cockpit. But once in, you're rewarded with a view that allows you to look down (both metaphorically and literally-speaking) on other road users.
The front passenger seats while comfortable are spaced quite a distance apart due to a rather thick transmission tunnel running down the centre. That aside, the driver's seat is very comfortable and it's easy to imagine driving long distances without fatigue. The steering in here is distinguished from other XC90s with a subtle R-Design badge inlayed with aluminium on the lower spoke. Beyond the steering wheel sits the beautifully designed instrument panel. By now, Volvo users will be familiar with the chrono inspired dials that here look especially lively with a blue background to them.
Highest on the centre console sits Volvo's excellent sound system. The system is made up of an 8-speaker system with 4x40W amplifiers. So getting your booms from this system won't be too much of a difficulty. Conveniently it comes with both iPod and AUX-in connections already supplied. A rather innovative design feature of this system are the additional headphone connectors in the second row of seats that allow your passengers to listen to their own audio source and volume level.
Below the audio resides the interior climate control system that is quite fuss-free to use. While the interior quality is nothing short of excellent, it does seem a little gloomy due to the general abundance of black and grey. The aluminium surrounding the gear stick does attempt to liven things up but appears somewhat out of place.
The XC90 starts making sense as a family favourite when you move on to the second row of seats. Here, the centre seat doubles as a child booster seat when you raise the seat bottom up.
 |
If more leg room is required, the back rest can be raised so that the bottom can be pushed in for greater leg room.
But even for adults, the second row of seats is roomy with plenty of space for one to kick back on long journeys. While XC90s from 2010 onwards come with seven-seats, the last row of seats are however not particularly suitable for adults. Even some children with longer limbs might find the two seats in the last row a little cramped.
It has to be said that the last row of seats does compromise the luggage space quite significantly. With the last row of seats folded though, the luggage space increases to 483 litres. If you fold the second row of seats, the total loading capacity comes up to 1837 litres. The XC90 also allows you to accommodate long and oversized cargo as well by folding the front passenger seat flat. The XC90 is also one of the few SUVs that come with a split-folding tailgate which is convenient as a make shift bench or picnic table.
The Drive
The model tested here gets its grunt from the mid-range 3.2-litre inline six that churns out 238bhp and 320Nm of torque. While the acceleration isn't as hurried as in a V8 equipped model, one still wouldn't call it lethargic in any way.
The acceleration felt robust and on the highway, getting up to speed doesn't pose a challenge at all. Surprisingly, the exhaust on this XC90 3.2 makes a rather nice sound. Step on it and the quad exhausts give off a nice throaty growl that encourages you further.
But even for adults, the second row of seats is roomy with plenty of space for one to kick back on long journeys. While XC90s from 2010 onwards come with seven-seats, the last row of seats are however not particularly suitable for adults. Even some children with longer limbs might find the two seats in the last row a little cramped.
It has to be said that the last row of seats does compromise the luggage space quite significantly. With the last row of seats folded though, the luggage space increases to 483 litres. If you fold the second row of seats, the total loading capacity comes up to 1837 litres. The XC90 also allows you to accommodate long and oversized cargo as well by folding the front passenger seat flat. The XC90 is also one of the few SUVs that come with a split-folding tailgate which is convenient as a make shift bench or picnic table.
The Drive
The model tested here gets its grunt from the mid-range 3.2-litre inline six that churns out 238bhp and 320Nm of torque. While the acceleration isn't as hurried as in a V8 equipped model, one still wouldn't call it lethargic in any way.
The acceleration felt robust and on the highway, getting up to speed doesn't pose a challenge at all. Surprisingly, the exhaust on this XC90 3.2 makes a rather nice sound. Step on it and the quad exhausts give off a nice throaty growl that encourages you further.
Cabin noise is also well suppressed and provides a very serene environment on the inside. The ride comfort here is also excellent with the XC90 ironing out all the undulations without any drama. The R-Design package also comes with a sports-tuned chassis in the XC90.
Tuned front Macpherson struts minimise the diving and lifting you get from heavy braking and accelerations while firmer shocks all around help keep the body level in the turns.
While I wouldn't go calling the XC90 a rallying machine, it did perform rather well in its road holding ability on the uphills and downhills of Mount Faber. At no point during my drive around those bends (at unmentionable speeds) did the XC90 give any sensation of rolling over. However, the brakes could give a little more bite. Though on second thought, bigger brakes seem unnecessary lest you prefer sending your kids to the school gate looking a little green.
Conclusion
Dads will love the big imposing presence of the two ton behemoth especially with the R-Design trinkets, Mums will absolutely adore the slew of safety features present in them. Not to mention the child friendly features like a built-in booster seat.
The slew of safety equipment includes several of Volvo's patented technologies like Side Impact Protection system, Roll-Over Protection System and Whiplash Protection System.
There really isn't a better candidate for the school-run than this™at least for now.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Tuned front Macpherson struts minimise the diving and lifting you get from heavy braking and accelerations while firmer shocks all around help keep the body level in the turns.
While I wouldn't go calling the XC90 a rallying machine, it did perform rather well in its road holding ability on the uphills and downhills of Mount Faber. At no point during my drive around those bends (at unmentionable speeds) did the XC90 give any sensation of rolling over. However, the brakes could give a little more bite. Though on second thought, bigger brakes seem unnecessary lest you prefer sending your kids to the school gate looking a little green.
Conclusion
Dads will love the big imposing presence of the two ton behemoth especially with the R-Design trinkets, Mums will absolutely adore the slew of safety features present in them. Not to mention the child friendly features like a built-in booster seat.
The slew of safety equipment includes several of Volvo's patented technologies like Side Impact Protection system, Roll-Over Protection System and Whiplash Protection System.
There really isn't a better candidate for the school-run than this™at least for now.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
From London to Sixth Avenue (in Singapore), the XC90's popularity is undeniable. I mean so popular is the Swedish SUV that Volvo even decided to delay the launch of its replacement by another 2 more years! That, ladies and gentleman says a lot about the car. Well, what makes this unassuming SUV so popular then?
Well, in the words of Jeremy Clarkson I quote, "I've just bought my third Volvo XC90 in a row and the simple fact is this: it takes six children to school in the morning.". Of course that isn't all the XC90 is about.
The reason why so many affluent parents find it appropriate to bring their children to school in this Swedish leviathan is the fact that it IS a leviathan. Other cars on the road next to it are reduced to vulnerable Matchbox toy cars. So imposing is the SUV that even the local police division that takes care of politicians and dignitaries have chosen the V8 models as their road rage intimidation weapon of choice.
Speaking from personal experience, I once found myself inadvertently travelling between a politician's white sedan and its security detail in the XC90 V8.
Well, in the words of Jeremy Clarkson I quote, "I've just bought my third Volvo XC90 in a row and the simple fact is this: it takes six children to school in the morning.". Of course that isn't all the XC90 is about.
The reason why so many affluent parents find it appropriate to bring their children to school in this Swedish leviathan is the fact that it IS a leviathan. Other cars on the road next to it are reduced to vulnerable Matchbox toy cars. So imposing is the SUV that even the local police division that takes care of politicians and dignitaries have chosen the V8 models as their road rage intimidation weapon of choice.
Speaking from personal experience, I once found myself inadvertently travelling between a politician's white sedan and its security detail in the XC90 V8.
|
Even before I managed to get into the lane cleanly, the leviathan immediately accelerated and literally 'charged' up to take up the void behind its politician's white sedan even before my little 1.5M Swift made it half way into the lane.
The sight of a towering monster of a vehicle bearing down on you from the corner of your eye with its HID lights blazing like the blinding rage of a deranged lunatic will have you instinctively move out or give way in an instant. So effective is its psychological effect.
|
On another occasion, I got to reverse my role in this high-speed scare tactic on the roads. In my defence, I wasn't doing it intentionally. While travelling on the AYE from East to West, I started noticing cars in front of me were instinctively pulling outta the way to let me pass. At first I thought it was just my imagination but when it happened a second time on a separate occasion, I knew it wasn't just me. The XC90 really does intimidate other road users into giving way even when they're not asked. Of course my habit of driving with the headlights on during the day probably exacerbated the intimidation factor.
However I'm not advocating that its size is the only selling point of the XC90. I'm sure the incredible safety it offers is perhaps a greater selling point than any other. Nevertheless, its size is still the first thing that captures other road user's nightmares.
Exterior
The XC90's design has been looking a little dated since the release of its better-looking sibling, the XC60. But it is unfair to compare them both considering the XC90 is eight years old. Nevertheless we still love the tall muscular shoulders of this beefy SUV. More so now that it has been enhanced with some R-Design bits.
In the front, pretty much everything remains the same save for a prominent R-Design badge on the lower right portion of the slightly re-designed grille that comes with a slightly larger Volvo insignia. A XC90 fitted with the R-Design package can be identified with its chrome side mirror housings although a more obvious trait can be found in the rear.
In the rear, you will take immediate notice of the special R-Design quad pipes of the exhaust. Uniquely shaped, they're sure to capture the attention of anyone taking your lead.
The R-Design package gives the XC90 19 inch Vulcanis wheels designed with five diamond cut spokes that really accentuate the sportiness of the overall vehicle.
However I'm not advocating that its size is the only selling point of the XC90. I'm sure the incredible safety it offers is perhaps a greater selling point than any other. Nevertheless, its size is still the first thing that captures other road user's nightmares.
Exterior
The XC90's design has been looking a little dated since the release of its better-looking sibling, the XC60. But it is unfair to compare them both considering the XC90 is eight years old. Nevertheless we still love the tall muscular shoulders of this beefy SUV. More so now that it has been enhanced with some R-Design bits.
In the front, pretty much everything remains the same save for a prominent R-Design badge on the lower right portion of the slightly re-designed grille that comes with a slightly larger Volvo insignia. A XC90 fitted with the R-Design package can be identified with its chrome side mirror housings although a more obvious trait can be found in the rear.
In the rear, you will take immediate notice of the special R-Design quad pipes of the exhaust. Uniquely shaped, they're sure to capture the attention of anyone taking your lead.
The R-Design package gives the XC90 19 inch Vulcanis wheels designed with five diamond cut spokes that really accentuate the sportiness of the overall vehicle.
Interior
When getting into the XC90, you don't hop into it so much as scale up the side of it to get into the cockpit. But once in, you're rewarded with a view that allows you to look down (both metaphorically and literally-speaking) on other road users.
The front passenger seats while comfortable are spaced quite a distance apart due to a rather thick transmission tunnel running down the centre. That aside, the driver's seat is very comfortable and it's easy to imagine driving long distances without fatigue. The steering in here is distinguished from other XC90s with a subtle R-Design badge inlayed with aluminium on the lower spoke. Beyond the steering wheel sits the beautifully designed instrument panel. By now, Volvo users will be familiar with the chrono inspired dials that here look especially lively with a blue background to them.
Highest on the centre console sits Volvo's excellent sound system. The system is made up of an 8-speaker system with 4x40W amplifiers. So getting your booms from this system won't be too much of a difficulty. Conveniently it comes with both iPod and AUX-in connections already supplied. A rather innovative design feature of this system are the additional headphone connectors in the second row of seats that allow your passengers to listen to their own audio source and volume level.
Below the audio resides the interior climate control system that is quite fuss-free to use. While the interior quality is nothing short of excellent, it does seem a little gloomy due to the general abundance of black and grey. The aluminium surrounding the gear stick does attempt to liven things up but appears somewhat out of place.
The XC90 starts making sense as a family favourite when you move on to the second row of seats. Here, the centre seat doubles as a child booster seat when you raise the seat bottom up.
When getting into the XC90, you don't hop into it so much as scale up the side of it to get into the cockpit. But once in, you're rewarded with a view that allows you to look down (both metaphorically and literally-speaking) on other road users.
The front passenger seats while comfortable are spaced quite a distance apart due to a rather thick transmission tunnel running down the centre. That aside, the driver's seat is very comfortable and it's easy to imagine driving long distances without fatigue. The steering in here is distinguished from other XC90s with a subtle R-Design badge inlayed with aluminium on the lower spoke. Beyond the steering wheel sits the beautifully designed instrument panel. By now, Volvo users will be familiar with the chrono inspired dials that here look especially lively with a blue background to them.
Highest on the centre console sits Volvo's excellent sound system. The system is made up of an 8-speaker system with 4x40W amplifiers. So getting your booms from this system won't be too much of a difficulty. Conveniently it comes with both iPod and AUX-in connections already supplied. A rather innovative design feature of this system are the additional headphone connectors in the second row of seats that allow your passengers to listen to their own audio source and volume level.
Below the audio resides the interior climate control system that is quite fuss-free to use. While the interior quality is nothing short of excellent, it does seem a little gloomy due to the general abundance of black and grey. The aluminium surrounding the gear stick does attempt to liven things up but appears somewhat out of place.
The XC90 starts making sense as a family favourite when you move on to the second row of seats. Here, the centre seat doubles as a child booster seat when you raise the seat bottom up.
|
If more leg room is required, the back rest can be raised so that the bottom can be pushed in for greater leg room.
But even for adults, the second row of seats is roomy with plenty of space for one to kick back on long journeys. While XC90s from 2010 onwards come with seven-seats, the last row of seats are however not particularly suitable for adults. Even some children with longer limbs might find the two seats in the last row a little cramped.
It has to be said that the last row of seats does compromise the luggage space quite significantly. With the last row of seats folded though, the luggage space increases to 483 litres. If you fold the second row of seats, the total loading capacity comes up to 1837 litres. The XC90 also allows you to accommodate long and oversized cargo as well by folding the front passenger seat flat. The XC90 is also one of the few SUVs that come with a split-folding tailgate which is convenient as a make shift bench or picnic table.
The Drive
The model tested here gets its grunt from the mid-range 3.2-litre inline six that churns out 238bhp and 320Nm of torque. While the acceleration isn't as hurried as in a V8 equipped model, one still wouldn't call it lethargic in any way.
The acceleration felt robust and on the highway, getting up to speed doesn't pose a challenge at all. Surprisingly, the exhaust on this XC90 3.2 makes a rather nice sound. Step on it and the quad exhausts give off a nice throaty growl that encourages you further.
But even for adults, the second row of seats is roomy with plenty of space for one to kick back on long journeys. While XC90s from 2010 onwards come with seven-seats, the last row of seats are however not particularly suitable for adults. Even some children with longer limbs might find the two seats in the last row a little cramped.
It has to be said that the last row of seats does compromise the luggage space quite significantly. With the last row of seats folded though, the luggage space increases to 483 litres. If you fold the second row of seats, the total loading capacity comes up to 1837 litres. The XC90 also allows you to accommodate long and oversized cargo as well by folding the front passenger seat flat. The XC90 is also one of the few SUVs that come with a split-folding tailgate which is convenient as a make shift bench or picnic table.
The Drive
The model tested here gets its grunt from the mid-range 3.2-litre inline six that churns out 238bhp and 320Nm of torque. While the acceleration isn't as hurried as in a V8 equipped model, one still wouldn't call it lethargic in any way.
The acceleration felt robust and on the highway, getting up to speed doesn't pose a challenge at all. Surprisingly, the exhaust on this XC90 3.2 makes a rather nice sound. Step on it and the quad exhausts give off a nice throaty growl that encourages you further.
Cabin noise is also well suppressed and provides a very serene environment on the inside. The ride comfort here is also excellent with the XC90 ironing out all the undulations without any drama. The R-Design package also comes with a sports-tuned chassis in the XC90.
Tuned front Macpherson struts minimise the diving and lifting you get from heavy braking and accelerations while firmer shocks all around help keep the body level in the turns.
While I wouldn't go calling the XC90 a rallying machine, it did perform rather well in its road holding ability on the uphills and downhills of Mount Faber. At no point during my drive around those bends (at unmentionable speeds) did the XC90 give any sensation of rolling over. However, the brakes could give a little more bite. Though on second thought, bigger brakes seem unnecessary lest you prefer sending your kids to the school gate looking a little green.
Conclusion
Dads will love the big imposing presence of the two ton behemoth especially with the R-Design trinkets, Mums will absolutely adore the slew of safety features present in them. Not to mention the child friendly features like a built-in booster seat.
The slew of safety equipment includes several of Volvo's patented technologies like Side Impact Protection system, Roll-Over Protection System and Whiplash Protection System.
There really isn't a better candidate for the school-run than this™at least for now.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Tuned front Macpherson struts minimise the diving and lifting you get from heavy braking and accelerations while firmer shocks all around help keep the body level in the turns.
While I wouldn't go calling the XC90 a rallying machine, it did perform rather well in its road holding ability on the uphills and downhills of Mount Faber. At no point during my drive around those bends (at unmentionable speeds) did the XC90 give any sensation of rolling over. However, the brakes could give a little more bite. Though on second thought, bigger brakes seem unnecessary lest you prefer sending your kids to the school gate looking a little green.
Conclusion
Dads will love the big imposing presence of the two ton behemoth especially with the R-Design trinkets, Mums will absolutely adore the slew of safety features present in them. Not to mention the child friendly features like a built-in booster seat.
The slew of safety equipment includes several of Volvo's patented technologies like Side Impact Protection system, Roll-Over Protection System and Whiplash Protection System.
There really isn't a better candidate for the school-run than this™at least for now.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
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Car Information
Volvo XC90 3.2 R-Design (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8.2km/L
Horsepower
177kW (238 bhp)
Torque
320 Nm
Acceleration
9.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo XC90
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