Panache isn't the sort of word that customarily comes to mind when you think of Volvo.
That's because the Swedish automobile manufacturer is notoriously known for making cars aimed at drivers who value quality and safety over ostentation. To admit the fact bluntly, Volvo's designs can be as interesting to admire as watching a game of Croquet; even the bonkers S60 R.
That, however, isn't quite the case with Volvo's new XC90, particularly in R-Design trim. While the XC90 T6 Inscription sits gorgeously on the Oscar's red carpet, its more intense R-Design brother is fashioned to terrorise Stockholm's E4 highway.
But unlike the S60 R's bumped up power, the R-Design isn't any faster than the Inscription; it just looks the part.
Up close and Personal
There's no doubt that the R-Design package looks smashing on the XC90. Its exterior gets a blacked-out mesh grille, angrier front bumper that's void of silver bits, integrated roof rails, matte metallic wing mirrors akin to Audi's RS models and a pair of integrated dual tailpipes.
20-inch R-Design 'Diamond Cut' wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look.
On the inside, the steering wheel, gearshift knob, pedals, floor mats and illuminated tread plates are decorated with special R-Design details. You also sit on a pair of bucket-like sport seats, which older drivers may not appreciate.
Like the Inscription, the R-Design has a 9.0-inch tablet-like touchscreen in the centre and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display.
In the R-Design, the driver display features a unique R-Design theme, which according to Volvo, forms the 'heart' of the new in-car control system.
The Drive
As we mentioned earlier, the R-Design's twin-charged 2.0-litre four-pot engine is the same unit as the Inscription's, right down to the figures; 320bhp and 400Nm of torque. So is the eight-speed Geartronic autobox that it's mated to.
It's a great powertrain that's got plenty of grunt and perspicaciously creamy to a point that you forget there's only a 2.0-litre lump under the hood.
On the other hand, ride quality isn't as fantastic. Compared to rivals like the BMW X5, the XC90 has a mild fidgety ride at lower speeds - a characteristic emphasised by the large 20-inch wheels - although not to the point of discomfort.
As we mentioned earlier, the R-Design's twin-charged 2.0-litre four-pot engine is the same unit as the Inscription's, right down to the figures; 320bhp and 400Nm of torque. So is the eight-speed Geartronic autobox that it's mated to.
It's a great powertrain that's got plenty of grunt and perspicaciously creamy to a point that you forget there's only a 2.0-litre lump under the hood.
On the other hand, ride quality isn't as fantastic. Compared to rivals like the BMW X5, the XC90 has a mild fidgety ride at lower speeds - a characteristic emphasised by the large 20-inch wheels - although not to the point of discomfort.
But as the R-Design powers ahead on nicer long straights, that forgivable drawback goes away and you begin to enjoy being at the helm of a taut, confident machine.
Conclusion
From what we know, and it's quite obvious from the numbers on the roads, the Inscription is the trim of choice for most XC90 T6 buyers.
Considering that Inscription and R-Design trims are going for the same price of $345,000 (as of 21st May 2016), why not go against the grain with the tempestuous 'R-Design' package?
At the end of the day, it won't hurt to have a dash of panache in your Volvo.
Conclusion
From what we know, and it's quite obvious from the numbers on the roads, the Inscription is the trim of choice for most XC90 T6 buyers.
Considering that Inscription and R-Design trims are going for the same price of $345,000 (as of 21st May 2016), why not go against the grain with the tempestuous 'R-Design' package?
At the end of the day, it won't hurt to have a dash of panache in your Volvo.
