What We Like
Rugged good looks
Superb cabin comfort
Strong T5 powertrain
Increased car height means easier loading of items into boot
What We Dislike
Engine sounds a tad rough during heavy acceleration
Just as you thought Volvo's German onslaught is over, the premium Swedish automaker releases yet another hit. It's badged as the V90 Cross Country and it's the car you see pictured above.
As lush as the multi award-winning S90 luxury sedan and as utilitarian as the regular V90 estate, the V90 Cross Country is to Volvo what allroad quattro is to Audi and what All-Terrain is to Mercedes.
It's essentially a more rugged, off-road-orientated version of a conventional premium estate.
Tough but it ain't rough
While it's created for the urban individual to bash through occasional wilderness, there's nothing wild or ungracious about the design of the Cross Country.
It's got an equally clean sheet metal design as the rest of the 90 Series cars, but to set it apart from the regular V90, there are lots of dark plastic trims adorning the exterior.
The dark plastic trims, which line the wheel arches and bumpers, are designed to provide protection for the car's painted bodywork if you decide to drive through mud, sand and riverbeds.
At the same time, the Cross Country's increased ground clearance of 63.5mm ensures that you'll get through most bumps and ruts off the beaten track without a hitch.
For us Singaporean drivers, this means parking without the fear of having your bumpers kiss a curb and higher chances of wading your way out of the occasional freak flash flood.
As lush as the multi award-winning S90 luxury sedan and as utilitarian as the regular V90 estate, the V90 Cross Country is to Volvo what allroad quattro is to Audi and what All-Terrain is to Mercedes.
It's essentially a more rugged, off-road-orientated version of a conventional premium estate.
Tough but it ain't rough
While it's created for the urban individual to bash through occasional wilderness, there's nothing wild or ungracious about the design of the Cross Country.
It's got an equally clean sheet metal design as the rest of the 90 Series cars, but to set it apart from the regular V90, there are lots of dark plastic trims adorning the exterior.
The dark plastic trims, which line the wheel arches and bumpers, are designed to provide protection for the car's painted bodywork if you decide to drive through mud, sand and riverbeds.
At the same time, the Cross Country's increased ground clearance of 63.5mm ensures that you'll get through most bumps and ruts off the beaten track without a hitch.
For us Singaporean drivers, this means parking without the fear of having your bumpers kiss a curb and higher chances of wading your way out of the occasional freak flash flood.
The Cross Country's extra height is also handy for the loading and unloading of heavy cargo, allowing for less of a back-breaking affair.
Big but it ain't slow
At 4,939mm x 1,879mm x 1,543mm (L x W x H) and weighing in at 1,858 kg, the Cross Country is a pretty big and heavy car. It's easy to imagine that something of such mass will pull along like a horse-driven carriage, but that's not the case here.
Under the towering bonnet of the car is Volvo's T5 powertrain, comprising of a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that's good for 254bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission. Pedal to the metal, the Cross Country is capable of going from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.4 seconds. If that isn't enough, a more powerful twin-charged T6 version is available on an indent basis.
Big but it ain't slow
At 4,939mm x 1,879mm x 1,543mm (L x W x H) and weighing in at 1,858 kg, the Cross Country is a pretty big and heavy car. It's easy to imagine that something of such mass will pull along like a horse-driven carriage, but that's not the case here.
Under the towering bonnet of the car is Volvo's T5 powertrain, comprising of a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that's good for 254bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission. Pedal to the metal, the Cross Country is capable of going from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.4 seconds. If that isn't enough, a more powerful twin-charged T6 version is available on an indent basis.
While the T5's engine can get a little grunty under loads, it's a wonderfully refined piece of engineering once you're lighter on the throttle at cruising speeds.
With more ride height and lots of suspension travel, the Cross Country provides a comfier ride than the regular V90. Couple this with its lightweight and well-weighted steering, and you'll find yourself gliding from street to street effortlessly
On top of the usual Comfort, Dynamic, Eco and Individual drive modes, the Cross Country is equipped with an added Off-road mode, which allows for maximum traction on loose and demanding terrains.
Interior is simple, but not stodgy
Inside, the Cross Country is as tranquil and roomy as every other 90-series Volvo we've tested.
Though design may not be as smashingly cool and snug as Audi or BMW, the Volvo strikes a nice compromise of the two and can be considered as one of the best interiors in its class right now.
Interior detailing includes elegantly curved decor inlay elements, sleek air blades and knurled jewel knobs, plush leather seats and a stylish 9.0-inch iPad-style infotainment touchscreen right smack in the centre of the dashboard.
A large 500-litre boot greets you around back, which opens with the kick of a foot and expands to 1,526 litres when the rear seats are stowed.
Tech my money
What also stands out for the Cross Country is its Pilot Assist safety feature, which gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to speeds of 130km/h.
Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, too, are standard offerings on the car, as part of Volvo's IntelliSafe Assist package.
As such, at $252,000 (as of 21st April 2017), you are genuinely getting a lot of car, luxury and utility for your money. The Germans? Oh they should be afraid.
