The luxury car segment in India might not possess significant volumes compared to developed markets but, in terms of revenue and profits, it is up there amongst the best offering fat margins. That's probably why luxury car-makers waste no time launching their newest models in India. A slew of launches from the 'German Luxury Trio' notwithstanding, Swedish car-maker Volvo launched its luxury SUV XC90 in India earlier this week. The vehicle is available in two trim levels with a whopping INR 13 Lakhs separating them. While the ‘Momentum’ variant retails at INR 64.9 Lakhs, the ‘Inscription’ variant is priced at INR 77.9 Lakhs. Both the prices are ex-showroom Mumbai without octroi.
The XC90 holds significance as it is the first all-new Volvo to have launched under the brand’s new Chinese ownership. It also debuts Volvo’s new SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture), a new lineup of economical 4-cylinder engines and a fresh design language that will underpin next generation modes. Featuring the Swedish brand’s latest signature T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” Daytime Running Lights incorporated in sleek swept-back headlights, the XC90 is a bold new beginning for Volvo. Though it retains the overall shape and proportions of its predecessor, the new XC90 manages to look bold and futuristic. That’s partly due to the large radiator grille that looks menacing with those twin vertical slats. The profile is big, clean and similar to the previous generation model while the rear, with those familiar vertical taillight clusters that are much sleeker now, is typical Volvo stuff.
The interiors are clean, uncluttered and offers a luxurious ambiance befitting the XC90’s price tag. A highlight in the cabin is the large 9-inch touchscreen-enabled central display that integrates most of the car’s functions with ‘Sensus’ software and lends the cabin a classy look. As one would expect, luxurious features abound including a 1,400W Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 18 speakers and an air-ventilated sub-woofer, panoramic sunroof and 4-zone climate control. Top notch safety is a given with any Volvo and the new XC90 is no exception. With a host of technologies under ‘Intellisafe’ branding like ‘Safe Positioning’ that detects the vehicle running off the road and tightens the front safety belts to keep the occupants in position and energy-absorbing functionality between the seats and their frames to prevent spine injuries during hard landing, the XC90 promises to be a safe haven on wheels.
Powering both variants of the XC90 is a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine dubbed ‘D5’. With 222 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque on tap, this engine is capable of pulling the XC90 to an electronically-limited top speed of 230 km/h. A 8-speed automatic transmission, All Wheel Drive and air suspension on all four wheels are standard too.
With pretty much everything covered to appease the SUV-loving Indian populace, the Volvo XC90 sure is a tempting proposition. But, will high-paying Indians overlook the bragging rights of 6-cylinder engines and the snob value offered by its German rivals? Wait and watch!
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