Volvo XC90 SUV: Prices, specs, reviews

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Facing off against the likes of the Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne, Volvo's XC90 has some big name rivals to beat in the premium SUV market.

Volvo introduced a brand new version last year, boasting the firm's new minimalist design language, a more upmarket interior and efficient new four-cylinder powertrains.

As a package it's an enticing alternative to the usual Range Rover, Audi and Porsche fare – the new XC90 has been a hit with the experts, and Auto Express crowned it car of the year for 2015.

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Here are all the details:

Design

Volvo says its latest design language packs in more "Scandinavian influences" and the sleek, minimalist looks of the XC90 make it one of the most striking SUVs on sale.

Auto Express picks up on some of these new design flicks, such as the T-shaped Thor's hammer-style headlamps flanking the large Volvo grille, and the deep-set front bumper.

The front end is pretty "square set", says the magazine, but the rounded wheel arches and striking shoulder line means that the XC90 isn't a blocky car. Instead, it is "sleek and aerodynamic" while maintaining a look of ruggedness, says Auto Express.

Interior

The cabin is one of the XC90's biggest selling points and Volvo has created a plush, de-cluttered and comfortable interior, which channels the car's cool, minimalist exterior design.

The cockpit is finished in swathes of leather and lashes of brushed aluminium, and there are very few buttons. Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is a nine-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system, flanked by two vents. Underneath is a thin strip of buttons – the only controls on the entire centre console – as well as a gear knob constructed from crystal glass.

Buttons are placed on the steering wheel to control the digital instrument dials - made up of another screen which works similarly to Audi's virtual cockpit system.

The XC90 is a full-size SUV and as such it can carry seven people. Carwow says that even adults will find the rear two seats comfortable.

With every seat in place, the XC90 serves up an impressive 491-litres of boot space. Folding all of them flat opens up a large 1,951-litre cargo bay, and even opting for the hybrid model doesn't impact on practicality, as it will on rivals.

Equipment

Auto Express says standard equipment on pretty much any XC90 is comprehensive. Even on entry-level models, you'll get satellite navigation, keyless entry, LED headlamps, a hands free tailgate opening, cruise control, 19-inch alloys, and the eight-inch screen behind the wheel for the digital dials.

Stepping things up to Inscription trim level introduces full Nappa leather upholstery, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and a powered passenger seat. There's the slightly cheaper R-Sport trim too, which grants sports seats and adjustable Drive Mode settings.

Optional highlights include the £650 automatic parking system, as well as the £1,500 Intellisafe Pro pack. This includes Queue Assist - a semi-autonomous driving system for use in slow moving traffic.

Engines

Volvo has ditched six- and eight-cylinder engines for the new XC90 and it's only available with a selection of four-cylinder motors. There are three options, but none of them are short on power.

The entry-level engine choice is the D5 diesel. With 225bhp on tap, CarBuyer says "it's a smooth and quiet performer capable of returning impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures".

Volvo claims 49.6mpg, and the 149g/km CO2 score results in an £145 annual tax bill. A more efficient, front-wheel-drive only D4 version is set to launch in the UK at a later date.

Two petrol powered options sit above the D5, both with more power.

The 320bhp T6 is the most expensive car to run on paper, but CarBuyer says it's still "impressively efficient for a petrol". Volvo claims it'll return 36.6mpg.

At the top of the range is the T8 petrol plug-in hybrid. This uses the same engine as the T6 but in tandem with an 87bhp electric motor for a total power output of 407bhp. It's the fasest model by far, but could also be the cheapest to run depending on your driving habits.

Volvo claims it is capable of 134.5mpg – in real world conditions you probably won't see figures near this – but the 49g/km CO2 figure guarantees you'll pay no road tax. It's capable of a claimed 25 miles on electric power only, so you'll be able to do a lot of shorter trips using no fuel at all.

Prices

Prices for the XC90 start at £46,850 for the D5 diesel in entry level Momentum trim level. The T6 petrol is only available in R-Design trim and up, so it costs from £53,890.

The range topping T8 petrol comes in either Momentum or Inscription spec, costing at least £60,455.

Reviews

Auto Express says that the XC90 is a "strong candidate for family car buyers". It's a car that boasts a "distinctive exterior and plenty of equipment", and the latest XC90 is a far more upmarket offering than its predecessor.

"Add the advanced fuel efficiency and safety technologies, and you have a class-leading SUV on your hands."

What Car? is pretty impressed too, calling it "one of the best large SUVs".

The mag says that the plug-in hybrid model is an appealing option if you have a short commute and charging points at home or your place of work. The car's cabin is hugely impressive too, and even the XC90 in basic Momentum trim level is "easily on par" with the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne when it comes to interior quality.