Volvo XC90 Review

Volvo has come a long way since they launch its first mid-size SUV, the XC90 back in 2004. The current Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus is a new variant for the plug-in hybrid SUV that is available now in Malaysia. This beautifully crafted XC90 has managed to attract not only the “matured” segment but we are seeing a lot of young professional going for it and a fair share of them belongs to the feminine side.

One of the most talk about feature in this model is the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. Only the Inscription Plus model comes with a 19-speakers, optimized by a 12-channel, 1,400-watt Class D amplifier. This system however is not available in the T5 and T8 (Twin Engine) TE models. These models (T5 & T8 TE) come with a 10-speaker 330-watt sound system which is no less impressive.

Under the hood of the T5, T8 Twin Engine (T8 TE) and T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus (T8 TE P) is a 1969 cc, four-cylinder turbocharged Drive-E. For the T8 TE & T8 TE P, it comes with both a Turbocharger and a Supercharger with an Electric Rear Axle drive (ERAD). All the 3 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a torque converter. The T5 churns out 254 horses @ 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm torque @ 1500 – 4800 rpm while the T8 TE & T8 TE P produces a staggering 407 horses and a 640 Nm torque. Volvo put a top speed claim of 215 Km/h for the T5 and 230 Km/h for the T8 TE & T8 TE P. We however got too short a time to test our test unit to actually confirm the claim.

Other than the Bowers and Wilkins sound system, the T8 TE Inscription Plus and the T8 TE share similar specifications which the T5 TE does not have, like the Black Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable side support for the front seats, a 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a 360° surround view camera (T5 TE has a rear-view camera), an Active Chassis with 4-Corner Air Suspension (T5 comes with a touring chassis), Head-Up Display unit (HUD), Sensus navigation, Crystal gear lever with illumination, Park Assist Pilot, parallel parking & perpendicular parking, door handle with chrome décor & illumination & ground lighting, Tyre sealant kit, Full LED illumination headlights with Active High Beam & Active Bending Lights (ABL), high pressure headlights cleaner, second row air conditioning with tunnel console vents and Panoramic sunroof.

Volvo has always been synonymous with safety and for their driver assistance systems. This XC90 comes with seven airbags as standard, Adaptive Cruise Control, City Safety with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Pilot Assist, Cruise Control, Roll Stability Control and Hill Descent Control and the most impressive of them all is the Front Collision Warning and Pedestrian / Cyclist Detection system.

The XC90 T8 power responsiveness is excellent considering it weights over 2 tones. Steering is light and it needs little effort to turn. Body rolls is well-controlled through both tight and wide corner entry and exit even with me pushing it a little harder than usual. So quickly go make an appointment to test one at your nearest Volvo dealer today and get a new ride for the year 2020.

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Jeya@Cactus & Jao Visuals Photography