The classic Volvo estate was once a stalwart of countryside antiques emporiums whilst doubling as transport for Labrador dogs. Times change and now Volvo has changed with them courtesy of the latest V90. Designed to take on the premium German brands, the big Volvo has a subtle yet distinctive Swedish aesthetic with an interior that is both tasteful and cosseting.
Powerpulse
Driving in dark days of winter, owners will relish the diesel power and four-wheel drive. In our modern downsized world, that power now comes from a four-cylinder 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine as featured here. Available in two power outputs, the 2.0 litre four-pot is best in D5 guise with 235bhp on tap. This is preferred over the less powerful D4 version thanks to the extra performance.
The featured model is a range-topping Inscription version with the added virtue of ‘Powerpulse’ technology, only available on the D5. Basically, it is a system that pumps air into the exhaust manifold as the driver accelerates. This means the first turbocharger is pushed into spinning earlier than it would have been, with the result that turbo lag is virtually abolished. The effect is very pleasing and very effective.
On The Road
The V90 D5 has plenty of go and low-down shove thanks to 480Nm of torque. It’s not a car that encourages haste, however. Driving fast on country roads a driver will feel the weight of this car. It is not a hot hatch. Volvo has deliberately built a relaxed, mile-munching cruiser. Basically, engage Drive, leave it there and simply glide in immense comfort. It’s a Volvo so, for safety’s sake, the V90 is loaded with every safety feature known to man.
There are no flappy paddles to encourage recklessness. Instead the business of gearshifting is best left to the eight-speed automatic transmission and very smooth it is too.
The Volvo V90 drive can be set in any one of three modes. ‘Eco’, which as the name suggests, calms everything down by reducing power and cutting back on creature comforts like air-conditioning to save fuel and emissions. ‘Normal’ is the mode for everyday driving and is the preferred option and then there’s ‘Dynamic’ which stiffens the ride and opens up all the taps. In this guise the diesel engine gets a bit growly but the mode is handy when there’s a need to crack on a bit.
Luxury Cabin, Swedish Cool
The cabin is just about as relaxed as it gets in a premium car. It is superb. No high switch-count here, most of the infotainment and navigation is dealt with via a 9” Sensus Connect portrait-orientation touchscreen. It’s easy to use, intuitive and looks great although the obvious danger of driving while flicking through menus needs consideration.
It’s a cool Scandi-style motor with blonde woods and more than enough pale Nappa leather to satisfy. It does make you wonder about the future of the cow. The powered seats are superb and the boot will please people who collect grandfather clocks.
Tech-heads will love that the V90 is totally connected, featuring as it does Apple CarPlay, voice control and standalone Spotify, as well as Volvo’s On Call service, which allows you to control various functions (like locking and pre-heating) through a smartphone app.
The suite of safety equipment is too long to itemise here but as it is a Volvo you just know they have all the bases covered. Their claim that ‘nobody will die in a Volvo by 2020’ seems to be coming to fruition. The Volvo V90 D5 AWD Powerpulse Inscription as seen here is, quite simply, superb. Beats the Germans at their own game.
Geoff Maxted
