In 2002, Volvo introduced us to its enticing XC90 model. It was definitely a Volvo, aided visually by the ‘Horbury’ shoulders and a taut but conservative body style. However, it was the firm’s first foray into the growing SUV scene. With a 7-seat option (the rear pair of chairs sliding cassette-like into the boot floor) and pleasingly familiar cabin architecture, it paved the way for Volvo’s volume development.
Just four years ago, the XC90 was given its Mark Two status. Again, it was a landmark model that moved on the game considerably, not least with its applications of ‘natural’ materials, partial electrification and the unusual fitment of a portrait format touchscreen…only McLaren sportscars had featured this type before. It set a trend that would be carried into almost every new Volvo produced since that time.
The latest iteration, as tested, is redesignated B5, with deference to its mild hybrid technology, hooked up to an otherwise conventional 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that develops a strong 235bhp, a strident 354lbs ft of torque and solid performance figures. In fact, the tall XC90 will crack the 0-60mph benchmark in just 7.1s, with a posted top speed of 137mph, emitting CO2 at a rate of 154g/km, while glugging its diet of diesel at a WLTP-rated 44.1mpg.
The mild hybrid aspect is more augmentative than providing a really green solution. The battery’s capacity to store braking energy that is used to re-boost its performance, while also reducing emissions and enhancing fuel economy by 15% over the previous model, is a useful bonus. However, its pre-discount price tag of £62,235 ensures that it still sits in the highest tax bracket, along with its rivals from Audi, BMW and Merc. You need to invest in the T8 model, or await the full-EV, to gain any headway with the taxman.
However, with B5 being the first diesel-powered car that I have driven in several months, during this era of antipathy, I have to state that I was more than satisfied with its serene power delivery and, thanks to the smoothness of the eight-speed automatic transmission (with paddle-shifts), long-legged and imperious progress. I had almost forgotten how wondrously a good diesel engine, like Volvo’s, can motivate a 2.1-tonne motorcar and, if you just look back at its performance figures, it is no slouch into the deal. For what it’s worth, it is the only diesel engine in this range and is likely to be replaced by a petrol-electric unit in coming months.
The latest XC90 handles tidily and its AWD R-Design cabin is a delightful place from which to survey the outside world. Of course, the trim has been upgraded and, if fiddling with the touchscreen becomes a chore, voice control can handle the task. On balance, the B5 takes my vote in this class and, at £10k less than a T8, it would take a long time to amortise the cost difference.
