Launch Drive: Volvo XC90 ages gracefully
After almost five years in production, the Volvo XC90 is a car that still looks relatively fresh with tech that’s still surprising to the average consumer. This year, the multi-time award-winning SUV comes with a few minor updates to keep it relevant until the brand new version arrives around 2021. I drive the 2.0 D5 and mega(Watt?) 300kW T8 flagship around the Winelands and ask Volvo MD Greg Maruszweski some probing questions about the brands offering in South Africa.
The front grille is one of the major new changes
So what’s new?
The front grille has been slightly modified and XC90 now comes with many more wheel options including the gorgeous 20″ diamond cut rim. An interesting change is that XC90 is now available in 6-seater configuration. The thought process behind this is that it allows the rear passengers to feel more included in the in-car festivities. And they are. Think luxury SUV meets Lear Jet.
Upfront, the Orrefors crystal gear lever is now also available for the T8 and a second USB port plus P-Sim card slot is also installed. Volvos in-car experience and the autonomous driving system still delivers bigly in 2019. The seats are still some of the best in the world, the audio infotainment system is still my favourite, and the autonomous driving function feels smoother than ever. Hyperbole? We’re talking about the same people that gave us seatbelts, brake boosters, and fog lights.
The flagship 300kW hybrid T8 is a monster off the line
Volvo on Call
With the new XC90, Volvo also chose to unveil South African Volvo on Call. Something the Swedish automaker pioneered more than a decade ago and it’s now finally available here. It offers an app-based concierge service for owners, directions (which are downloaded directly to the car), remote start and a “Find my car” option. And in the case of an accident, the driver will be contacted directly via the car.
6 Seater arrangement
But what about depreciation?
No “New Volvo” conversation would be complete without the valid concern of Volvos deprecation in the SA market. Volvo SA Managing director Greg Maruszweski has quelled some of those concerns with Volvos finance option which offers a guaranteed buyback that matches or beats the current rate offered by the Big 3. (BMW, Audi and Mercedes) A comforting thought for those, like me that are in love with the brand.
Verdict
The XC90 is as good as it’s always been and now offers a few updates that clients have been asking for. For those on the fence I would strongly suggest a test drive of any of the Swedish manufactures models. They really are a brand unto themselves.
XC90 starts at R1 023 700
