Volvo XC90 2015: A Bold Redefinition of Swedish Luxury
The 2015 Volvo XC90 stepped out of the shadows as Volvo Cars showcased its highly anticipated flagship SUV. Delivering on the promise of striking aesthetics, seven-seater luxury, unrivaled safety, and a notable power-to-efficiency balance, the new XC90 resonated with Volvo's ethos of blending premium quality and technological prowess.
A New Chapter in Volvo's Journey
Three years and a colossal USD 11bn investment were poured into the realization of the new XC90. The vehicle is not just a car; it represents a significant turning point in Volvo's history. It embodies the future design direction of the brand and introduces a new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology, which demonstrates the capability of Volvo’s new technologies. The XC90 is a strong statement about the ambitious plans Volvo harbors for the upcoming years.
Setting the Pace: A Redefined Face and Design Aesthetic
Marking a milestone in Volvo’s 87-year history, the new XC90 introduced a more prominent iron mark, perfectly aligning the iconic arrow with the diagonal slash across the grille. This, along with the T-shaped "Thor's Hammer" Daytime Running Lights (DRL), unveiled a distinctive, confident face for the coming generation of Volvo cars. The grandeur of the bonnet and the sharpened shoulder lines connecting with unique rear lights became design signatures that are now synonymous with the XC90.
To add to the appeal, the 2015 XC90 boasts wheel sizes up to 22 inches. Embracing the key elements of Swedish lifestyle—generous space, the celebration of light, and focus on wellbeing—the exterior and interior design exudes elegance and opulence.
Breaking Stereotypes: An SUV with No Compromises
The XC90 is the embodiment of Volvo’s strategy to redefine the SUV segment. Boasting a remarkable blend of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency, and safety, the XC90 echoes the original impact made by the XC90 back in 2002. The vehicle sets a new standard, combining the comfort of a smaller car with the commanding presence of an SUV.
Unparalleled Power and Fuel Efficiency
With its range of two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, the new XC90 promised impressive performance alongside fuel efficiency. The top-of-the-line XC90 Twin Engine combines a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering around 400 horsepower with a notably low CO2 emission of around 60 g/km.
Pioneering Safety Standards
The all-new XC90 set an industry benchmark with its technologically advanced safety package. The car introduced two world-first safety features: run-off road protection and auto brake at intersection capability, offering unprecedented safety standards. The vehicle also includes Volvo's City Safety functions, covering vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians both during the day and at night.
A Luxurious Abode on Wheels
Emphasizing a modern, spacious, and uncluttered environment, the interior of the XC90 set new standards for Volvo’s luxury design. Featuring a tablet-like touch screen control console at its heart, the in-car control system is virtually button-free, presenting drivers with a new method to interact with their vehicle. The cabin amalgamates soft leather and wood with handcrafted details like a crystal glass gear lever from Orrefors, a well-known Swedish glassmaker.
World-Class Audio Experience
In a joint effort with renowned British audio equipment company Bowers & Wilkins, Volvo equipped the XC90 with a 1,400 Watt Class D amplifier and 19 speakers, making it one of the top audio systems in the automotive world. By integrating the subwoofer into the car body, it transforms the entire cabin into a resonating sound box, promising a live performance-like experience.
Customization: Bringing Personality to Luxury
With two major exterior styling themes—Urban Luxury and Rugged Luxury—Volvo allowed customers to add a personal touch to their XC90. Whether opting for the elegance of polished stainless steel details or enhancing the SUV's ruggedness with matte black exterior trim, the XC90 offered unique customization opportunities to its prospective owners.
Wrapping Up: A New Era Begins
The 2015 Volvo XC90 served as a symbol of a new era for Volvo, redefining Swedish luxury with a perfect blend of sophistication and innovation. With a unique combination of design, performance, and top-tier safety features, the XC90 represented an intriguing milestone in Volvo's history and a promising indication of the brand's future direction.
