Revisiting the Landmark 2016 Volvo XC90 (UK-Spec): A Fusion of Luxury and Tech
The 2016 Volvo XC90, a visually arresting seven-seat premium SUV, marked an inflection point in Volvo's trajectory. Melding an innovative blend of powertrain technologies, world-class safety features, and unparalleled fuel efficiency, the SUV radiates luxury inside out. In this retrospective review, we delve into the XC90’s features that ushered in a new era for Volvo and carved out its niche in the premium SUV market.
Design Elements: A Fusion of Elegance and Strength
It was the 2016 Volvo XC90 that wore the automaker's more pronounced iron mark for the first time, lending it an imposing presence. The emblem, harmoniously combined with the "Thor's Hammer" DRL lights and the diagonal slash across the grille, endowed the XC90 with a novel, self-assured face that echoed the company's evolving identity. Volvo also treated the model to larger bonnet contours, a bold beltline, and tapered shoulders that blended seamlessly with the new, intricate rear lights, a design cue replicated across its range. With wheel sizes up to 22 inches, the XC90 exuded muscular appeal without compromising elegance.
Stepping into Luxury
The 2016 Volvo XC90's interior is an epitome of opulence, the most luxurious ever crafted by Volvo until then. Central to the plush cabin was a tablet-like touchscreen control system, a centerpiece that replaced the conventional button array with sleek simplicity, opening up room for a refined interior architecture. The XC90 combined Nappa leather and wood with exquisite handcrafted details, including a crystal glass gear lever from the renowned Swedish glassmaker Orrefors and diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control.
Power and Efficiency in Harmony
The 2016 Volvo XC90 came powered by a selection of two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, harmonising performance and fuel efficiency like never before. The flagship XC90 Twin Engine, a blend of a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivered an impressive 400 horsepower while maintaining CO2 emissions at a minimal 64 g/km (NEDC driving cycle). The driver could seamlessly switch from the default hybrid mode to the electric power mode for a silent, emission-free drive, with an estimated range of around 40 kilometres.
Unravelling the Sensus Experience
The 2016 XC90 served as the launchpad for Volvo's Sensus user interface, redefining the driver-car interaction. Replacing a plethora of buttons and controls, Sensus blended a large, intuitive touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and a sophisticated voice-control system to offer a modern in-car control system. It opened up an array of cloud-based applications, from Internet radio and seamless music streaming to connected navigation and parking. In essence, the Sensus system turned the XC90 into a mobile tech hub.
Safety at the Helm
Volvo raised the safety benchmark with the XC90, equipping it with some of the most advanced safety technologies available in the automotive industry at the time. The SUV introduced two world-first safety features: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. The Volvo XC90 also came standard with City Safety, an automatic braking system that could detect vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, both day and night.
Retrospective Verdict
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An In-depth Look at the 2016 Volvo XC90 (UK-Spec)
With its 2016 XC90, Volvo delivers an aesthetic masterpiece that has successfully infused luxury and safety into a seven-seat SUV. The model's compelling features, combined with novel powertrain technologies, underline Volvo's commitment to creating a unique driving experience that caters to comfort, power, and fuel-efficiency. As a departure from the norm and a leap towards the future, the XC90 isn't just another SUV; it is a testament to Volvo's transformative vision.
A Bold Exterior Reimagined
The 2016 XC90 embodies the future design direction of Volvo. The SUV's proud and distinctive face is adorned with a reimagined iron mark, seamlessly integrated with the diagonal slash across the grille. Paired with the T-shaped "Thor’s Hammer" DRL lights, the front fascia of the XC90 exudes a confident and elegant stance. This aesthetic character is further accentuated by a larger hood and sharper shoulder lines, making the SUV visually muscular.
In addition, the XC90 also features tattoo-like rear lights, introducing a design signature that is set to be a recurring theme in Volvo’s future line-up. Also, the XC90 offers wheel sizes up to 22 inches, adding a dash of audacity to its side profile.
The Luxury of Scandinavian Design
Inside, the XC90 boasts a luxurious cabin that beautifully integrates cutting-edge technology with Scandinavian design principles. The centrepiece is a tablet-like touch screen control console that forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. The minimally-buttoned console fosters an environment of simplicity, allowing for an expansive, luxurious interior.
The cabin features high-quality materials like Nappa leather and wood, handcrafted details, and a crystal glass gear lever from Orrefors, the renowned Swedish glassmaker. Diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control add to the SUV's sumptuous appeal.
Trim Level Strategy and Seating Comfort
The trim level strategy adopted by Volvo for the XC90 is quite intriguing. The base level, Kinetic, is followed by the Momentum level, which offers competitive features. The tree branches out into two distinct trims: Inscription and R-Design, each catering to different customer preferences – the former offering a luxurious experience and the latter catering to those seeking a sporty aura.
With the XC90, Volvo continues its legacy of providing comfortable seats. The full seat core is designed to mimic the human spine, offering a multitude of adjustments to ensure an ideal seating position. The second row seats can slide and recline to provide additional legroom for third-row passengers or additional cargo space. The third-row seats, offering class-leading comfort, can accommodate passengers up to 170 cm tall.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2016 XC90 blends the comfort of a premium SUV with responsive handling and sharp performance. A completely new chassis, a double wishbone front suspension and a new integral link rear axle contribute to an overall smooth and solid ride.
The XC90 debuts with Volvo’s new range of Drive-E powertrains, specifically the top-of-the-range XC90 Twin Engine. This powertrain combines a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering around 400 horsepower and just 64 g/km of CO2 emissions (NEDC driving cycle). The model also offers a variety of diesel and petrol engine options, each mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that ensures smooth power delivery and optimal fuel efficiency.
Notably, the XC90 Twin Engine can operate in three distinct modes – Hybrid, Pure Electric, and Power. The default Hybrid mode smartly utilises both the petrol engine and electric motor to provide the best balance of performance and fuel economy. In Pure Electric mode, the SUV operates solely on electric power for zero-emissions travel, offering a range of about 40 kilometres, perfect for city commutes. In Power mode, the combined forces of the petrol engine and electric motor unleash all of the SUV's 400 horsepower to provide a sportier driving experience.
Sensus User Experience
The XC90 was the first Volvo vehicle to offer the Sensus user experience. This system revolutionised the way drivers interact with their vehicles, replacing a multitude of buttons and controls with a sleek, intuitive touchscreen. Steering wheel controls and an advanced voice-control system complemented the touchscreen to provide an easy-to-use interface. The Sensus system allowed for a plethora of cloud-based applications, from Internet radio and seamless music streaming to connected navigation and parking services. With this, the XC90 effectively became a mobile tech hub, keeping passengers connected and entertained on the move.
Safety: A Volvo Hallmark
Known for prioritising safety, Volvo equipped the 2016 XC90 with an array of advanced safety features. The SUV introduced two world-first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. These features bolstered the vehicle's overall safety, keeping in line with Volvo's commitment to produce some of the safest cars on the road.
The run-off road protection package helped to protect occupants in case the car left the roadway, an innovation that can be lifesaving. The automatic braking at intersections, another industry first, could apply the brakes when the driver turned in front of an oncoming vehicle, helping to prevent a common type of collision. Volvo’s City Safety system, an automatic braking system, was standard on the XC90, capable of detecting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, both during day and night.
In Retrospect
The 2016 Volvo XC90 was indeed a game-changer, serving as a blueprint for future models and making waves in the premium SUV market. It flawlessly married Scandinavian design principles with advanced technology to create a luxurious, powerful, and safe driving experience. Despite several years on, the model's influence on modern Volvo vehicles is undeniably significant, demonstrating Volvo's commitment to quality, safety, and technological innovation. With the XC90, Volvo not only set new standards for itself but also pushed the boundaries for the automotive industry at large.
