The fate of the five-door thick ships from the tribe of the combination motor vehicle seemed sealed. The spacious SUVs break rows of sales records, as they offer space and above all the coveted high seating position with a good overview at all times. Combi drivers flocked to the new-fashioned competition in droves. at Volvo everything is a little different: "We already have over 1.700 orders for the new V90," reports Germany boss Thomas Bauch. "After all, we have been the largest buyer of Volvo station wagons after Sweden for a long time."
Is it a coincidence? The V42.500, available from 90 euros, appears almost at the same time as its biggest rival, the T-Model of the E-Class. Like the one in Stuttgart, the Volvo is popular with better-earning sales representatives or freelancers with time for space-consuming hobbies, but can also serve as a basis for ambulances or funeral cars. However, the size of the cargo space no longer seems to be in the foreground. Lifestyle is the order of the day, because such a V90 is already a visual statement. Flatter than before, the sloping roof line should convey dynamism, the once angular rear is characterized by the clearly slanted rear window.
The quite sporty design takes its toll when it comes to the cargo space. Because the Volvo only has a volume of 1.526 liters, 74 liters less than the predecessor V70. But Peter Mertens, the German head of development in the Swedish service, is against it. “Who still transports the refrigerator they just bought home today? We are now having everything delivered. ”From this, the engineer, who was once project manager for the A-Class at Mercedes, concludes that a chic station wagon like the V90 will no longer serve his wealthy customers as small vans.
Since Volvo has long since caught up with the southern German premium manufacturers, the prices of the noble Nordmann are corresponding. This is particularly evident in the tested model of the V family. At least 173 euros are due for the coveted strongest diesel with 235 kW / 57.500 hp, with all sorts of fine extras the price skyrockets by more than 15.000 euros. There is then all-wheel drive, perfect eight-speed automatic transmission, lots of safety systems and electronic assistants and, above all, a high-class feeling wherever you look: seats, decorative elements, paneling - everything at its finest.
A predicate that also applies to the new Volvo driving experience that could be experienced for the first time in the SUV sister model XC90. Only two-liter four-cylinder engines under the bonnet - and that in the upper box. But honestly, hardly two are missing the two cylinders less. The giant is loyal to the throttle and turns up particularly light-footedly when the sport position of the option button in the center console is activated. A little technical trick stuffs the so-called "turbo lag". It generally arises because the bellows must first generate sufficient exhaust gas pressure when accelerating. This gap is closed by a small additional compressor, which beams the cylinders with air in the waiting time measured in tenths of a second. An apparently simple solution. But convincing in test mode.
The same applies to brakes, steering and everything else that ensures safety and, above all, fun in the car. In addition, the Volvo follows the course of time and offers a close connection with the virtual environment. Whether Apple Carplay, real-time navigation or various apps, the V90 can always be online. In theory, anyway. Because, for example, on streets in the Taunus, the still very incomplete network supply by Telekom, Vodafone and Co. of the beautiful new technology, due to the lack of data supply, sets narrow limits. How will autonomous driving work later?
A question that today's big Volvo customers do not ask. He will be happy about his new (T) Raum ship or maybe wait a few more weeks: Then comes an off-road station wagon called the V90 Cross Country, which has more ground clearance and shines with some optical features of the rustic style. It closes the gap to the XC90, the bestseller from the 90 family. And that's a real SUV.
(Peter Maahn / SP-X)