Drivers of big cars are often assumed to be thinking, showing off or even subliminal aggressiveness. VolvoOwner takes out this prejudice blanket. Too good is the image of the security-obsessed and family-friendly brand, which also comes from the super likeable Bullerbü country Sweden. The XC90 also rides the Nordic wave, for example, with lovely blue-yellow flags in the interior. As a result, the Volvo flagship even as a SUV skeptics can only smile with a smile - even if it is actually a real block of car.
Where German luxury-class SUVs often think they have to compensate for their notorious excess weight to sport a supposed sportiness bold, the Volvo deception maneuver is not necessary. The car is self-confidently bulky with its almost five meters in length and makes no attempt to hide it. Neither does the roof line fall off magnificently from behind, nor do the usual light edges or character lines divide the sheet into optically easy-to-eat snacks. The XC90 looks almost monolithic, is already from the outside a promise of internal size.
And the expectation is fulfilled. Not only because the clear shapes keep the volume of the passenger compartment large. But also because the Swede has a constructive advantage: transversely mounted engines. Normally, automakers in the large vehicle classes mount their engines lengthwise, so to speak, in the direction of travel, so that even long six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines fit under the limited width of the bonnet - and protrude into the passenger compartment. On the prestige engines Volvo renounces self-confident, balances the lack of displacement better by turbos and compressors. A bold step, because in the luxury class, quartet values such as number of cylinders and engine size still count a lot beyond the regulars' tables. Nordic understatement.
For the XC90 the bill goes on but completely. Both the spacious interior, which offers comfortable space for up to seven passengers, as well as the double-charged 2,0 four-cylinder with 235 kW / 320 PS, which currently marks the top of the brand's range of gasoline engines. Similar small powerhouses are also known from other manufacturers; But there they should bring especially compact sports sedans on trot. That they also bring a big SUV sovereign in motion, is new. At least you do not miss the two missing cylinders in the XC90. The small engine develops a large draft, but it never acts strained or noisy pushy. Powerful and cultured like a six-cylinder, he pushes the big car forward, supported by a gently switching in the background eight-speed automatic. Both make the Volvo an exemplary sovereign, relaxed glider.
A consumption miracle is the big SUV but not in spite of the saved cylinder duo. The prospectus value of 8,0 liters reaches the mighty Allrader not even rudimentary. Even if the XC90 is moved smoothly and evenly according to its character, the on-board computer displays about three liters more after 100 kilometers. In general, therefore, for most customers, one of the four-cylinder diesel would be the better choice - even if the performance of auto-igniters fall slightly. But the XC90 is anyway no car for the cavalier start at the traffic lights or best times on the Nordschleife.
The fact that the big Swede is more concerned with the relaxed journey than with the speedy arrival is also evident in the exceptionally tastefully furnished interior. Where the competition is often a bizarre mixture of techno-kitsch and burl wood comfort prevails, he relies on cool elegance with open-pored woods, matte metal and soft leather. Original are the small Sweden flags made of fabric, which are sewn like a brand label in the seat backs, where they suggest love for detail and Scandinavian quality promise. At least as far as workmanship, look and feel are concerned, the cockpit and the rear fully satisfy the premium promise of the brand. Only the new operating system can not always keep up completely. Although the stylish graphics surface in the iPhone style and the approach wise smart menu, but while driving, the small, dark fonts and the abundance of control surfaces on the high-format screen capture the driver's attention more than necessary. The slightly obscure and slow voice control is no big help.
Bottom line, however, the Volvo must hide from any competitor in the SUV luxury class. Optically independent, tastefully furnished and equipped with elaborate technology, it lives up to the unofficial premium definition. Dedicated drivers are more likely to resort to the models of BMW and Porsche, but who puts on the car driving value on comfort, accesses the Volvo. Especially if you still have sympathy for Sweden. And at least 49.400 Euro (for the top gasoline even 57.700 Euro are due) can handle.
