2015 Volvo XC90 – In Depth Review, Interior, Exterior, Engines

By and large, the team of road testers at cars are young males who have yet to procreate. You would expect us then, to get very excited about cars like the Renault Megane Trophy (we do). You would expect us to be saddened by Subaru discontinuing a car like the Subaru BRZ (we are).
Why then, were we all so excited, and absolutely enamoured with, the new Volvo XC90? A car that is so family-orientated, it might as well come with an investment plan for future school fees and a stroller in the boot.
I think it’s because the Volvo represents something we all appreciate: careful thought and consideration in its conception and execution. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it looks fantastic too, with those Thor hammer headlights, super bold grille and sleek, no-fuss body lines.
On the launch of the car, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the man who designed the chassis, and the man who designed the interior, including that iPad-like centre touchscreen. The level of detail is remarkable.
For instance, a cellphone touchscreen will work to about 50 degrees centigrade, and about -10. Leave it in the sun and it will shut down, and possibly be permanently damaged. The thing is, we leave our cars in the sun all the time. And in northern Sweden, -10 is considered a balmy day. And so they had to re-engineer the screen to operate at extreme temperatures, all the time; up to 80 degrees, and down to -40.
And given that the car is popular in cold climates, the screen has been fitted with infrared sensors around the edges, to detect finger movement in case the user is wearing gloves.
The rear suspension system is a unique approach to the problem of the usual suspension components intruding into the cabin space. The layout Volvo has opted for ensures that the rear area is as low and wide as possible, increasing load space and ensuring that two adults can sit in the third row of seats.
Of course all of this is packaged in luxurious leather, with properly comfortable seats (a bit of a Volvo trademark) and more airbags than a full seating of parliament.
Volvo XC90 – Pricing and Rivals
With prices starting at R804 000, the XC90 has some stiff competition. In this video, we’ve chosen to compare it to the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery and upcoming Audi Q7, which has just been launched in Europe. At 5yr/100 000km, it’s worth noting the Volvo has a longer warranty than all three of these competitors.
You’ll find a detailed comparison for each below, with more pros and cons discussed in the video. Unfortunately we don’t have pricing for the new Audi Q7 in South Africa yet, but from what I’ve read, I believe it will be the closest competitor to the Volvo XC90.

0:00 Intro
0:24 Price Range
0:56 Engine, Power & Torque
1:23 Fuel Economy
2:02 Front Interior
3:22 Rear Interior
4:54 Boot Space
5:58 Reason to buy the Volvo xc90
7:10 Outro

[simamkelenyoka]

Truth is, i've been relying on UK's carbuyer for car reviews. As from now on, i am never making that mistake again. Stand up South Africa and be proud. GREAT review.

[etienne]

So Interesting to go back 5 years in time. Things changed, at least for the better.

[siyanomtshongwana]

I love this guy. His reviews are informative, informal and sometimes witty and his tone is unaffected. On the car, that interior is impeccable. I'm a BMW fan but if I'm lucky enough to have a baby I'm buying one of those over an X5

[nicokillian]

I still have older XC90 and give me much pleasure. If I do one day have the money will surely get new Xc90, but will keep old one. That a car.

[jamesydunlop]

Another super review guys, thanks. I think your summary of the competitors was very kind indeed to the land rover discovery as it must be a decade old and weighs 2.5 fuel guzzling tons. The new Audi Q7 looks to be the Volvo's closest rival. Thanks

[JamaicanMeCrazy]

this is the best review I've seen on this car and I've seen quite a few. good job. I think I'm going to subscribe now

[vladsaghin]

Amazing camera work! How come your inscription model doesn't come with a leather covered dashboard and upper doors, as well as a nice open pore wood trim? Inscription models in North America and Europe have those

[ArchieMakuwa]

That guy is a legend... #topclass #internationstandards

[siveyawa]

Nice review man, you good really good.

[jimbob]

My only beef with the new gen xc90 is they did away with the tail gate

[shenqiao]

At 1:07 the soft thing over the engine is used to protest the pedestrian if you crash one.

[wildan]

1:46 whats the music name? heard it somewhere

[leroyzwane]

dope this is what we call dope: nice review and hala at volvo their shit is dope

[nicokillian]

I still have older XC90 and give me much pleasure. If I do one day have the money will surely get new Xc90, but will keep old one. That a car.