Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription: The First Class of the Roads

For today’s review, we have a Volvo XC90 D5 AWD available with the Inscription version, the most luxurious and complete set up available on this SUV from the Gothenburg’s house. Volvo XC90, completely renewed after twelve years of honorable service, is the first car that introduces the new styling of the Swedish brand, which subsequently led to the birth of the newest V90, S90, XC60, XC40 and finally V60.

The temperature is low and the sky is overcast, but nothing can put you in a bad mood on board this car. This thanks to also the comfortable heated seats with massage function that really amaze us in the path that leads to Villa Barberino: an ancient historic residence near Cavriglia restored in 1988. The interiors of this car are treated in the minimum details, the assemblies are solid, the few visible plastics are soft to the touch and there is also a large central touch screen from which all aspects of the car can be controlled, from the driving modes to the assistance that are many and all well calibrated.

During motorways, the Volvo Pilot Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control and an advanced Lane Assist, manages to drive the car almost up to 135km/h, which is truly impressive! The four-cylinder 2.0L twin-turbo diesel succeeds in the task of driving a car with a remarkable amount. On the other hand, the torque is so great (470Nm) and combined with the Geartronic 8-speed gearbox, the performance is very respectable. The soundproofing is almost perfect, only at high rpm the engine noise can be heard.

In order to increase even more the ride comfort, the car under test is also equipped with adjustable air suspensions, whose calibration is very soft even when the driving selector is in a more sporty position. For this type of car is not a defect, but becomes a great value as it can absorb any kind of roughness, allowing you to feel only big potholes. The driving modes are different, from the Eco that reduces consumption to the Dynamic that stiffens the trim and makes the engine more ready, passing the Offroad that, increasing the height from the ground, allows you to make rough routes.

In Eco mode, when the accelerator is released, the electronics decouples the transmission from the engine allowing the vehicle to sail. With such a high weight and an engine like that, consumption is certainly affected, with a normal driving we were not able to stay above 12km/l, perfectly average for this type of car. Volvo XC90 on the outside is impressive, its almost five meters in length and its considerable height make it the undisputed queen of the roads. Few other cars allow you to experience this strange feeling of omnipotence that you have behind the wheel of an XC90.

In the parking lots, thanks to the considerable visibility and the 360-degree camera with which it is equipped, everything becomes as easy as a compact car. The Volvo XC90, as mentioned, was the first car to introduce the new design that distinguishes the other cars of the brand, bringing in the form of daylight a symbol of Nordic mythology: the now famous Mjöllnir, also called “Thor’s Hammer”. Low beam and high beam are LED matrix, thus achieving effective lighting in all conditions. The coupling of the color we have with the rims makes it definitely elegant, making its line even more pleasing to the eye.

In conclusion Volvo XC90 is a car that offers luxury, comfort and a large space, the largest families in fact will appreciate the versatility of the car that can get to offer even 7 seats or a really large trunk. Driving in the city or facing a long journey will always be pleasant experience, pampered by XC90 you always have the feeling of being in business class.