Yes. It's a Volvo but what Volvo is it? I bet you can't guess...
It's the second-generation Volvo XC90 and it's odd why a people mover like this made it through the ranks, in fact, this game is becoming in tune with the times now that crossovers are becoming mainstream than any other body style in the globe. So, what's it all about this Volvo XC90?
The launch of the second-generation Volvo XC90 marks a new beginning in Volvo's history, incorporating signature Volvo safety tech and utilising their brand new Scalable Product Architecture platform. It is the first Volvo to don the updated iron emblem as well as Volvo's new signature "Thor's Hammer" DRL lights, promising a new, distinctive, and confident face for Volvo's forthcoming models.The interior now boasts a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system.
While boasting a wide array of Advanced Driver Assists, the new XC90 boasts a full range of other engine options,all mated with an 8-speed AT, with the range-topping T8 Twin Engine PHEV that combines supercharging, turbocharging, and an electric motor, resulting to 407HP of power output, 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds, and 134.5mpg of fuel economy. In pure electric mode, it has a range of 26 miles, which is impressive for a seven-seater PHEV.
With its advanced driving technology, wide range of engine choices, and distinctive design, the all-new XC90 is a fresh new start to Sweden's only surviving mainstream luxury car company, even though it's now owned by China's Geely.
Trying to mock this crossover as a "school bus" is downright absurd but there's something about the Twin Engine XC90 variant that is worth noticeable. Volvo states that this PHEV variant of the XC90 is all about the best of both worlds. With the twin-charged petrol engine and a rechargeable electric motor, it promises to deliver the power equivalent of a V8 engine but at what costs? To find out, I went to the venue of the F1 Abu Dhabi GP that is Yas Marina.
I know, bearing a car with an automatic gearbox that has no paddle shifters whatsoever can be somewhat dull for a speedo boy driving it but when I tried driving it with all the electronic nannies on, it feels not so bad to drive and by demonstrating how Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture works, not only it feels lively to drive but also worth coming back for more. Of course, there are some drawbacks and one of them is when I engaged the ESC Sport Mode, which shuts the electronic nannies off, including the traction control, it's worth taking a trip to the drugstore for some painkillers when it triggers some sort of catastrophic understeer and for an SUV that weighs over 5,000lbs, that is worth a challenge.
Anyway, back to the Twin Engine's capability, and since I'm at Yas Marina to explain what I was on about, I'm trying to find a V8-powered SUV that can match against the XC90's Twin Engine capability as an all-rounder PHEV and I got one...
As you can see, I am rejoined by my old friend, the Dodge Durango SRT. The high-performance crossover I've lauded for being almost as quick as a Ford Focus RS when I thrashed this one round Laguna Seca and what am I going to do is see if the XC90's Twin Engine power can be a decent alternative against a V8 SUV like this. Let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Durango - 2:54.772
XC90 - 2:59.180
Well, that was just rubbish, isn't it? Volvo said their Twin Engine capability provided the V8-ish power but what was that all about? Almost five seconds slower than a V8-powered Durango SRT? How sad but let's just say, they've tried and I am impressed that the second-generation XC90 is the way forward for Volvo because of its pioneering breakthrough that writes a new chapter for Volvo's history. It may not have the guts to outflank a V8-powered super-suv but as an all-rounder, this Twin Engine PHEV is all about decency in action. Well, now that I've explained everything about the new Volvo XC90, I made a little reward for doing a good job...
A Scandinavian aria worth beholding... Wait a minute, looks like my whole set is complete!
What you're looking at, ladies and gentlemen, are my collection of cars made with the theme of Aikatsu Stars on it and since this show's ending in a few weeks this month, time to take a moment to try out some of the designs I made. I call them "Aikatsu Stars In Reasonably Fast Cars" and it made it sound like Top Gear's Star In A Reasonably Fast Car but I hope you appreciate for all the hard-ish work I've done in the making of those.
Until then, Bon Bon Voyage!
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