Car Review: Volvo V90 Cross Country

These days, if you walk into a Volvo showroom, you know what you're probably wanting to check out: the competent XC90 SUV or the new S90 sedan or the newer V90 station wagon. What you won't be expecting is to see a V90 Cross Country! So, what is that? This is essentially the V90 estate with a raised ride height and some plastic cladding; although these Cross Country models have been around for almost 20 years, we've never reviewed one. Hence, we decided to borrow one, drive it and critique it. So, here is the Middle East's exclusive review of the V90 Cross Country.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The 2017 V90 Cross Country is a quasi SUV, based on a station wagon, equipped with some plastic body cladding and a badge that suggests that you can conquer the off-road terrain. Its lengthy, slender profile, that is 4,936mm, makes it a sizeable vehicle, one that's hard to ignore on the roads. Helping the allure are Volvo's new-age family looks, with those linear LED DRLs, inspired by Thor's hammer upfront, and the upright grille with a slight curvature. The SUV intentions are also obvious: seen in the raised platform; a ground clearance of 210mm is not too away from the XC90 SUV and is actually more than that of the Ford Explorer. Surprise, surprise! You also have plastic-clad wheel arches, rockers and more robust bumpers to fill the gaps created by the increased height. Over the butt, instead of the rectangular truncated effect seen on older Volvos and station wagons, you have a raked glass window. It gets rear lamps that stretch top to bottom - typical Volvo stuff. The car rolls on 18-inch 5-spoke split alloys. Considering the current trend and other Volvos in the 90 Series models, they could have given it larger rims but the 18 inches are perfect. They have more rubber and air, which make for a better-cushioned ride and a larger footprint when deflated, best when going off-road. The V90 CC may be a station wagon, but it's a looker; and even with those sharp edges and flat planes, there is an uncanny fluidity in design.
You'll like the leather-clad key fob. Volvo and Lexus are probably the only two manufacturers to do it that way and they do it well. It feels special and substantial in your hands. They have cleverly placed the buttons to the sides to give it a clean look. Click on them or simply use smart access and enter a cabin you will sincerely appreciate for its Scandinavian simplicity and the overwhelming feel of quality. Do note, though, the cabin has a tub effect, where the door sills are higher than the floor, so climbing in and out means raising your feet a tad higher.
Inside, they have basically pilfered everything from the XC90 and the S90. There is joy in steering the wheel, thanks to its nicely proportioned thickness and diameter, and the multi-function glass-finish buttons on the spokes. Every button and knob is reachable, readable and very ergonomic. The in-cabin wood and plastics boast exemplary fit and finish. The whole dashboard layout is not ornamental but Volvo has put the iron mark of a certain quality.
The spotlight, however, is shared between the vertically oriented infotainments screen (a responsive unit and a breeze to operate), the metallic drum roller (which is the drive mode selector), and the almost sparkling starter knob. There is enough space - more in the front for both driver and passenger. Unlike some of its German rivals, the seats are better cushioned and upholstered in soft Nappa leather. The rear is good for two but, due to the chunky centre tunnel, the centre passenger may struggle for legroom. All are equal beneficiaries of the view out of the panoramic glass sunroof - amongst the biggest we have seen.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
Unlike other 90 Series cars, the CC only comes as a T6 - at least in this region. This is both a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine, which is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Bet you weren't expecting a 4-pot here, but it works!
With some great engineering skill, they have stuffed 316 horses under the hood, which shows itself at 5,700rpm. It also makes a healthy dose of torque - specifically 400Nm that comes up at 5,400rpm. I'd love to see this lightweight engine on a sports car someday, but here it serves a different purpose - like towing, and it is capable of towing approximately 1,500kg. When you get onto the roads, you are aware of its size but the light and easy steering makes it easy to get into the groove. There is adequate power too, but it comes on with a little hesitation. If you find yourself alone at an empty traffic light, try sprinting from the 0 to 100 km/h dash in about six seconds; it will oblige. But on the highway, you'll notice the power comes with a little hesitation and you have to wait for the kick down and the turbos to spool to get going; once that happens though, you will move with some of the quickest.
On the road, the elevated centre of gravity doesn't seem to do much to negate handling characteristics that are comparable to the S90 sedan. You do feel some body lean when you switch lanes quickly, but the traction and balance in the chassis keep things going. There is enough communication in the steering wheel to keep things interesting too!
Even with its large body and appreciable mass, the 2.0-litre delivers an exceptional claimed fuel economy of 7.2L/100km. However, in reality, it's closer to 11 and 12, which is enough to help you take that 500km "cross country" tour.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Let's start with the music system! Taste is subjective, but if you want good sounding music, you've got it. The CC comes with an advanced Bowers & Wilkins unit - that is a masterpiece in terms of looks and sound reproduction. The air conditioning is efficient, courtesy good cabin insulation; there is a good amount of chill and draft from the unit. It has a 4-zone setting too.
The estate form of the CC means it is accompanied by acres of space in the trunk. I reckon you could fit more than a couple
of suitcases back there. Drop the seats
down, and you have one of the most useful vehicles in town. And having a power tailgate always helps!
Like all Volvos, this is amongst the safest cars in town. It's not just airbags, ABS and parking sensors front and rear - this car also comes with ISOFIX mounts and power child locks. And how about a park assist pilot that will do the parking for you (if you can't find use for the high-resolution 360-degree bird's-eye view activated by four cameras!)?
VERDICT
The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a car you shouldn't try to put in a box. View it without bias, and you will see a sporty sedan with the attributes of an SUV and a quality cabin. That being said, it does wear a hefty price tag, and for not much more, you can get an XC90 with seven seats, 50 per cent more space and over 2,000kg towing capacity. Also, being a niche product, it will need a whole lot more of marketing to sell to the premium, SUV-loving crowd.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

• On The Road