2023 Volvo XC90 B6 Dark review

It’s easy to forget that it was the Volvo XC90 that kickstarted the Swedish brand’s modern transformation.

Launched way back in 2014, the second-gen XC90 was the first car to ride on Volvo’s new modular platform and the first to benefit from the cash injection brought by fresh owners Geely.

Svelte, beautifully made and with tidy ride/handling, the XC90 came within a whisper of winning Wheels COTY. And now, almost a full 10 years later, Volvo’s luxury seven-seater has lost none of its appeal. Talk about ageing like a fine wine…

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JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it and what do you get?
• Cabin comfort and space
• What's it like to drive?
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it and what do you get?

As you’d expect, Volvo has treated the XC90 to some welcome upgrades since its 2014 launch with the latest raft of improvements arriving last year.

That update brought a rejigging of the model range (the existing trim levels of Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Recharge were replaced by Plus, Bright, Dark and Ultimate T8 respectively) and the injection of Volvo’s latest Android-based infotainment system, which now includes Apple CarPlay.

For this test, we’re driving the high-spec B6 Dark which uses a fizzy 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that produces 220kW/420Nm and is supplemented by a 48-volt system and an electric supercharger.

It retails for $107,990, which plonks the XC90 in a comfortable middle ground for price against its key competitor set: slightly more expensive than a Lexus RX, yet cheaper than a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE.

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Our particular tester is bristling with desirable options like air suspension ($3750) and a truly fantastic Bowers and Wilkins sound system ($4550) that deliver an ‘as tested’ price of $118,690.

And our XC90 looks every cent of that outlay. We know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but you’d have to be a harsh marker to deny the XC90 is a deeply handsome thing. Chiselled and broad shouldered it looks taut and perfectly proportioned for what is, essentially, a family bus.

The huge 22-inch diamond-cut alloys help, of course, as does the optional air suspension which slowly lowers when the body when parked to give it lightly ‘slammed’ appearance.

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Cabin comfort and space

The cabin is arguably even more impressive. The minimal cabin design feels like a high-end Scandi furniture shop and the sense of luxury and build quality are impeccable. The seats, in particular, as superb

And boy is it functional. The XC90’s form factor is longer and narrower than other luxe SUVs like a BMW X5 and Audi Q7 and it makes full use of its extra length with plenty of cabin space and a third row that’s roomy enough for adults.

Third row passengers also score face-level air vents, cup holders and their own storage, though notably there are no top-tether anchor points for child seats back there. You do score three tether points in the second row, however, as well as twin Isofix anchor points and Volvo’s useful integrated booster seat in the middle pew.

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Throw in a sliding second row, four-zone climate control, plenty of USB-C charging points and retractable window blinds and there’s nary a chink in the XC90’s armour when it comes to hauling about seven people in comfort.

The one thing that betrays the Volvo’s age is the size of its portrait-style touchscreen. At 9.0-inches it looks small by modern standards, yet its functionality is excellent. The software is Google based, and now includes Google Maps and Google Assistant, and the layout of the key controls and menus is easy to wrap your head around.

One annoyance is the need to dive into multiple menus to change the AC or seat heaters, yet the screen’s resolution and response is hard to fault. The centre screen pairs with a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display, plus there’s a 360 surround view camera which sends a high-res video feed to ensure you don’t kerb those massive alloys.

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What's it like to drive?

The XC90’s light steering aids low-speed manoeuvrability and once you’re on the move, there’s little to disrupt the Volvo’s overarching sense of calm and serenity.

A big part of our tester’s phenomenal comfort and control is down to the optional air suspension, which is a must have inclusion. It’s wafty and cushy around town, with none of the crashiness you expect from the big wheels.

And at higher speeds, the XC90’s suspension is flat and measured with excellent body control. On our dynamic loop, the way the XC90 absorbed and recovered from big bumps was mightily impressive.

Those big alloys are surprisingly grippy, too, and while the overall experience isn’t what you’d call sporty, there’s a surprising amount of talent and poise to the XC90’s dynamics.

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VERDICT

It can be a tough gig being one of the oldest contenders in a class, yet despite its advancing years, the Volvo XC90 continues to be one of the most convincing luxury SUVs on sale.

Polished, handsome and impeccably built, its true genius lies in its focus on comfort, space and functionality. This is an impressively practical family SUV and also one that nails its fundamentals with an uncommon layer of finesse and flair. And that’s why it’s one of our favourite luxury SUVs.

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