The large centre tablet-like touchscreen gives quick access to all vehicle functions, with its tile display making it easy to get used to. The crafted drive-mode selector and start/stop knob nestled in their mirror-finish piano-black trim surround look magnificent and add to the indisputable premium feel of the cabin. There are also large glass windows, a large infrared-reflective windscreen, and a huge panoramic folding sunroof, all of which let in a generous amount of natural light while reducing noise from the outside. The CleanZone system and dual-zone climate control ensure maximum air quality devoid of pollutants and odours, for the best in-cabin experience. Top-notch safety systems, both camera- and radar-based, assure maximum safety in all circumstances.
On the move, the most evident of those safety features is the active lane-keep assist. So long as there are white lines on the road, the car will pretty much steer itself. The collision mitigation system, with its automatic braking, is useful during drives where distractions are inevitable. For a diesel estate, it doesn’t disappoint with its dynamic performance. Acceleration figures ― 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds ― are one thing, but it’s the way it handles: its planted feel, smart torque-vectoring, and stability over undulations that make it such a feel-good car. It’s reassuring, comfortable, and relaxing at the same time.
Should you wish to indulge in some spirited driving, a flick of the drive-mode selector to ‘Dynamic’ is enough to turn the dials red, place huge numerals dead-centre, and alter the entire feel of the car. The mechanical front suspension and rear air suspension work well to provide a wafting ride quality, with only deep potholes managing to upset the aural cocoon. It glides over the others with ease and offers maximum grip and stability while cornering, on changing surfaces, wet or dry, and even under heavy braking.
But you’re not going to buy a diesel estate to do a 0-100 km/h drag now, are you? It’s the huge 1,953-litre boot, its powered hatch, the split rear seats that fold flat at the touch of a button, and its ability to handle a variety of cargo that will win the practical hand. The wide load area and choice of load separators make storing all sorts of objects easier. Besides, the whole thing is removable. Or just add a cargo net to keep everything restrained. The storage spaces are numerous about the cabin, too. Cup- and bottle-holders, door-pockets, sliding concealed storage, and a veritable container under the front arm-rest, all make for usable storage spaces that take no more than a second to operate. It’s all up for long drives loaded to the roof. Its 60-litre fuel tank and overall 10.6 km/l will let you travel over 630 km before needing a refill. And, at Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers a lot of kit for the money.
All in all, if you need a car that delivers on luxury, safety, space, practicality, and creature comforts, while being stylish and distinguished, the V90 Cross Country is a not-so-boxy modern luxury estate that ticks all the boxes. They’ve thought about everything so you don’t have to.
Need to Know – Volvo V90 Cross Country D5 AWD Inscription
Price: Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,969 cc, in-line four, twin-turbo diesel
Max Power: 235 PS at 4,250 rpm
Max Torque: 480 Nm at 1,750-2,250 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, all-wheel drive
Weight: 1,867 kg
Performance:
0-100 km/h: 8.89 seconds
Top speed: 230 km/h (claimed)
