Volvo Auto India launches new XC90 at Rs 64.9 lakh

Volvo Auto India has launched the new seven-seater XC90 SUV at a starting price of Rs 64.9 lakh for the Inscription trim and Rs 77.9 lakh for the Momentum trim (ex-showroom Mumbai without octroi). The car was unveiled today in Mumbai by Tomas Ernbeg, managing director, Volvo Auto India.

The new XC90 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, automatic 8-speed AWD with 225bhp and 470Nm torque. The car can be pre-ordered starting today, while deliveries will commence in September 2015.

Speaking at the launch, Ernberg said, “With all-new XC90, we are not just launching a car but re-launching our brand. The new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Volvo Cars, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilizing its new Scalable Product Architecture (SBA). Volvo has invested US$ 11 billion to develop the product and engine platforms over the past three years. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years."

Volvo is expected to launch another new car, the V40 hatchback by the end of next month in Chennai, before coming up with a variant of one of its models. In order to increase its reach, the company is also planning to open new dealerships across the country. The Swedish automaker’s target is 20-22 dealerships by the end of this year and up to 40 outlets by 2016.

The XC90’s features like larger bonnet with new topography, beltline and sharpened shoulders and new tail-lights will set the design direction for other cars to follow. The car also comes with a range of wheels sizes up to 20 inches.

Inside the cabin, the gear-lever knob is made of crystal glass and there are diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control. Besides, a tablet-like touch screen control console, a virtually button-free dash and an interior made of leather and wood.

The Momentum trim gets driver’s seat adjust with memory function, panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch screen in the instrument cluster, park assist and hill descent control.

The XC90 gets two-step airbags, automatic height adjusted front seatbelts and an Intelligent Driver information system, among others, as standard on both the XC90 trims. To add to their safety features, the Swedish automaker has developed Safe Positioning for their car, which means that in a run-off road scenario, the car detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. Furthermore, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and the seat frame help to prevent spine injuries.

However, the XC90 for India may not get some of the safety features because of radar frequency restrictions put in place by the government. "We were not able to get the radar-based safety features to the Indian version of the XC90. However, the car will have the radar-based safety functions but will remain disabled till the government gives a go-ahead," said Ernberg.

Furthermore, the Inscription gets a 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, air suspension, heads-up display, ventilated front seats and leather upholstery.

The company is looking to sell around 2,000 cars annually. It claims to have sold 487 cars in the first quarter of this year.