The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country brings in versatility and functionality in the market saturated with SUV, CUVs, and trucks. The Swedish automaker introduces the raised version of its standard V90 wagon and it's coming to US shores, hoping to compete with other brands.
"What Volvo has managed… to cook up here is a genuine luxury car with hints of Scandinavia style.” - @globedrive #Volvo #V90 #Sweden pic.twitter.com/dfZSJjcWRr
— VolvoCarCanada (@volvocarcanada) February 24, 2017
Engine. The Swedish automaker has its own math for computing the Cross Country's engine. No, seriously, they sort of do. Called "T6," this is the combination of an all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four cylinder engine, which comes standard.
So, this can produce 316 horses at 5,700 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 2,200 to 5,400 rpm. Thus, its 0 to 60 mph is 6 seconds. Power is sent through all four wheels via a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
Modes. The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country has four pre-set driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Off-road, and Dynamic. Off-road mode transfers more torque to the rear wheels and the vehicle will stay in this mode unless its speed exceeds 25 mph and then it switches to a different mode.
Behind the wheel. The engine is not only responsive adequate when you want the vehicle to go as you please but also it is quiet. The four cylinder engine barely makes a hum as the rpm rises. It makes for a serene driving experience as it is one of the quietest wagons on the market.
According to Volvo, the Cross Country could go for 22 miles in the city and 30 on the highway. The drawback? It lacks a bit of feedback. It is distracting probably due to the added resistance to the turn-in, which feels kind of artificial.
Other than that, the 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a controlled and confident machine with a linear acceleration that doesn't pin you to the seats. Thanks to its Four-C Active Chassis and optional air suspension on the rear axle, it capable of soaking up bumps on both rough and unpaved roads minus the boat-ride experience that will turn your stomach inside out.
Exterior. Despite maintaining the sedan's handsome appearance, the 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is noticeably raised. Now 8.3 inches above ground, compared to the standard ground clearance for a regular wagon, this makes an excellent contender for wagon-wary American buyers who would rather settle for an SUV.
Up front, it sports an upright metal-studded grille and "T-shaped" LED daytime running headlights, aptly called "Thor's Hammer." While out back, clean lines extend to the back with a set of long elegant-looking tail lamps.
Interior and cabin tech. A more polished interior boasts materials used in vehicles like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. A panoramic sunroof complements the extremely supportive and comfortable heated seats. A 53.9 cubic feet of cargo is available out back.
Mounted vertically on the dashboard is a color high-resolution infotainment system. Pilot assist comes standard along with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a road sign information function, among other features.
This premium wagons is priced at $55,300. So, yeah, a bit higher compared with Audi's $44K A4 or BMW's mid-$40K 33Oi.
Overall, the 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country mixes an adventurous spirit with luxury and style. It will start arriving in US shores around March. But the Volvo's regular V90 will not be available in the States, only the Cross Country.
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