Home Consumer Steve Hammes: The XC90 “The Most Groundbreaking Vehicle” Volvo Ever Built

Steve Hammes: The XC90 “The Most Groundbreaking Vehicle” Volvo Ever Built

2016 Volvo XC90
2016 Volvo XC90

I have an affinity for Scandinavian things; Helly Hansen, Roxette, and the Norwegian pavilion at EPCOT to name just a few. So it’s nice to see an all-new Volvo emerging, definitely a car company on the rise. And it’s lead by a stunningly beautiful, fresh take on the 3 row SUV. This is the 2016 XC90.

The previous generation XC90 lingered for an unheard of 12 model years without a complete redesign. But lo and behold, our patience has been rewarded with the most groundbreaking vehicle the Swedish-based automaker has ever built in its nearly 90 year history. Volvo has had plenty of time to sweat the details and it shows.

2016 VOLVO XC90 VIDEO REVIEW

Fundamentally, this XC90 serves the same purpose as the one before; a sport utility capable of transporting 5 to 7. But that’s just about where the parallels end. It starts with a design of elegance and strength befitting its Scandinavian roots. This R-Design trim is for those who seek a sportier, dynamic and expressive experience with increased visual appeal and enhanced attitude. Furthering the eye candy is this choice of Bursting Blue Metallic extra charge paint and the optional 22” wheels. The R-Design treatment costs $4,000 and bundles 16 unique, mostly aesthetic features including Active Bending LED headlights, a front spoiler, special grille and contoured front buckets with suede inserts that preserve Volvo’s reputation as having the best seats in the biz. The attention to detail is exquisite with small Swedish flags sewn into the seats and even a nod to Volvo’s pioneering of the 3 point safety belt. Sure, there’s an Inscription model if you’d rather a more buttoned up luxury experience but for me, this R-Design look elevates the XC90 to legendary status.

Faith Based Events

This is a fully loaded T6 R Design; more powerful than the T5 and without the plug of the T8. And it’s unlike any Volvo to come before it. Absolutely nothing in here resembles previous Volvos I’ve driven. It’s a clean sheet redesign in the truest form, exuding a sense of luxury that’ll have you seeing Jaguar.

[vc_btn title=”More from Steve on the XC90″ style=”outline” color=”primary” size=”lg” align=”left” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Ftestdrivenow.com%2F2016-volvo-xc90-video-review%2F2016|title:More%20from%20Steve%20on%20the%20XC90|target:%20_blank”][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”turquoise”]By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes for SouthFloridaReporter.com May 4, 2016 [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”green”]Related Stories[/vc_message]

Disclaimer

The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components


A premiere automotive resource featuring video reviews by America’s top automotive critic Steve Hammes. Having road tested more than 2,000 new vehicles, Hammes, known as “The Go-to-Guy Before You Buy”, delivers at least two new reviews of his first-hand test drive experiences each week.