2015 Volvo XC90 pricing and specifications

Volvo Car Australia has revealed pricing and performance details of its seven-variant second-generation XC90 line-up, confirming three engines (D5 diesel, T6 petrol and T8 plug-in hybrid petrol) and three trim levels (Momentum, Inscription and R-Design).

The $89,950 price tag on the entry all-wheel-drive Volvo XC90 D5 Momentum sees the new range start above the BMW X5 ($83,900 for the rear-wheel-drive sDrive25d, $88,900 for the AWD xDrive25d) and $83,500 Mercedes-Benz ML250 AWD, and just below the $92,600 Range Rover Sport TDV6 S AWD.

The premium Inscription trim level costs $7000 more and the sporty R-Design package another $1000. Volvo charges a $4000 premium for the T6 engine, which starts from $93,950, while the T8 plug-in costs an unprecedented $122,950. The T8 is available only in R-Design specification. The T8 and R-Design variants will arrive in the third quarter of 2015, a few months after the initial launch.

The new pricing represents a significant increase over the outgoing first-generation XC90, which is currently priced between $69,590 and $75,590. The highest price tag ever attached to an XC90 is Australia was $90,590 for the flagship V8 petrol variant between 2009 and 2011.

Powering Volvo XC90 D5 variants is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 165kW at 4250rpm and 470Nm between 1750-2500rpm and claims to consume 5.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres during combined cycle testing.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol T6 produces 236kW at 5700rpm and 400Nm between 2200-4500rpm, and claims 7.7L/100km.

The T8 ‘Twin Engine’ powertrain combines the T6 petrol engine with a 60kW electric motor for peak outputs around 300kW and 640Nm. Local specs are still to be finalised, though Volvo claims average CO₂ emissions of 60 grams per kilometre in other markets, which translates to fuel consumption of about 2.6L/100km.

The new Volvo XC90 is significantly better equipped than its predecessor, with highlights including a new high-quality interior with premium materials, a new infotainment system with an expansive portrait-aligned touchscreen and internet-linked apps and connectivity services, and world-first safety features such as automatic braking at intersections and run off road protection.

Standard features of the Momentum trim include 19-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, dual tailpipes, LED headlights with active bending function, reverse-view camera, auto parking with front and rear sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, and a power tailgate.

The cabin comes with a 9.3-inch instrument cluster screen, push-button start, cruise control, four-zone climate control, leather steering wheel and gearshift lever, leather upholstery, electric front seats, Sensus Connect audio system, satellite navigation, cross brushed aluminium interior inlays, cargo divider under load floor, child seat booster cushions, and a semi-automatic load cover.

Safety features include front collision mitigation support, road sign information, lane departure warning, and hill start assist.

The Inscription adds larger 20-inch alloys, unique front grille, ‘Bright’ exterior trim elements and roof rails, illuminated door handles and tread plates, puddle lights, hands-free tailgate opening, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning mitigation support, leather key fob, keyless entry, 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen, enhanced interior lighting Nappa leather upholstery, metal mesh inlays, and high-grade carpets.

The R-Design trim gains many of the features of the Inscription grade and uniquely features drive mode settings, steering wheel gearshift paddles, hill descent control, and a host of R-Design styling enhancements including a unique grille, front spoiler, matt silver mirror caps, tailpipes, Nappa leather sports seats, perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift lever, charcoal headliner, sports pedals and unique trim inlays.

A $4000 Driver Support pack adds 360-degree camera display, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping aid, and a head-up display.

Other features listed on the expansive options list available across the range include air suspension, heated and massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system, while the Inscription can be ordered with 21-inch wheels and the R-Design with optional 22s.

2015 Volvo XC90 pricing (before on-road costs):
D5 Momentum $89,950
D5 Inscription $96,950
D5 R-Design $97,950
T6 Momentum $93,950
T6 Inscription $100,950
T6 R-Design $101,950
T8 R-Design $122,950