Not content with the existing lineup, Swedish carmaker Volvo has seen it fit to throw the XC90 Excellence into the mix in our market. The Excellence is, by far and away, the most upmarket XC90 to date, and commands a $20,000 premium over the previous range topper, the T8 R-Design PHEV.
Easily the most expensive XC90 ever, the top XC90 makes quite a case for itself, when you consider that its rivals in this ultra-premium segment command far higher pricetags. The Range Rover SV Autobiography starts at $347,900, while a more traditional Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $196,500. A ‘budget limousine’ in price, but not in execution.
Where the XC90’s usual selling point is unrivalled practicality, the Excellence puts luxury above all else, with seating only for four. Unlike its more pedestrian siblings, the XC90’s cabin features two individual rear seats, which are electrically-adjustable and ventilated, and feature a massage function. Separating the two captains chairs is an extension of the centre console, replete with built-in tables and heated/cooled cupholders, as well as a built-in fridge. The seats themselves are finished in perforated Nappa leather, available in either Blonde or Ash, and offer limousine-like comfort.
But that’s not all. There are touchscreen infotainment screens for rear passengers, mated to a Bowers & Wilkins sound system that promises to ensconce passengers in a premium aural experience. And to make sure that experience isn’t spoilt in any way, Volvo has increased the sound deadening material in the flagship XC90, and has even gone as far as to fit noise-cancelling tyres for the 21” alloy wheels.
Powering the XC90 is the same powertrain as its lesser T8 siblings, in the form of a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 four cylinder engine mated to an electric engine at the rear, producing a whopping 300kW and 640Nm going through all four wheels. Ten colours will be made available, with seven variations of white, grey, and black, as well as Magic Blue, Twilight Bronze, and Luminous Sand.
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