Since going under the control of China’s->ke2090 Geely,->ke3815 Volvo->ke188 has been steadily making improvements. We already know all about the new XC90,->ke3145 but at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show->ke2470, Volvo showed off a super-luxurious version of the new SUV->ke145 that it dubbed the XC90 Excellence. With its 2+2 seating and bottle chiller, this Swedish luxo-cruiser looks prepped to take on the likes of Bentley->ke15 and Rolls-Royce.->ke74
From its debut in the 2003 model year through 2014, the XC90 remained nearly unchanged, as Volvo’s focus was mostly on making the model as safe as possible. For the 2016 model year, however, the SUV underwent a complete overhaul, making it more luxurious and dynamic than ever before.
Can this decked-out version of Volvo’s largest SUV really make it as a contender to the two stalwarts in the super-luxury->ke505 segment?
Updated 03/25/2016: Volvo released pricing details for the XC90 Excellence when it debuted at the New York Auto Show. It will be produced in limited numbers, and will have a starting price of $104,900.
Continue reading my full review of the 2016 Volvo XC90 Excellence to find out.
For more information on the standard 2016 Volvo XC90, you can read our full review here.
2016 Volvo XC90 Excellence
- Make: Array
- Model: 2016 Volvo XC90 Excellence
- Engine/Motor: inline-4
- Horsepower: 400
- Torque: 472
Exterior
At first glance, this XC90 may seem like any old model. But there are a few key details setting the XC90 Excellence apart from its less luxurious siblings. The giveaways are the chrome caps on the B- and C-pillars, and the chrome moldings on the lower section of the doors. On the front portion of the moldings on the doors are “Excellence” logos.
Other than the chrome bits and the sound-deadening Pirelli tires, the exterior of the XC90 Excellence is identical to the rest of the XC90 lineup. Not at all a bad thing, as the XC90 is a stunning-looking SUV that uses a simple design with upscale elements, like the Thor’s Hammer LED running lights.
Interior
The cabin is where all the insane luxury really shows up in the XC90 Excellence. It starts with a 2+2 seating arrangement that gives each passenger his own personal space. Given that the standard XC90 seats seven, you can imagine how much room each passenger has. Each seat is wrapped in premium leather and has a massage feature, ventilation, and the ability to recline for optimum comfort.
The rear seats also offer the utmost in convenience, as each seat has its own folding tray table and touchscreen. Also included is a refrigerator to hold your expensive wine or champagne, and to store your special Swedish crystal glasses, which Volvo includes with this model, chilled. And don’t forget about the obligatory heated and cooled cup holders, footrests, ambient lighting, and illuminated storage area.
To help deliver that true luxury ambience, Volvo installed a luggage-compartment dividing screen and an ionic air cleaner, and increased the amount of sound-deadening material.
This ultra-premium cabin is rounded out with a Nubuck textile headliner and a modified 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with a surround effect for the rear passengers.
Needless to say, this is one decked-out Volvo that, on paper, rivals some of the best Mercedes->ke187 and BMW->ke178 have to offer.
Drivetrain
Though Volvo doesn’t mention the drivetrain, in the images I can see that this is based on the T8 Twin-Engine model. This means that the XC90 Excellence makes use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 318 horsepower, and an electric motor. The combined output is 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, which results in a 5.9-second sprint to 62 mph.
In addition to being very quick, the XC90 Excellence will also be efficient. The T8 Twin-Engine drivetrain delivers 59 mpg-e and up to 25 miles of electric-only driving. I am sure that the Excellence model will be a good bit heavier than the standard XC90, so these ratings may fall slightly.
Prices
The XC90 Excellence goes on sale in the U.S. this summer and will be priced at $104,900 before options, taxes, and delivery. If you're interested in buying one, keep a close eye on dealerships, because it will be produced in limited numbers and will probably sellout quickly.
Competition
BMW X5 Individual
BMW Individual may not make the X5->ke326 a 2+2 SUV, but it has a level of luxury that nearly rivals the Volvo XC90 Excellence. Individuals can take the already luxurious X5 and add in bespoke colors, Merino leather, super high-end wood trim, a special steering wheel, and more.
Read our full review here.
Bentley Bentayga
Comparing a Volvo to a Bentley; yeah, I know, it’s ridiculous. But this isn’t your normal old Volvo, and the Bentayga isn’t your typical Bentley. The Bentayga’s details are still a little unclear at this point, but there are rumors floating around. One such rumor is that it will carry a W-12 as its range-topping engine and an Audi->ke14-sourced 4.0-liter V-8 as its lower-level powerplant. There is also the possibility of a diesel engine. Of course, the Volvo should be at least $70,000 cheaper than the Bentley, which most estimates put at around $200,000.
Read our full review here.
Conclusion
This SUV is straight out of left field. Who would have ever thought that Volvo would push the new XC90 to this level of luxury? I know I certainly didn’t. However, with Bentley slated to enter the SUV market and Rolls Royce reportedly doing the same, this is the perfect time to strike. To make things even better, this model should undercut the Bentley and the possible 2017 Roller SUVs by a significant amount, making it ideal for less well-off executives. The only question really left burning is whether it will be available in the U.S., or not.