The Volvo XC90, first introduced in 2003, was a mega-hit, gaining MotorTrend's SUV of the Year in 2003, and the North American Car of the Year award. Even Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has famously owned three of the previous-gen XC90's and has praised them for being incredibly practical and pleasant to drive. Those are some big shoes to fill for this second-gen XC90, but it seems Volvo->ke188 is up to the task.

The second generation XC90 will debut in 2015 and is said to be brimming with the latest and greatest automotive technology.->ke1701 To celebrate the year Volvo was founded, the first 1,927 buyers who order their crossover->ke288 online will get what's called the First Edition XC90. These few lucky buyers will get a fully loaded XC90, with many exclusive items that won't be found on the standard model.

If you want one of these First Edition Swede's you're gonna have to hurry. Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales says, “Those who want to be among the first ones to own the best SUV->ke145 in the world have to act fast. The huge interest in the all-new XC90 indicates that the First Edition will sell out quickly.” Whoever gets one of these First Edition models will get to own a very special version of quite possibly the best all around SUVs on the market.

Updated 09/05/2014: The new XC90 is already a smashing success, as all 1,927 XC90 First Edition units were sold in just 47 hours. The model was released Wednesday, September 1, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. CET and in no time it was gone, with an average of 7 cars sold every minute.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volvo XC90 First Edition

2015 Volvo XC90 First Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volvo XC90 First Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 316
  • Torque: 295
  • Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

These First Edition models will be distinguished from the standard models with unique, numbered tread plates and a First Edition-exclusive badge on the tailgate. The First Edition models will also come with Onyx Black exterior paint and 21-inch wheels. The XC90 will also feature new LED headlights, which Volvo calls 'Thor's Hammer' due to the hammer-like shape of the LED strip.

Interior

The interior will be a feature-rich cabin equipped with Amber colored, Nappa leather sears with the fronts being power-operated, heated, and ventilated. The second row are power-folding and heated, while the third row is just power-folding. The big, stand-out feature of the interior is the large tablet-like screen that dominated the dashboard and controls most of the vehicle via touch, with few physical buttons aiding it. Volvo claims this screen represents an entirely new way to operate a vehicle. The interior will also sound fantastic thanks to a 1900 watt, 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkens sound system with air-ventilated subwoofers.

The new XC90 wouldn't be a Volvo without being the safest car on the road. The XC90 features the standard array of Volvo safety gadgets such as the City Safe auto brake function and a Collision Detection system that now can sense both vehicles and pedestrians during the day and at night. The two big ones, however, are the Run-Off road protection feature and the capability to auto brake at an intersection. Volvo claims those last two are world-firsts.

Drivetrain

The engine is an all-new four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged to create and output of 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and power all four wheels. The XC90 First Edition models will all ride on four-corner air suspension with electronically controlled damping with five different settings, one being tailored by the driver.

Pricing

The price tag for the First Edition is $65,900, which isn't bad for a seven-passenger SUV with more technology and equipment than some space shuttles. All 1,927 units of the First Edition model sold out within 47 minutes of Volvo opening its ordering books.

Competition

Land Rover LR4

Starting at $50,625, the LR4 is similarly priced the the First Edition and comes with similar levels to kit. However, where the First Edition is more about creature comforts and safety where the LR4 is more about off-road capability. The XC90 shouldn't be a slouch off-road, but it simply can't compete with the all-terrain pedigree of the Land Rover. The current LR4 is getting a bit old, so look for the new Discovery to be the real competition to the brand new XC90.

BMW X5

The all-new X5 comes with similar levels of technology at a similar price, starting at $53,200. The X5 also has seven seats, a turbocharged engine and is about equally adept off-road. The X5 will probably be the XC90s biggest competitor, as they are both aimed at the same audience. Whereas the Land Rover is aimed more towards off-road capability, the XC90 and X5 are aimed more toward comfort and luxury.

Conclusion

The XC90 has always been and always will be right at the top of the best seven-seat SUVs to buy. It's everything you could possibly need in a vehicle and it offers all of that at a good price, along with Volvo's industry-leading safety. The First Edition makes the XC90 that much more special buy adding exclusive exterior and interior options, as well as class-leading technology all for a reasonable price. Those lucky 1,927 First Edition buyers will get an excellent SUV with some exclusive items, all wrapped in an attractive package. Hopefully this new XC90 will be at least as good as the last, if so the First Edition will mean a lot more to those first few buyers.