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Volvo XC90 2.0 B6P Ultimate Dark 5dr AWD Geartronic Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

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With 296bhp, this supercharged 2.0-litre petrol packs a real punch. 0-62mph takes just 6.7 seconds and it feels noticeably less strained than the B5 when packed to the hilt with people and luggage. However, to extract this performance, you do have to rev it rather hard, which feels at odds with the XC90s relaxed nature. Ultimately, the diesel is a better fit for the XC90 thanks to its extra urgency at low revs. 

2.0 B6P

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC90

Ultimate

2.0 B6P Ultimate Dark 5dr AWD Geartronic

20-b6p-ultimate-dark-5dr-awd-geartronic

Rear wash/wipe with intermittent wipe setting

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats

8 speed automatic transmission with start/stop + manual change functions

Power driver seat with multi directional lumbar support and memory for seat and exterior mirrors

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Power passenger seat with multi directional lumbar support and memory

4 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter

Auto folding and heated power door mirrors

LED front fog lights with cornering light function

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a fine luxury SUV that combines a high quality, spacious and versatile interior with plenty of kit and top-notch safety credentials. The Audi Q7 is still a better overall package, though, and don't rule out the Land Rover Defender if you're happy with something slightly more rugged.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Logical and beautifully built interior, with great infotainment</li> <li>More than enough space for five passengers or, even better, seven</li> <li>Strong performance along with impressive efficiency</li> <li>Composed handling that limits any feeling of unwieldiness</li></ul>

We class a luxury SUV as being anything where our pick of the range costs more than £45,000 – and at this price point, buyers' expectations are high. So, as well as all of the qualities that make regular SUVs such well-rounded choices –&nbsp;such as decent space for passengers and luggage, a classy interior and robust materials – we also want a cosseting ride, the latest driver assistance technology and enough space to really stretch out.

The Land Rover Discovery proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a luxurious SUV, but if you've got a bit more to spend, the Audi Q7 is perennially popular among buyers, and with good reason. Or, at the very top of this market, there are newer additions such as the BMW X7 to consider.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Volvo XC90 2.0 B6P Ultimate Dark 5dr AWD Geartronic Review

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