2 minute read
On the Test-Drive Trail
ON THE TEST-DRIVE TRAIL The Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design
BY BRUCE CAMERON, BLACK PRESS CONTRIBUTOR
Even before hitting the road to test drive the Volvo XC90 T8, the first thing my wife and I noticed as we climbed into the car were the supple and incredibly adaptive seats—complete with Napa leather, heat, lumbar support (great for my back which gets sore during long drives), seat extensions and, yes, even a massage function.
This car is truly comfort taken to the next level; it feels like sitting in first class on a transpacific flight. It has numerous features that luxury-car consumers will appreciate, even with its price tag of $86,300 to $96,590 (for a fully loaded option).
Once we’d explored some of the car’s creature comforts, we turned our attention to the on-board infotainment screens, which presented hundreds of options to customize the driving experience, from various SiriusXM channels to finely tuned feedback on all vehicle functions, ranging from gas mileage to air pressure in the tires. Then there was the 19-speaker audio system by Bowes and Wilkins, providing an immersive experience and transporting passengers into the best seats in the house—specifically, at a concert at the Gothenburg Cathedral.
Pairing the system with our cell phones was seamless and convenient, while backing up and parking with the 360-degree-surround-view camera—presented as an overhead image—was surreal. Picture a drone hovering overhead, looking down and displaying all the roadside features and potential obstructions in perfect detail.
But no test drive of the XC90 would be complete without a thorough exploration of the vehicle’s power, handling and meticulously crafted safety features. Fortunately, we had the pleasure of taking the XC90 T8 R-Design—in a beautiful metallic blue colour— up out of Vancouver and onto the mountain roads and passes in BC’s interior. The graceful comfort of the vehicle’s interior was mirrored in the ride: from acceleration to braking, everything was silky smooth. The eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with eAWD and 400 HP carried us along with power to spare.
Volvo has made its name over the decades based on its determined quest for safety and the XC90 proved its pedigree. After cruising through the slick winding mountain passes along Highway 3, we suddenly encountered a herd of elk on the road just outside of Grand Forks. My instinctive defensive driving skills kicked in and as I braked, I swerved to the right to avoid the elk herd. The XC90 responded without missing a beat and we were around the obstacle and on our way after the close call. The extent of engineering that helped us avoid the collision is detailed and impressive, but suffice to say the active yaw-control-powering micro-braking for each wheel helped us maintain control almost effortlessly. Traversing the slush and ice in other mountain passes was also aided by Volvo’s winter-tested technology.
The only downside of the XC90 might be the hybrid aspect; with a range of only 30 electric kilometres, the hybrid functions became an afterthought hundreds of miles out of the city, where I assume the versatility of the hybrid design would be on better display. Regardless, the fuel economy on our four-day trip was impressive and we agreed that the Volvo XC90 T8 is a perfect fit for consumers seeking a powerful luxury SUV.
