Volvo's flagship SUV in India is the XC90 and in its latest iteration, it gets some new features and new exterior shades, but the design and styling remain the same. And this is particularly good, for it retains its mature demeanour with sheer elegance. Peculiar highlights like the Thor-hammer-shaped DRLs and tall tail lamps continue to shine on this big SUV with neat proportions. The addition of more features to an already established cabin has further enhanced this package. Volvo has focused on bringing in new features like an updated air purifier, a heads-up display, a 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, connected tech, and an Android-powered infotainment system with in-built Google services. You can log in with your Google ID, access all systems, including home automated systems, download more apps from Google services, and play music directly without having to connect your phone or Android Auto as on other systems. Apple phone users would, however, require a cable to connect to CarPlay. Moreover, the latest Volvo app helps to lock/unlock the car, precondition your vehicle, and provides 24-hour support, among many other features. What's more, the instrument cluster has also been upgraded with integrated maps and looks likeable, but it could have been a bit more customisable. Nonetheless, safety-wise, there's no compromise as it’s paramount to Volvo. Apart from the usual support systems like seven airbags, pre-tensioners, whiplash protection, hill hold, auto wipers, 360 camera, updated park assist system, etc., there are more notable features. These include a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alerts, rear impact warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid with steer assist, and more, which worked flawlessly with clear road markings. The cabin still remains posh with soft leather adorning the seats and dash. This comes along with contrasting matte inlays and brushed aluminium surfaces. There are full-sized bottle-holders and even cup-holders in a cabin that remembers your seat adjustments for that perfect driving position. I still felt a bit disappointed that no updates were made for the second-row occupants. Given the good space and comfort, this one could have pampered with massaging seats or at least kept the rear passengers entertained with some screens. These aren't captain seats, but a bench and thankfully with slide, recline, and even fold flat function. Now, although third-row access continues to be tedious, two medium-sized adults can fit in with enough shoulder room. But the lack of under-thigh support will discourage them from spending hours here on a long journey. Yet, there's adequate luggage space even with all three rows up. And then, folding down the split seats provides enough versatility to fit in the luggage of different sizes and shapes. Now, the infotainment screen gets all driving aids including steering assist, lane keeping aid, and others, along with an option to get the steering firm or not. This steering firm feature does weigh up with the increase in speed but still remains fairly light at city speeds. And in case you feel the steering assist is too intrusive, you can switch this assist off from the main screen. It's a big SUV, but quite manageable for that effortless parking.

The original XC90 was the flag bearer for everything Volvo stood for in the early 2000s – practical, safe and sensible. It was extremely functional and impressive as a family SUV, but aesthetically? Not so much. Volvo, however, turned things around completely with the second-gen XC90 (introduced in 2015) which marked the start of the Swedish brand’s own take on design and luxury. With its clean elegant lines on the outside and calm, simplified interiors, the XC90 singlehandedly redefined what Volvo stood for. Seven years later, the XC90 still looks the part but it’s had its work cut-out against far newer rivals like the Mercedes GLS and the BMW X5. Naturally, Volvo wants to cater to well-heeled buyers which is why the brand has given the XC90 a new lease of life with the 2021 model that gets a cleaner petrol engine with hybrid tech. So is this rejuvenated Volvo the ultimate family SUV you should consider? Or would you be better off choosing one of its rivals? That’s what we shall be exploring in this review. Inside, the dominant black theme for the materials and vertically stacked elements remind you that you are in a Volvo before you even settle down in the front seat. The general look and feel is that of a thoroughly modern and richly appointed cabin. The whole dash, center console and the door pads are swathed in high grade leather/metal and the XC90 also gets wood and chrome inserts to break the monotony. The main display that dominates proceedings is super responsive and straight away feels familiar thanks to its tablet-like orientation. At just over 4.9m long, 2m across and with a wheelbase of nearly 3m, the XC90 is a big old beast and it shows in the amount of space you get inside. So, no surprise that there's heaps of space everywhere, with more than enough head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants in the first two rows. The cushioning and contouring on the seats is just spot on and in like all Volvos, these seats are designed with the help from Orthopaedic surgeons and without a doubt they are one of the best in the business. The new Volvo XC90 isn’t going to set your heartbeat racing as it’s a little underwhelming to drive but for all other intent and purposes, it’s a lovely, posh SUV. It’s supremely comfortable inside and gorgeous to look at (not something you say to describe a full-size SUV, I know). But Volvo is hoping that it’s base pricing and service packages would be enough to set the XC90 apart from some of its much newer rivals. Speaking of which, it’s priced at Rs 89.90 lakh ex-showroom which seems fair but what makes the deal somewhat better is that Volvo is also offering a 3 years’ service package (including regular maintenance plus wear and tear cost for 3 years) for Rs 75,000 plus taxes.