Volvo V90 Cross Country
FIRST UK DRIVE We see if latest rugged estate builds on Volvo’s winning formula
Stylish estate gets some rugged add-ons to enhance appeal
IT’S been 20 years since Volvo introduced the Cross Country nametag on the firstgeneration V70. By adding rugged cladding, 4WD and a raised ride height, the brand created a neat compromise between a practical family car and a tough 4x4.
Crucially, Volvo also beat Audi to the punch; its car entered dealers two years ahead of its rival’s strikingly similar Allroad. A few decades on, it’s still Sweden versus Germany; the new V90 Cross Country has arrived to rival not only the established A6 Allroad, but also Mercedes’ upstart E-class All Terrain. Our first UK drive of the Volvo aims to see if the original recipe can still deliver.
It’s business as usual on the outside. A 65mm ride height increase (5mm of that due to higher-profile off-road tyres), plastic arch and lower body extenders, skid plates and Cross Country lettering on the rear bumper are all design cues found on the original. It’s familiar, then, but the V90’s sleek and modern profile is a world away from the ‘box on wheels’ silhouette of old Volvos. It looks great, and is far more distinctive than the now five-year-old Audi.
Inside, there are precious few differences over the normal V90, other than matt wood inlays and cross-stitched leather. It feels exceptionally comfortable, with solid materials and a minimalist yet upmarket design. Volvo asks an extra £1,500 over the equivalent V90 Momentum AWD, with similar levels of kit including the nine-inch touchscreen sat-nav, LEDS, an electric tailgate and semi-autonomous Pilot Assist.
The Cross Country is as practical as ever, too. There’s a lot of rear space, and while the 560-litre boot is smaller than those of some rivals, it’s versatile and usable.
The driving experience is generally pretty accomplished. Our car’s 232bhp D5 diesel uses innovative Powerpulse tech. In basic terms, this stores high-pressure air ready for release into the turbo on demand, eliminating that familiar lag.
The system doesn’t make the V90 faster outright, but the car does feel more responsive to throttle inputs at any revs. It’s a punchy and refined unit that belies its modest size thanks to 480Nm of torque, although it doesn’t feel massively quicker than the cheaper D4. Six-cylinder competitors are smoother and less intrusive at lower speeds, however.
Along with the increased ride height, Volvo has widened the track to boost stability and aid off-road work. The suspension has been tuned to feel much like that of the
“Punchy and refined engine belies modest size due to 480Nm of torque”
regular V90 on the tarmac. Driven back-toback with its stablemate, the Cross Country feels less different than you might expect, with the same soft, well damped ride.
Unfortunately, large bumps and surface ripples can still upset its composure, even with our car’s optional adaptive dampers and rear air suspension. There’s also a bit more pitch in high-speed corners – although that’s arguably not as big a concern for buyers.
The Volvo’s impressive dual personality shows up off the tarmac, too, with the dedicated off-road mode and standard Hill Descent Control – plus good ground clearance – letting it keep up with most full-size SUVS.
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