2017 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD R-Design - Detailed Walkaround, Review and Test Drive!

This Volvo has been kindly provided by Bangarage Zuidoost, the Volvo dealer in Amsterdam!

The #Volvo #XC90 you see in front of you, is the brand new XC90 #R-Design. The current generation XC90 was introduced in 2014 for the 2015 model year, and is a completely new design, drawn from the ground up from scratch.

The design of the new XC90 is characterized by angular lines that make it look big and masculine. The big and powerful looks don’t make the design lose its elegance and simplicity however. Spacious and loaded with the latest technology for comfort and safety, the 2017 XC90 is a true Volvo.

The lines of the XC90 R-Design boast classic proportions with straight vertical lines and a long hood, combined with modern elements like full LED headlamps, silk metal accents, 20” diamond cut alloy wheels and a dual exhaust. The front bumper of the R-Design features an extra lower air dam and the mirrors have a unique bright silver color with matte finish.

The back of the new XC90 takes a wide stance and features the signature vertical Volvo tail lamps.

The technical innovations in the XC90 already start when you open the door for the first time. Grabbing the door handle is enough to unlock the #SUV, while the illuminated entry assists you during those dark arctic winters.

Volvo’s new SUV features gorgeous all-LED lighting. Optionally, the headlamps also feature active high beam, which controls each LED unit individually to turn off only the LED’s that may blind oncoming drivers, leaving the rest of the high beam intact.

Radar systems detect objects all around the car, which proves especially helpful in tight corners. These radars also detect oncoming traffic and large animals to perform an emergency break if necessary.

Done driving, and looking for the button to lock the car? Look no further, just lay your finger gently on the door handle and the XC90 goes to sleep.

The power liftgate also features a separate button with which the car can be locked immediately after closing the gate.

With all the doors and locks working to the touch, you won’t need the keyfob at all. Which is unfortunate, because for the R-Design it is as beautifully designed as the rest of the car.

One of the most amazing things about this Volvo however, might be the power it gets from a tiny 2 liter engine. We drove the T8 Twin Engine all-wheel-drive version, which features a hybrid powertrain. Thought an electric drivetrain and a turbo would add enough power to a 4 cylinder engine? Volvo didn’t think so, and added a supercharger as well! This results in a combined power of 407 hp, 472 lb-ft of torque (640 nm) and an unbelievable acceleration to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

But of course, you won’t drive it like that. For you it’s all about the environment, right? Driving a fully charged XC90 slowly in city traffic in Pure mode does make it able to drive all-electric, sending its power to the rear wheels. What we liked about this is that when more power is needed, the gas engine kicks in while the electric motors stay active as well which either provides for awesome acceleration, or fuel savings. Performance can be further enhanced by using the drive select knob to select the Power mode which continuously sends power from both the electric engine and the gas engine to all four wheels.


Seen that gorgeous 12" screen? It’s the biggest display available and standard on the R-Design. Volvo calls it Sensus, and it’s basically a tablet display that replaces most physical buttons.

What sets this display apart from touch screens in most other cars, is that it really feels like you’re controlling a tablet. You can swipe left and right, do kinetic scrolling, and everything is butter smooth.

What we like even more about it, is the cool things you can do with it. For example, there is a setting to control the passenger seat from your own seat. How elitist is that! Even the windshield wipers can be controlled with it.

So that’s all pretty awesome. But it’s software. How about the things we really care about? The things we can touch and feel?

Our R-Design edition has a charcoal colored interior, accented with Silk Metal trim details. And the quality of it is stunning. The R-line has its emphasis on sportiness. Door trim panels have carbon fibre inlays and Volvo calls the aluminum trim ‘metal mesh’.

The package furthermore enhances the looks of the SUV with illuminated R-Design running boards, fully power adjustable R-Design contour seats with optional Nappa leather, R-Design badges, a gorgeous shifter designed by Swedish glass design house Orrefors, and look at this drive mode selector… it seems Volvo spent more time designing the shifter alone, than some other brands spent to design a complete car!