Review: Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription

Scandinavian estate gains four-wheel drive and high spec.
Graham Scott|Autocar22 September 2016

If you want a big Volvo estate then you’re going to have a diesel engine. A petrol-hybrid, the T8 Twin Engine, will be with us later but, for now, you have a simple binary choice.

Do you want the D4 with a 2.0-litre diesel giving 188bhp through the front wheels or a D5 2.0-litre diesel giving 232bhp through all four wheels? Either option comes with an eight-speed auto transmission.

Then there are two trim levels, Momentum or (as here) Inscription. That’s pretty much it. Other versions with more sporty or more cross-country prowess will be coming, but for now you can simply play with the options list. Our test vehicle had over £10,000 of extras, for instance, including a very fine Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Underneath it all is the classic large, luxurious Scandinavian estate, and that’s no bad thing at all. It looks more modern now, and it is more modern, but you still feel this thing really can cope with a Swedish winter. It’s practical too, with the sort of boot space that is only really beaten by the Mercedes E-Class Estate. It’s really easy to get stuff in and out too, with the split folding backrests adding flexibility.

The cabin feels luxurious in this Inscription trim, with plenty of wood and high-quality materials, done in that distinctive way that makes the Volvo stand out from the German opposition. It’s comfy too, with big seats and plenty of adjustment all round.

In the centre is that large portrait-shaped 9.0in touchscreen, which is based on the company’s own system. It’s easy and logical to use once you’ve got used to how it works.

Volvo’s engineers have shown their original thinking elsewhere in the car, with the addition of PowerPulse, which you can only find on the D5. Basically, it’s a system that pumps air into the exhaust manifold as the driver accelerates. This means the first turbocharger is pushed into spinning earlier than it would have been, with the result that turbo lag is virtually abolished. The effect is very pleasing.

There’s plenty of engine power and torque for such a car, although you can sharpen everything up, from power to steering, by choosing Dynamic mode. We’d rather leave it in Comfort mode since that gives the best all-round response but, if you’re not in a hurry and feel you want to personally make a difference to polar bears, there is an Eco mode too.

Naturally, talking of polar bears, there is all kind of safety and semi-autonomous tech on board, including a system that reacts if a large animal wanders out in front of you – a problem in some inner cities.

The now-Chinese owned Volvo company seems to be enjoying a resurgence, started by the new XC90 and followed up by the V90. This is a big estate car that is

proud to be different, to travel a road less travelled, like all those Swedish back roads. Pricing is very attractive and a lot else is too. Welcome back Volvo.

KEY STATS - Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD

Price £44,055 (as tested £54,925)
Engine 4 cyls in line, 1969cc, diesel
Power 232bhp at 4000rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2000kg (est)
0-62mph 7.2sec
Top speed 145mph
Economy 57.6mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band 129g/km, 25%
Rivals Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate

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