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| Volvo's flagship SUV, the XC90 B6 AWD / Courtesy of Volvo Korea |
By Kim Hyun-bin
Volvo Korea has made some eco-friendly changes to its flagship SUV, the XC90, powered by a newly equipped B6 AWD powertrain engine.
The company held the "B6 Driving Experience Day" event in commemoration of the newly launched, high-quality mild hybrid engine.
There were not many changes to either the interior or exterior from the previous XC90 model, but the event was a chance to experience what the differentiated next-generation engine had to offer.
The test drive was from Seoul Marina in Yeongdeungpo to Gapyeong ― a little over 70 kilometers.
The XC90 B6 AWD Inscription has a gasoline engine base with a B6 mild hybrid powertrain, which is more fuel-efficient than the previous T6 engine while providing a smoother ride on the road.
The vehicle showcases a 1969cc displacement, a 48V mild hybrid system with 300 horsepower and a maximum torque of 42.8kg.m. The XC90 B6 can go from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system (AWD) can endure difficult weather and road conditions, supported by eight-speed transmission.
Depending on user preferences, five different drive models are offered ― ECO, Comfort, Dynamic, Off-Road and Individual ― to enhance the personal driving experience.
The XC90 is the highest-tier model among the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) series, Volvo's advanced modular product platform, which underpins all Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series. It has dimensions of 4,950x1,960x1,770mm and a weight of 2,160 kg.
"The vehicle is a little heavier compared to other vehicles, as Volvo takes extra precautionary measures in its safety," a Volvo Korea official said.
The company said the vehicle keeps the driver safe with its SPA platform, as well as numerous safety functions, such as Volvo's City Safety technology, automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems, which cover a range of potential accident scenarios.
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| Interior of the XC90 / Courtesy of Volvo Korea |
The XC90's smooth road driving gives it a sense of stability, while maintaining ease when steering the vehicle on curving roads. However, due to its weight, the driver has to put a bit more pressure on the brakes when making sudden stops.
The XC90 provides a calm and balanced environment, with a blend of high-end materials within the overall Scandinavian design. It is equipped with a crystal gear nob designed by the global high-end crystal brand Orrefos, England's B&W speakers to provide a premium sound system, an advanced air cleaner (AAC) system and a panorama sunroof.
The XC90 B6 AWD Inscription local sale price has been reduced by 2.6 million won, with the T6 model coming out at around 93 million won ($82,400).
