MOTORING NEWS - The range-topping Volvo XC90 Excellence is now available in South Africa. As one of the most luxurious models in Volvo's 89-year history, the flagship Swedish SUV defines the best in terms of elegance, sophistication and ultimate comfort.

 

Produced on a separate, specialised line at Volvo Cars' Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, the new XC90 Excellence is available exclusively with Volvo's T8 Twin Engine powertrain and built on the modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform as a bespoke four-seater.

 

"The XC90 Excellence offers the ultimate experience. It is our top-of-the-line XC90 offering and we have seen a lot of interest from our more affluent customers across the globe," says Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Volvo Cars. "The additional sound insulation, enhanced Bowers & Wilkins sound system and convenience of rear seat controls elevate the XC90 Excellence to a new level of luxurious calm and comfort."

 

All four seats in the XC90 Excellence are up to top-notch Volvo standards of comfort, and each feature heating, ventilation and massage functionality. The bespoke perforated Nappa leather on the seats matches the fine Nappa leather on the doors and dashboard, off-set by genuine open-pore walnut and real aluminium. As with existing XC90 T8 Twin Engine derivatives, the plug-in hybrid XC90 Excellence also features a unique Orrefors crystal gear selector.

 

Despite being as engaging to drive as any other XC90, the XC90 Excellence places its focus on the two individual rear seats. Offering full electric adjustment, which includes fine-tuning of the side bolsters and an extendable seat cushion, the rear seats are as comfortable and flexible as those up front, to provide ultimate comfort to whomever finds themselves being chauffeured in the XC90 Excellence. Built-in foot rests on the floor also elevate comfort levels and convenience is augmented by two additional storage pockets and an arm rest glove box.

 

A 230V power outlet is also available for charging laptops and similar devices while on the move, augmented by two USB ports.

 

 

Two exquisite hand-made Orrefors crystal champagne flutes are included with a unique stem design, matched by distinctive, specialised cup holders in the centre console and on each tray table when extended. 

 

A refrigerator is located between the two rear seats. Volvo's partnership with the famous Swedish glass maker, Orrefors, continues beyond just the gear lever in the XC90 Excellence - two exquisite hand-made Orrefors crystal champagne flutes are included with a unique stem design, matched by distinctive, specialised cup holders in the centre console and on each tray table when extended.

 

Another special aspect in the XC90 Excellence is the rear seat control panel, which is hidden neatly in the rear console.

 

Accessible by either of the rear passengers, the extendable panel enables touch-based control of seat adjustment, heating and cooling, and massage functions.

 

A glass partition separates the luggage area from the passenger compartment in the XC90 Excellence, which enhances soundproofing but maintains the sense of space. With the removal of the third row of seats, luggage capacity in the XC90 Excellence varies from 431-litres (with luggage cover extended) to 726-litres (loaded to roof height).

The XC90 Excellence is also perfectly matched to its smooth, quiet and technologically-advanced T8 Twin Engine drivetrain. Up front, a 235kW and 400Nm supercharged and turbocharged 2,0-litre 4-cylider Drive-E petrol engine powers the front wheels, via an 8-speed Geartronic transmission. At the rear, the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) system, which is fed by a 9,2 kWh battery pack, sees a 65kW and 240Nm electric motor powering the rear wheels - enabling all-wheel drive when necessary. Total output is 300kW and 640Nm. The vehicle is able to switch seamlessly between either engine depending on requirements and driver input.

 

As with other T8 Twin Engine XC90 derivatives, three main drive modes are available in the XC90 Excellence: Pure, Hybrid and Power. When running on electric power alone in Pure or Hybrid modes, the XC90 Excellence is a particularly quiet sanctuary. Extra sound insulation ensures that even when the combustion engine turns on in Hybrid or Power modes, noise levels remain impressively low.

 

Driving dynamics are enhanced by the standard fitment of four-corner air suspension, which maximises comfort while also maintaining dynamic stability regardless of the chosen drive mode.

Including a five year or 100 000km full vehicle warranty and full maintenance plan, the new Volvo XC90 Excellence retails for R1 550 000 and is available on an order-only basis.

 

Standard equipment highlights include the following: Full-LED headlights with Active Bending and Active High Beam, Thor's Hammer LED daytime running lights and light, signature 21" alloy wheels, extended chrome window trim, 4-corner air suspension, Orrefors crystal gear selector, Nappa leather upholstery, steering wheel, door uppers and dashboard, heated, ventilated and massaging seats (all four), linear walnut inlays, 4-zone automatic climate control including rear-seat controls and cooled glove box, CleanZone air quality system, drive mode selector, heated steering wheel, 12,3" digital instrument cluster, 9" Sensus Connect touch screen infotainment interface, head-up display, satellite navigation with free map updates for life, Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), refrigerator, Orrefors crystal champagne flutes, 230V power outlet, folding tray tables, removable tablet integration on front seat backs, automated load cover, rear window sun blinds, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, compass in rear-view mirror, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio with 20 speakers, radio, USB, DVD and Bluetooth audio compatibility, voice control, internet connectivity, keyless entry and start, heated windscreen washers and automatic wipers.

 

Standard safety equipment and driver aids: ABS, EBD, BAS, HSA, hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving up to 130 km/h, 360-degree HD camera, Park Assist Pilot including all-round parking sensors and Park Out function, City Safety autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, road sign information, run off-road mitigation and protection with impact-absorbing seats, auto brake at intersections, lane keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), seven airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), laminated glass and ISOFIX child seat anchor points,

 

For more information on how to order, visit Volvo on CJ Langenhoven Street or phone Shane on 044 801 7411.