Test Drive: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription

Introduced in model year 2003, the XC90 (with Android Car Stereo) returns for 2016 with a clean sheet redesign. It's the first Volvo to be completely redone since the company separated from Ford in 2010. It's also the first to be built on SPA — Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, which will underpin all of the company's vehicles on a forward basis. The XC90 is a 7-passenger luxury crossover, offered in three trim levels: Momentum (MSRP $48,900), R-Design ($52,900) and Inscription ($54,500). My test driver was a range-topping Inscription. With a generous helping of options, it had a sticker price of $66,705. This is a crossover with considerable curb appeal. The handsome shape is enhanced by distinctive head and tail lamps, big, eight-spoke rims and tasteful bright work. Stylish too is the interior. The combination of colors, materials and trim (Nappa leather and walnut on Inscription) give the XC90's cabin a first class look. In the rush to stay current, automakers are increasingly discarding traditional, dashboard controls in favor of electronics. Problems arise because the shelf life on technology is short. By the time the product reaches market, the bugs aren't always worked out, and the techniques may be dated, compared to the always-evolving marketplace. The result is that, the car controlled electronics often don't work as well as the devices that they mimic (tablets, smartphones). Volvo bucks this trend with their Sensus touchscreen; the access point for most system functions. The 9-inch screen accesses navigation, HVAC, and audio, using moves (pinch, swipe, tap) familiar to anyone with a tablet or smartphone. Admittedly, some operational speed was sacrificed for style. Adjustments for temperature and fan, for example, would be faster with conventional controls. But, unlike many tech-heavy interfaces, this one works well — provided that you commit yourself to some initial study time, to familiarize yourself with the process. What about install Car DVD? The second row seats slide, recline and are sized to fit adults. An integrated child seat is an available option. Row three suits kids best, and folds flat for a level load floor. Cargo capacity is 13 cubic feet behind row three, 41.8 cu. ft. aft of row two, and 85.7 cu. ft. behind row one — good numbers, compared to the competition. Liftover height in back is comfortable — and also adjustable, on air suspension equipped models — to get lower still. The liftgate opens with the sweep of a leg — convenient, when your arms are full. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the engine size sounds small, for a crossover weighing 4,627 lb., the T6 four benefits from both supercharging and turbocharging. So boosted, horsepower ratings are 316 @ 5,700 rpm, and 295 lb. ft. of torque @ 2,200 rpm. Volvo's claimed 6.1 seconds from 0-60 mph feels optimistic, but only a little. The XC90 is quick, the twin boost keeps the power flowing at all speeds, and the engine cruises quietly. Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 lb. EPA's fuel economy estimates are 20 city/25 highway, and I averaged 24 m.p.g.'s overall, in a week of driving that had a heavy dose of highways. Stylish and sophisticated, the new XC90 gives shoppers something new and distinctive to consider, in the luxury crossover segment. As the name suggests, this system helps you keep it between the lines — literally — by actively steering you back into the lane, when you're about to cross the painted lines. The system is pretty assertive, sometimes correcting when the car is just drifting towards a line, and in those cases, there's a sense of having a mild, tug of war with the car. My take is this. For normal driving, it's a little too intrusive. But, if you're faced with a long, nighttime trip, for example, I would by all means engage the Lane Keeping Aid. No such system is a substitute for the driver paying attention or being properly rested, but it's nice when a car has your back. If installing an Android Car Gps in your car, that would be great!