LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
The 2015 Volvo XC90 is one of the Swedish manufacturer’s nicest launches in a while; it’s impressive on all fronts, from its design, to the technology on offer to the variety of available powertrains. With the emergence of more and more luxurious SUVs, Volvo has responded by revealing the XC90 Excellence at the Shanghai Auto Salon.
From the exterior stylistic perspective, there isn’t all that much to distinguish it from “lesser” XC90 models; indeed, a special grille and lower door appliqués inscribed with “Excellence” are the biggest differences.
Inside is where we really see the transformation to “Excellence” undertaken by this particular XC90.
Gone is the third row of seating (let’s be honest; chances are no more than two people—the driver and his diplomat charge–are ever going to ride in one of these at any given time), replaced by a roomier 2nd row with a center console loaded with all manner of creature comforts. To have as many accessories as you see here, you’d have to look at something like the Range Rover LWB; fold-out tables, massive central storage bin, fine leather and plenty of real wood finish are all on-hand.
In addition to all that, rear seat passengers will get to enjoy slightly reclined seating (on climate controlled, massaging chairs) and monitors mounted to the front seat headrests. Volvo has also partnered with glass maker Orrefors for some custom, handcrafted crystal stemware. The glasses sit firmly in cupholders that can be heated or cooled.
Just so the driver isn’t forgotten, the shift lever is also finished in crystal to match.
In order to ensure a quiet ride, special low-rolling-resistance tires have been by developed by Pirelli to reduce road noise. Bowers and Wilkins was contracted to build the 19-speaker sound system.
For the time being, Volo hasn’t confirmed its plans regarding the XC90 Excellence for markets outside of China. However, knowing the Swedish manufacturer’s plans for expansion, we could very well be seeing this ultra-luxury model joining the rest of the XC90 line-up in other world markets.
