NORDIC LUXURY

Scandinavian calm meets commanding road presence in the XC90

- By Kurt Morris

Sweden may be known for a lot of things — ABBA, meatballs, winter depression — but if you had to pick its most iconic exports, you'd probably think of IKEA and the God of Thunder, Thor, both of which have captured imaginations worldwide. Another understated but equally significant Swedish export is Volvo, a firm that's made its name through decades of safety-first engineering, clean design, and a very different approach to luxury than is the norm. The XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, carries forward this legacy, and if you look closely, you'll find tiny Swedish flags stitched subtly into the car — a quiet nod to its heritage (never mind the Chinese ownership) and a fun little Easter egg hunt for those who appreciate the details.

While the luxury SUV segment in India is dominated by the big German trio — Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi — Volvo has been carving out a quieter, more niche space for itself. The XC90, over the years, has built a loyal following, thanks to its distinctive design, focus on safety, and a very user-friendly approach. The latest update might not seem revolutionary at first glance, but under the skin, Volvo insists it's a whole new platform, with a more evolved character. And as I discovered, the XC90 has a lot going for it, especially if you prefer serenity over swagger.

From the moment you step into the driver's seat, the XC90 projects a sense of calm authority. It's a large, road-commanding SUV, no doubt, but never overwhelming to drive. The upright seating position gives a great view of the road ahead, and the massive glasshouse means visibility is excellent from nearly every angle. Navigating this sizeable SUV through chaotic city traffic or tight parking spots doesn't feel like a chore, thanks to a light steering feel at low speeds, and an overall sense of spatial awareness baked into the design.