DRIVE
146 — (^) JULY 2019
The centre console that divides
the two rear seats also gets a
cavity that can store your elixir
of choice, along with two hand-
crafted Oreffors crystal glasses
Volvo likes to throw in with this
car. The brand’s new interior
design language is refreshingly
minimalistic yet indulgent,
with swathes of organic birch
wood and a large, button-free
touchscreen interface that
controls one of the best sound
systems in the business.
Even the gear knob gets a
crystal treatment, although it’s
the least ergonomic feature in the
car, requiring repetitive thumbing
in order to move from Reverse to
Drive. Still, this is the uncluttered,
new-age face of Swedish opulence,
and it feels dramatically different
from its competition.
BOY SCOUT
The XC90 T8 is tasteful in how WORDS: PARTH CHARAN
plush it is, and even though it’s
a large, imposing block of luxury
mobility, its hybrid status makes
it a fairly conscientious choice.
The added benefit of fuel efficiency
makes it a tempting one. There’s
something extremely soothing
and, dare I say, benevolent,
about the XC90 – its crease-free
design and softened edges mask
its sheer size, giving it a very
friendly countenance. Amid the
constant chaos of urban traffic,
the T8 is a tub of serenity and
calm, never losing its composure,
never announcing its presence in
an ostentatious manner. It’s got
every characteristic Volvo trait.
Except, it also possesses a certain
eagerness, a propensity for hair-
trigger throttle responses that lie
underneath its otherwise-placid
demeanour. And that, in particular,
sets it apart from the fray, making
it not only a sensible choice, but
also a compelling one.
(Above) Volvo provides two
charging stations that can
charge the battery in 2.5 hours
by connecting it to a 220V wall
socket; (Below) A touchscreen
console and crystal glasses are
about as plush as Volvos get
"amid the constant chaos of urban traffic,
the t8 is a tub of serenity and calm, never
losing its composure, never announcing its
presence in an ostentatious manner"