That the XC90 would be the first of an entire new breed of Volvo, we already knew coming in.
A new chassis (flexible enough to be used under all Volvos but for the smallest V40), new engines (all 2.0-litre, all-turbo, all-Swedish designed and built) and a new paymaster underwriting the costs (Chinese giant Geely, which now also owns Proton, Lotus, and London Taxi).
The thing is, we didn’t quite realise just how appealing it was going to be. The XC90 is massive (and can actually be a bit intimidating in small car parks), as comfortable as it is big, has a gorgeous cabin (with its big iPad-alike touchscreen, still the best infotainment setup around) and lots of seats.
Seven to be exact, and unlike most rivals, you can keep the extra seats even if you go for the T8 plugin hybrid, so good is Volvo’s packaging. You’re better off, for now, in a 190hp D4 diesel though, which is mostly refined and smooth, although not as quiet as some rival engines.
29: Ford Fiesta – Hard to notice the revamp but still very, very good to drive
30: Hyundai Tucson – Ireland’s best-selling car eclipses traditiona saloons and hatchbacks
31: Lexus GS – one of the consistently satisfying big executive cars around
32: Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Well-thought out premium saloon
Actually, refinement is the XC90’s only Achilles Heel - it’s a touch rough-edged over bumps, and a little noisy on main roads.
Best model: D4 Inscription AWD
Prices start from: €65,700
Finance package from: €599
CO2 emissions: 49-149g/km
Sum-up: The best Big Swede since Henrik Stenson.