Pretend for a moment that I'm taking you for a spin in a new, high performance SUV. There's a twist though to this pleasantry- you're blindfolded. After a short stint through the corners and in the passing lane, I'll ask you to name the vehicle we're in. I can already hear the list of German responses:
Porsche ,
BMW ,
Audi . Doubtful I'll hear "Volvo" among the slate of exotica.
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| Keeping your passengers blindfolded will perpetuate the mystery of origin. |
R-Design distinction A pair of twin-tipped exhaust ports boldly announces the XC90 R-Design from the rear. If that's not a dead giveaway to its heightened performance, listen to the specially tuned exhaust note emanating from the pipes or cast your eyes to the 20-inch wheels filling the colour-coordinated fender extensions. In the detective business these are called clues, clues that you're not dealing with your average Swede.Clues are also found inside the cabin of Volvo's seven-occupant all-wheel-drive (AWD) luxury SUV. The 'R-Design' embossed leather seats along with 'watch dial' instrumentation and aluminum inlays confirm the rig's special status.
R-Design more than visual Most notable about
R-Design is the sport-tuned suspension that Volvo engineers have designed to enhance the vehicle's handling dynamics. Firmer shocks and stiffer stabilizer bars along with anti-dive and anti-lift functionality ensure flat cornering and exceptional road-holding tenacity.
V8 power Although a 235 horsepower 6-cylinder engine is available in the XC90 R-Design, the optional 4.4-litre DOHC V8 propelled my tester. This potent bad boy is transversely mounted under the XC90's slim hoodline. It employs continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) to generate 311 horsepower @ 5,850 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque @ 3,900 rpm. An automatic six-speed Driver-Adaptive Geartronic transmission backups both powerplants.
Now, back to our drive Front seating in the XC90 R-Design is tremendously comfortable and supportive- Volvo all the way and then some. The same can't be said for the "adults need not apply" third row seats; they are best left to the domain of youth. A twist of the key will undoubtedly elicit a response from behind the blindfold as the V8 growls to life before settling down to a muted burble.
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| Front seating in the XC90 R-Design is tremendously comfortable and supportive. |