Volvo XC90 to launch with First Edition

VOLVO will kick off the launch of its crucial new second-generation XC90 SUV in Australia with a limited First Edition version that it will sell exclusively online.

The Swedish car-maker confirmed that it will build 1927 individually numbered models in celebration of the year that Volvo was founded and to hail the arrival of what the company is calling one of the most important cars in its history.

Australian pricing for the First Edition is set at $120,950, before on-road costs, however it is believed this is not an indication of the pricing for the rest of the XC90 range as it is a generously equipped variant.

Keen buyers can place their order online via the local Volvo website from September 3, paying a $3500 deposit before finalising their purchase with the dealer of their choice.

A Volvo Car Australia spokesperson confirmed that potential buyers will not be able to sample the vehicles prior to laying down their deposit, as they will not arrive in Australia until May or June next year.

An allocation of 500 has been earmarked for the United States and a further 500 for China, but the spokesperson said that there is no set allocation for Australia.

Two new Drive-E four-cylinder powertrains will be on offer for the First Editions, including a 238kW/400Nm T6 petrol unit with all-wheel drive, and a 168kW/470Nm twin-turbo-diesel D5 unit.

Both engines will be matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the special XC90 will also feature electronically controlled air suspension with five modes, including one that allows the driver to tailor the settings to their taste.

Exterior styling flourishes include “Onyx” black body paint and 21-inch, eight-spoke inscription wheels, while inside the cabin features Nappa leather seats, a charcoal-coloured leather dashboard and walnut inlays.

Seats are power operated and heated up front, the outer two seats in the second row have heating and the third row third is also power operated.

As with the rest of the XC90 range, the First Edition will feature the large tablet-like touch-screen in the centre stack and it will also feature the high-end 19-speaker 1400-Watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Volvo Car Group senior vice president of marketing, sales and customer service Alain Visser said the online ordering system is likely to continue with other future products beyond the XC90.

“Those who want to be among the first to own the best SUV in the world have to act fast. The huge interest in the All-New XC90 indicates that the First Edition will sell-out quickly,” he said.

“We are creating an online ecosystem that simplifies the process of shopping for, buying and owning a Volvo. We also see the introduction of the All-New XC90 as the perfect platform for introducing a new, outstanding customer experience, which we are rolling out globally.”