Volvo XC90 R-Design luxury SUV launched in India

Volvo launched the Volvo XC90 R-Design, the latest variant of its luxury SUV, Volvo XC90, on October 15, 2008, in India.

The red Volvo XC90 R-Design side view

The Volvo XC90 R-Design will be priced at Rs 58 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Rs 6 lakh more than the Volvo XC90.

At the launch, Volvo Car India Managing Director Paul de Voijs said, “The launch of the new variant of XC90 aims to broaden our model range to attract more customers with an active and urban lifestyle.”

The 7-seater Volvo XC90 R-Design comes with a 32 valve V8 4.4 litre petrol engine that delivers 315 bhp and 440 nm torque. The Volvo XC90 R-Design  has a sport-tuned chassis, sports calibrated steering and stability control features that enables its high traction road holding ability.

The luxury SUV has sports-tuned dual exhaust pipes, a unique skid-plate and R-DESIGN badges, and Vulcanis 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels, and rear view mirror caps.

The Volvo XC90 R-Design comes with a servotronic power steering with aluminum inlay that uses speed sensitive technology to regulate the power assistance required by the driver.

Volvo has done away with roof rails on the Volvo XC90 R-Design SUV, to emphasize the sporty feel of the vehicle.

Volvo XC90 R-Design interior view

The interiors of the Volvo XC90 are luxurious with perforated leather sports seats, cream piping on an off-black Flex-Tec upholstery, a leather-trim steering wheel, and an aluminum center stack. The Volvo XC90 R-Design has sport carpets with accent-colored design piping.

The instrument dials of the Volvo XC90 R-Design comes with metal chronograph watch-style faces and a blue lustre.

The Volvo XC90 will be available in five colors. Passion Red (only for Volvo XC90 R-Design), Black Sapphire Metallic, Electric Silver Metallic, Magic Blue Pearl and Titanium Grey Pearl.

Volvo will also launch the Volvo XC60 in India after its November 2008 launch in Europe.

Volvo plans to add seven dealerships in India – in Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Jaipur – to its existing four dealerships.

Volvo made its foray in the Indian market in September 2008, with the Volvo S80 and Volvo XC90, and have sold over 100 units so far through its dealers Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh.

Volvo may also launch a small car in India. “Out of the total 10 cars that we have in the Volvo stable, the sedan S40, the C-segment C30 and the station wagon V50 are the smallest cars with a 1.6 litre engine and I feel there is a possibility for Volvo to bring these cars into the country, though no decision has been take as yet,” de Vojis was quoted as saying.

These cars, which are priced at 15,000-16,000 euros in Europe, would cost over Rs 20 lakh in India after factoring in importing duties and taxes.