Volvo has launched the V90 Cross Country at Rs. 60 lakh (pan India) and the car has emerged as the third cross country model in the country from the Swedish manufacturer. The vehicle is segmented as a station wagon as it is based on the V90. Powering the V90 Cross Country is a D5 2.0-litre diesel engine generating 231bhp and 480Nm of torque. The vehicle is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox along with an all-wheel drive system that enhances its off-road capabilities.In India the Volvo V90 Cross Country takes on the likes of BMW X5 30d Expedition, Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic. We find out how the station wagon fares against the competition.
The X5 is unmistakably an SUV with a tall stance and SUV-like dimensions. Design wise, the BMW X5 takes substantial inspiration from the rest of the BMW range. In terms of equipment, the Volvo V90 Cross country matches the BMW X5 Expedition in all aspects including the two-zone climate control, power seats panoramic sunroof et al. Powering the BMW X5 30d Expedition is the 3.0-litre in-line six engine producing 258bhp and 560Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to an eight-speed gearbox and the German manufacturer offers the xDrive all-wheel drive system to let the car explore its SUV potentials.
A long time work horse in the Mercedes stable, the GLE replaced the ML and the SUV has been long overdue for an update. However the GLE still justifies its existence by offering the luxuries of the three pointer badge and a necessary SUV hardware. Unlike the Volvo, the Mercedes does come with a petrol option. Both the cars get all the bells and whistles like leather interior, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlamps and display screens for the infotainment systems. The GLE 250d is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel motor producing 201bhp and 500Nm of torque, mated to a nine speed transmission which send the power to the wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s ‘4Matic’ all-wheel drive system.
The Evoque portrays itself as an urban soft-roader with its modern looks. However, the entry level SUV in the Range Rover family offers luxurious features such as the leather-clad interior, dual zone climate control, power seats, panoramic sunroof and display screens for the infotainment systems similar to the V90 Cross country. Powering the Evoque HSE Dynamic is a 2.0-litre diesel producing 177bhp and 430Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a nine-speed gearbox which is coupled with an all-wheel drive system.