Volvo has launched the V90 Cross Country in India at Rs 60 lakhs (All India ex-showroom). The V90 is basically an estate version of the S90 sedan. The Cross Country badging additionally offers extra ground clearance, body cladding and a more rugged appearance. The V90 Cross Country enters the Indian market as a niche car, with a niche pricing and no direct rival at all.
One reason to buy the V90 Cross Country – apart from it being practical, safe, feature rich, and a looker – is to stand out amongst the common crop of cars on the road. Its unique body style is its primary suit. However, for the price that Volvo is charging, there are more than a few body styles to choose from. Let us have a look at the alternatives for the price of Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Launched in a single D5 Inscription variant, the V90 Cross Country is priced on par with the other German executive sedans. For a whole Rs 6 lakhs less, you can get yourself a long-wheel-base E-Class saloon in the E220d trim. Or for a lakh extra, you can get the BMW 5 Series in the top spec 530d M Sport with a 3.0-litre diesel motor and ‘pure driving pleasure’. The Jaguar XF Portfolio is the leaping cat which is stunning to look at and is Rs 3 lakhs less than the Scandinavian Estate.
If the executive sedan is too boring for you, then there are proper SUVs to consider as well. The top-spec Rover Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic gets you a potent off-roader with a cheeky-looking SUV appeal at an undercutting price tag. The three-pointed star here is the GLE in the 250d guise. With a 2.2-litre diesel mill, the GLE is a proper five-seater SUV with bigger boot space, higher ride height, massive fuel tank and larger boot space. The same goes for the X5 xDrive 30d, but the Beemer is a lot expensive than the V90. For a little more, the Mitsubishi Montero brings in seven seats with a 3.2-litre V6 under the hood and locking differentials.
Yet again, the primary reason for buying the V90 Cross Country is its unique body style. However, there are unique body styles that can be opted for at the price of the Cross Country estate. The Audi TT is at the exact same price, but is a sports coupe with a petrol engine and primarily an enthusiast’s car. The Mercedes-Benz C-Cabriolet, which runs like greased lightning, is also at least Rs 3 lakh cheaper than the V90. Apart from these two, the Audi S5 Sportback is a performance sedan with a coupe-like styling and a very potent engine under the hood. The V90 Cross Country, however, is a lot more practical, spacious and a sensible choice compared to these three.
