Volvo reveals new XC90 R-Design for international markets

Volvo XC90, the SUV recently launched in international markets, now gets a sporty R-Design trim with cosmetic upgrades and new equipment. This is actually the standard XC90 equipped with an R-Design package.

The R-Design kit comprises of modified front and rear bumpers, larger alloys with slightly different wheel arches, twin exhausts and silver-painted roof rails, along with new wing mirrors. A more aerodynamic style gives the SUV a more aggressive look as compared to the standard model.

On the inside, the Volvo XC90 R-design gets new sports seats, steering wheel paddles, perforated-leather wrapped steering and sports pedals as part of standard equipment.

According to Volvo, the R-Design trim will be slotted above its entry-level Momentum and be a sportier alternative to the more luxurious Inscription variant. Says Alain Visser, senior vice president, marketing, sales and customer service, Volvo Car Group, "In principle, we have replaced the previous top level with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasize each of their distinctive individual personalities,"

No changes have been made to the engine of the XC90. It gets the 4-cylinder diesel and petrol units and also the top-of-the-line T8 plug-in hybrid variant. The plug-in features a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder unit driving the front wheels and an 80bhp electric motor to power its rear axle. In total, the combined output is rated at 400bhp.

Recently Volvo India launched the R-Design trims of the S60 and XC60 here. As the new XC90 likely to be launched in India in early 2015, the R-Design trim could also be considered for the country.