R-Design tops Volvo XC90 range

VOLVO has uncovered the sporty looking R-Design version of its second-generation XC90 SUV after leaked images found their way online overnight.

The official images confirm the earlier leaked pictures, with the 2015 XC90 R-Design gaining extra styling flourishes over the regular variants, including a restyled grille, the inclusion of a front spoiler and dual integrated tail-pipes at the rear.

Other touches to give the XC90 a slightly edgier look include matte silver roof rails and external mirror covers, “silk metal” window trim and either 20-inch or 22-inch R-Design alloy wheels.

Cabin details differentiating it from the more sedate trims include R-Design pedals, gearshift knob, floor mats and illuminated tread plates and leather key remote control, adding to the perforated leather steering wheel and sports seats.

Carried over from other specifications is Volvo’s new 12.3-inch tablet-like driver display, which features an R-Design theme, and is the central control hub for a number of functions, such as applications and cloud-based services.

Volvo Car Group senior vice president of marketing, sales and customer service Alain Visser said the R-Design trim level holds appeal for buyers looking for some individuality in their SUV.

“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” he said. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design.

“Every single R-Design detail is designed to contribute to the individualistic and refined expression these customers desire.” The Chinese-owned Swedish brand has also confirmed other trim levels for its crucial all-new model, which will kick off in base Kinetic guise – a moniker that is found across the Volvo range – before shifting up to the new mid-spec Momentum level.

Beyond these variants, buyers can choose one of two top-spec trims, depending on their taste.

The new Inscription specification is for customers that prefer more classic, luxurious styling, while others that like an edgier, aggressive look can select the R-Design.

Volvo is not alone in allowing buyers to choose the look of their car, with German brand BMW offering a number of styling trims on most models, including Modern, Luxury and Sports line, all adding a different flavour to the look of the car.

Mr Visser said both trims effectively become the range toppers and offer Volvo customers even more choice.

“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 emphasise each of their distinctive individual personalities,” he said.

The 11-year-old current-generation XC90, which is still available in Australia, is sold in Executive and R-Design trim with either a petrol or diesel engine.

As reported by GoAuto, the new-gen XC90 will come with a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, including a range-topping plug-in hybrid, dubbed the Twin Engine.

Volvo ripped the covers off the long-awaited replacement for the XC90 last month, and Australian deliveries are expected to start in the second quarter of next year.