Sport and Exec lines to spice up Volvo's XC90

VOLVO Car Australia has announced slick new Sport and Executive specification levels for the XC90 SUV, with an example of the sharper looking and handling XC90 Sport due to make its local debut alongside the RHD C30 hatch at the Melbourne motor show.

VCA announced pricing for both specification packs during last week's S80 launch, with the Sport pack adding $5000 to the XC90’s price and the Executive pack adding $6000.

Available exclusively with the new V8 variant, the XC90 Sport costs $89,950 and comprises beefier anti-roll bars, firmer-riding shock absorbers, Nivomat self-levelling suspension, sports-tuned speed-sensitive power steering, 19x8.0-inch alloy wheels with wheel-arch extensions, a perforated leather steering wheel, sports seats with improved lateral support, a unique leather interior with piping, "satin silver" skid plates, "watch-dial" instruments, unique carpets and metallic paint.

Also available will be an Executive package, to be optional across the XC90 range for an additional $6000.

For $75,950, $78,950 and $90,950, the respective XC90 2.5T, D5 and V8 Executive variants feature soft-leather upholstery with accent piping, plush carpeting, "redwood" steering wheel inlays, matt-chrome side mirrors, C-pillar chroming, "watch-dial" instruments, 19x8.0-inch Galateia alloy wheels with wheel-arch extensions, metallic paint and a large single exhaust outlet.

Confusingly, VCA has also confirmed the XC90’s mid-range 2.5T will be replaced by a 3.2 variant at around the same time, powered by the same new 175kW/320Nm straight six that will appear in the new S80 from late next month. The move will bring the XC90 engine range in line with the S80 range.

VCA says the 3.2 did not replace the 2.5T as the entry-level XC90 in time for the launch of the facelifted XC90 launch last year as it is still in negotiations over pricing. Volvo hopes to offer the XC90 3.2 at around the same sub-$70,000 ($69,950) price as the 2.5T it will replace, and it will also be available with the new Executive trim packages.

According to VCA, Volvo’s P1 platform-based models (S40, V50, C70 and C30) will continue to offer the 2.5T engine.