Volvo XC90 R-Design unveiled

To follow up the recently launched XC90 SUV in international markets, Volvo has unveiled a sportier-looking XC90 equipped with the R-Design package.

The XC90 R-Design gets a completely aerodynamic body kit that includes modified front and rear bumpers, larger alloys with slightly different wheel arches, twin exhausts, silver-painted roof rails and wing mirrors. The more aerodynamic style also gives it a more aggressive look.

On the inside, the XC90 R-design is equipped with new sports seats, steering wheel paddles, perforated-leather wrapped steering and sports pedals.

Volvo says the R-Design trim will be slotted above the entry-level Momentum and be a sportier alternative to the more luxurious Inscription variant. "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,” commented Alain Visser, senior vice president, marketing, sales and customer service of Volvo Car Group.

Mechanically, it has the same engine range as the standard XC90. It gets the 4-cylinder diesel and petrol units as well as a top-of-the-line T8 plug-in hybrid variant. This variant features a 2.0-liter turbocharged & supercharged four-cylinder unit driving the front wheels and an 80bhp electric motor to power the rear axle. The combined output is rated at 400bhp.

Volvo recently launched the R-Design trims of the S60 and XC60 in India. With the new XC90 likely to be launched in India in early 2015, the R-Design trim could also be considered for the Indian market.