VOLVO was a latecomer to the world of big four wheel drive vehicles, but the Swedes did not pull any punches in developing the XC90.
This monster of a car has the muscle to tackle all conditions and all the refinements to put it into the luxury league.
Tackling the likes of the Range Rover and the BMW X5 head on, the XC90 has become a new flagship for Volvo. And with a price tag to match its bulk - this particular car, with extras, came in at a cool £47,615 - it is aimed at the elite.
Styled by a design team lead by Briton Peter Horbury, the XC90 is more of a giant estate than an overt off-roader. That is reflected in its drive system which does not make use of low ratio gearing.
Instead the XC90 relies on advanced electronics to handle the rough stuff and by virtue of that is not as capable as the Range Rover when it comes to seriously harsh conditions.
But for what most people require from a car like this - towing a horse box across a field or negotiating a bumpy track - the Volvo does the business.
It also handles well, especially for a car of such size and weight - more than two tons. Again that is helped by electronics, which on the XC90 includes advanced stability systems that are also a vital safety aid.
This mid-range SE model is powered by Volvo's 2.5 litre five cylinder diesel engine. It delivers a performance that is smack on, with smooth power delivery right up to cruising speeds.
Top speed is a claimed 115mph and the acceleration, thanks to turbo boost, is a respectable 12.3 seconds for the 0 to 60 dash- and that is better than a diesel engined Range Rover. So is the XC90's 31mpg average fuel consumption.
The Volvo also scores highly when it comes to practicality. The XC90 is a full seven seater, with the rear seats capable of being folded away quickly and with minimal fuss below the cargo area floor to give 22 cubic feet of luggage space. The car also features a split tailgate with a lower lip that is sensibly styled to stop anything falling out while still giving easy access.
Fold down the middle row of seats and there is a gargantuan 65 cu ft of space on hand and that puts the XC90 in the realms of the king sized estates for which Volvo has always been the benchmark.
All the seats are forward facing and each has proper protection in the form of head restraints and crossover seatbelts.
There are some ingenious touches as well. The centre seat in the middle row can fold flat to become a table, or slide forward to bring the occupant closer to the front.
The centre console between the front two seats is removable and that means with the middle seat forward it is ideal for a young child which needs to be close to an adult - akin to having three seats in the front.
Dual zone climate control is standard on SE trim models and there are additional switches in the rear enabling passengers to control the entertainments system.
Although well appointed, the interior design is a bit old fashioned - especially compared to the wonderful interior of the Range Rover. But then that conservative approach is typically Volvo and many would say that the XC90 has a traditional feel.
Extras fitted to this car included a satellite navigation and communications pack at a staggering £3,200 and a geartronic auto/manual transmission at £1,250. In total the additional kit came to more than £8,000 which took away the competitive edge the XC90 has at its £39,340 list price.
However this is a Volvo and that means it is as safe and as sturdy as they come - and what price that?
The XC90 may not cut the same sort of dash as a Range Rover or BMW, but like any Volvo it is typically understated. Definitely one for the discerning and not the ostentatious among us.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC90 D5 SE
Price: £39,340
Mechanical: 163bhp, 2,401cc 5 cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 115mph
0-60mph: 12.3secs
Combined mpg: 31.0
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 242g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint