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Rides like a cloud thanks to the air suspension, Genuine seven-seater comfort, Calm, refined, stress-reducing presence in the city
Size makes tight parking lots a daily challenge. Touchscreen can be a little slow, parking lots still requires deep breathing. Third row suits kids more than adults
Three months. Mumbai traffic, expressway runs, late night airport dashes, and the occasional weekend escape. If a car can survive this city, it earns its stripes the hard way. The Volvo XC90 didn’t just survive, it settled in like it had always belonged here, quietly confident, never shouting for attention, yet always delivering.
What stood out immediately was how easy it is to live with. This is not a car that demands adjustment. You don’t need to “learn” it like some overly complex luxury machines. From day one, the ergonomics feel natural, the visibility is excellent for a large SUV, and despite its size, threading through tight Mumbai lanes or squeezing into basement parking never felt like a task. The steering is light at low speeds, making city driving surprisingly effortless for something this substantial.
Then comes the ride quality, which frankly feels tailor made for Indian conditions. Mumbai roads are a mixed bag, smooth tarmac one moment and cratered surfaces the next. The XC90’s suspension absorbs it all with a calm, almost detached composure. It doesn’t crash over bumps, it glides. Even sharp potholes are rounded off in a way that keeps the cabin undisturbed. Over long drives, this translates into less fatigue, and that’s where the Volvo philosophy really shines, comfort isn’t just about plush seats, it’s about reducing stress mile after mile.
Speaking of seats, all seven are genuinely usable. That’s a rare claim in this segment. The third row isn’t an afterthought. Adults can sit there without feeling punished, especially for city runs or short highway stretches. With the second row sliding and folding easily, flexibility becomes one of the XC90’s strongest suits. Whether it was family drives, airport pickups, or carrying extra crew for a shoot, the practicality kept proving itself.
On the highway, the XC90 settles into a different personality. Calm, stable, and quietly quick. It doesn’t egg you on to drive aggressively, but when you need to overtake, the power is delivered smoothly and confidently. Over three months, highway efficiency consistently hovered between 13 to 14 kmpl, which is impressive for a full size luxury SUV of this scale. In the city, of course, the numbers dip, but that’s more a reflection of Mumbai than the car.
Inside, the cabin continues to be one of the XC90’s biggest strengths. It doesn’t overwhelm you with bling or excessive screens. Instead, it leans into understated luxury. Clean design, high quality materials, and a sense of calm that feels almost Scandinavian in spirit. After long days, stepping into the XC90 felt like stepping into a quiet lounge, insulated from the chaos outside.
Over time, what becomes clear is that this is a practical luxury SUV. Not flashy, not loud, not trying too hard. It’s built for real usage, real families, real roads. It prioritises comfort, safety, and usability over gimmicks. And in a city like Mumbai, that approach makes more sense than ever. Only thing not going is the absence of wireless apple car play.
As a closing note after three months, the XC90 doesn’t leave you with dramatic memories of adrenaline or wild performance. Instead, it leaves you with something far more valuable, consistency. It works, every single day, without fuss. And sometimes, that’s the highest form of luxury.
