Volvo's new high-riding wagon is perfect for America's neglected roads
America's transportation infrastructure is crumbling. Thankfully, Volvo is here to help.
With its high-riding, efficient and extremely luxurious V90 Cross Country wagon, the Swedish automaker has something for every taste -- and every road surface.
Like the name suggests, the V90 Cross Country takes the standard set from its high-tech and stunning S90 sedan and V90 wagon and adds some much-needed ruggedness.
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Accordingly, it rides taller than its V90 wagon brother, offering better ground clearance for both on and off road. What's more, Volvo ensured its long-lasting toughness (this is starting to sound like a pickup truck story, isn't it?) by testing the Cross Country from temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius to "the searing desert heat of Arizona," Volvo brags.
And considering the state of America's streets and highways -- the American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. roads a "D" in its latest infrastructure report card -- that extra clearance room could be invaluable.
Of course, all of this is achieved while offering owners a supple interior draped in Scandinavian design sensibilities. With its clean lines, soft leather surfaces and large tablet-like Sensus infotainment screen in the center dash, there's a lot to fawn over in this sleek family hauler.
“The V90 Cross Country takes the elegance of the V90 and transforms it into an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Car Group. I concur.
Although Volvo has made a name for itself (and a tidy profit) from the full-size XC90, the Cross Country moniker has quite a lineage. The first Volvo Cross Country, the 1998 V70 Cross Country, was unveiled almost 20 years ago.
For me, that's sort of hard to believe. That's because my mom had one -- and I learned to drive in it. So, for me, that first one still feels new in my brain. But I digress.
Oh, and for those of you who are into the V90 Cross Country but would rather have the low-slung V90 wagon, I have some good news. Turns out, Volvo will be bringing both variants to the United States after all. So, if you want to cruise in Swedish-wagon style, you can choose either the boulder-straddling Cross Country or the V90 wagon.
Topics Cars
