SYDNEY: When it first unveiled its second-generation XC90 a year ago, Volvo said it would be going after premium buyers, those that normally shopped at brands like Audi and BMW. This was made clear when Volvo announced at the market debut that prices would start just under $50k, close to where similar offerings from the German brands start.
Well, it seems this hasn’t put off buyers as Volvo sold significantly more XC90s than it had expected. The automaker has received nearly 57,000 orders worldwide so far this year, outstripping forecast sales of 50,000 for the year.
To keep up with the demand, Volvo is running three shifts at its plant in Torslanda, Sweden. And here in the United States it’s also partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer a subsidized rental program which allows buyers to drive the smaller XC60 while waiting for their new XC90.
What’s interesting is that most buyers—76 percent, in fact—are opting for the range-topping Inscription trim level. You have to pay at least $55,495 for this model, including destination charges.
In case you were wondering what it’s like to live with the new XC90, have a read of our recent Notes from the Driveway post.
The new XC90 marks the beginning of the latest chapter in Volvo’s history. It’s the first of a new generation of Volvo cars that incorporate advanced technologies, premium design and Volvo’s own modular platform. This platform will eventually spawn replacements for all existing Volvos sized from the S60 up. The next new model will be an S90 to replace the aging S80.
