"We have had numerous requests for a sportier XC90," says Karin Falk, head of Special Vehicles at Volvo Cars. "They are from customers who appreciate the versatility and comfort of an SUV but who also want a bit more driving pleasure. We have developed the Volvo XC90 V8 Sport especially for them, with a dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system, and larger, 19-inch wheels," she continues.

Originally not intended for Australia, the Volvo XC90 V8 Sport is now available locally as a $5,000 package above the recommended retail price of the XC90 V8. The Sport package is offered only in combination with the 232kW, 4.4-litre V8 engine.

Sporting characteristics and firmer chassis setting
The Volvo XC90 V8 Sport is sporty in aesthetic terms and in step with aesthetics, the chassis characteristics have been refined to increase driving pleasure. The shock absorbers are tuned for a firmer ride and the anti-sway bars are stiffer to offer a high level of stability when cornering. The steering has also been adapted to offer quick steering response.

Furthermore, Volvo's self-levelling system, Nivomat, is standard in both the five and seven seat models. The system has been fine-tuned to offer great stability and driving control.

"We dare to promise a truly enjoyable experience behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 V8 Sport," says Falk. "The driving characteristics are of a calibre that few thought were possible in a Volvo SUV. And we have not compromised on riding comfort. We have succeeded in finding a balance between driving stability and the capacity to absorb unevenness in the road."

Distinctive exterior
The Volvo XC90 V8 Sport will be launched with a colour that is unique to this variant, Passion Red, plus double chromed exhaust pipes and larger 19x8 inch alloy wheels - available in silver bright or diamond cut with contrasting effect. Wheel arch extenders in the body’s colour emphasise the larger wheels.

The XC90 V8 Sport can be optioned across a wider colour range, including metallic colours, at no additional cost.

Details and trim will have a satin silver finish rather than the standard chrome and the lower skid plate is also in satin silver. The unique sill mouldings are in brushed stainless steel.

Sport décor and upholstery
The interior design is customised with a more sporty character with a sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather plus sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver.

The leather in the seats is a combination of two different grades which provide a sporty, exclusive feel. The décor piping in contrasting colour shades further enhances the impression.

The instrument dials have metal chronograph watch-style faces with a shimmering blue lustre. The sport carpets with cream coloured piping complete a sporty interior with an exciting hi-tech feel.

V8 only for XC90 V8 Sport
The range of engines for the Volvo XC90 V8 Sport in many markets is quite broad. But Volvo Car Australia has decided to focus solely on the 232kW, 4.4-litre V8 as the engine choice for this sporting SUV.

Seven seats remains as a demand feature by a high percentage of XC90 buyers.

XC90 V8 Sport Features - $89,950 (RRP)

• Dynamically tuned suspension
• 19x8 inch alloy wheels
• Wheel arch extensions
• Nivomat self-levelling suspension
• Perforated leather steering wheel
• Sports seats with improved lateral support
• Unique leather interior, distinctive piping
• Satin silver skid plates
• Watch-dial instruments
• Unique carpets
• Metallic paint

XC90 Executive Package
For XC90 customers wanting additional premium features, Volvo Car Australia announces an Executive Package available across the three-model XC90 range.

The Executive Package can be selected on all XC90 models as a $6,000 option.

XC90 Executive Package includes:

• Soft-leather upholstery with accent piping
• Plush carpeting
• Steering wheel with redwood inlays
• Matt-chrome side mirrors
• C-pillar chrome
• Watch-dial instrumentation
• 19x8 inch Galateia alloy wheels
• Metallic paint
• Wheel arch extensions
• Large single-exit exhaust pipe