Volvo makes a number of minor changes to the 2021 XC90 lineup. Every model now comes standard with front parking sensors, LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel, high-pressure headlight washers, wireless charging, two USB-C ports on the back of the center console, and the company's Care Key, which allows an owner to set limitations on the vehicle's top speed. The plug-in-hybrid T8 is now branded with the Recharge moniker..
Pros Stunning styling inside and out, impressive list of features, quick plug-in hybrid.
Cons Coarse-sounding gas engines, harsh ride on rough roads, plug-in hybrid isn't as efficient as rivals.
Low-key luxury lies in the 2021 Volvo XC90’s serene cockpit, in its strong acceleration, and in its gray-wool confines.
Pros Proudly Scandinavian, inside and out Simple and sophisticated interior Tablet-like touchscreen Lots of models and trims Great safety record and standard active tech
Cons Base powertrain lacks potency Some flimsy materials in the cabin Not a performance SUV
T8 plug-in hybrid model now known as Recharge.Minor changes to standard feature availability.
PROS Elegant interior and exterior styling Spacious second- and third-row seating Hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy Many standard safety tech features
CONS Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use Voice controls don't recognize natural speech very well
Ballistic-resistant SUV offers protection against 'violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV. According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.
The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage. Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass. The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.
We know what you want out of your luxury crossover. You want comfort. You want performance. You want protection against anti-infantry hand grenades. Well, BMW has the ride for you! Although it looks like the standard model, the new X5 Protection VR6's armor-plated bodywork protects against attacks by handguns and firearms, including AK-47s. The armored passenger compartment withstands blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of 13 feet, and its Post Blast Protective Technology protects against secondary attacks; even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position.The vehicle is fitted with high-strength steel panels in the doors, side frames, roof, and firewall. Overlapping armor plating within the door gaps and bodywork joints prevent penetration by bullets or fragments. Oh, and your suitcases will be safe as well, thanks to aluminum pieces guarding the underbody and luggage compartment.
