ON THE ROAD:

I'LL stick my neck out here and say from the off that Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and BMW will have to go some to rival the new XC90.

Sure, their names may carry a little more kudos, but spend a few minutes in this redesigned luxury seven-seater and you'll dismiss any notion of badge snobbery.

It's difficult to ignore, a huge beast of a machine that still manages to retain a cultured air despite its dimensions.

Our D5 AWD R-Design sits atop what is already a pretty lofty tree and while this might not be the model of choice for the majority of people, it was very nice to have it sat on my drive for a week.

A 2.0 litre diesel engine powered our car, capable of powering the XC90 from nought to 60mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph, pretty decent for a car weighing in at more than two tonnes.

It's quiet under power, and there's plenty of that, and I found the ride to be smooth whatever surface we encountered. It's also grippy for a big car and can cope with twists and turns better than you might expect.

ON THE INSIDE:

MY love for the XC90 continues inside, where it definitely lives up to its premium billing. It feels like you are in an office and certainly if the law and a lack of common sense allowed there's no end to the work you could get done. There are relatively few buttons to worry about, the majority of things being controlled via an almost iPad style screen - it's placed vertically as opposed to the more common sideways and is 9ins rather than the usual 7ins.

Whereas many upmarket models have opted for a central dial, Volvo has gone with a touchscreen. Unlike some, which can be the bane of any driver's life, this one is very easy to use. The problem I found was that there was just so much contained within that it took willpower not to access more than was wise.

The seating is incredibly supportive and the view out, as you might expect, is very good. The inclusion of cameras and parking sensors helps when it comes to positioning, but its not as daunting a car to manoeuvre as you might at first expect.

WHAT DO YOU GET:

ALL cars are very well equipped, with entry level Momentum badged vehicles coming with the aforementioned 9ins console touchscreen, seven seats, Sensus Navigation system, Volvo On Call, LED Active Bending Headlights with Active High Beam, 'Cleanzone' air quality system, powered operated tailgate with handsfree opening, keyless entry and start, power driver's seat, City safety feature - including Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and Front Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, run-off road protection.

Our car came with the added Winter Pack with head-up display, Intellisafe Pro Pack, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid and Xenium Pack, including power glass tilt and slide panoramic roof, parking camera with 360 degree surround view and Park Assist Pilot.

Options included 22ins wheels, Nappa soft leather, air suspension, R-Design carbon fibre inlays, Bowers and Wilkins sound system and Apple CarPlay.

HOW PRACTICAL IS IT:

THE XC90 majors on practicality. There's more than enough room up front and all three people in the rear have enough room to avoid rubbing shoulders. Leg room is also very good. The third row of seats, which can be pulled up or dropped very easily, are more than just for emergency use. While in other cars it has felt like you are sitting on a badly made deckchair with your knees up around your chin, the Volvo's are more than fit for purpose.

Around the cabin there are plenty of cubbies and places for drinks.

The boot opens and closes automatically and closing it can lock the car completely if you choose.

There is more than 1,000 litres of space with the third row down, but even with them up you can get in a couple of suitcases or the like.

RUNNING COSTS:

VOLVO said it should have been possible to get more than 48mpg on the combined cycle from our car. We managed somewhat less at 35.1mpg. CO2 emissions are 152g/km.

VERDICT:

A BIG SUV that delivers in all areas.

ALTERNATIVES:

AUDI Q7, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5