Road test: Volvo XC90

Volvo has unveiled its second-generation XC90 — the SUV that has proved so popular with London families — with all the hoopla of a Bond film premiere.

Hundreds of journalists from across the world descended on Stockholm for a first glimpse of the car, which, in effect, relaunches Volvo as a brand. And we weren’t even being allowed to drive it, it was just a “reveal”.

This all-new seven-seater is the first product of a £6.5 billion investment by the Swedish car giant, and the first to use Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform and new Drive E engines. All models have two-litre, four-cylinder engines giving 190 to 400hp, and Volvo claims the car is the safest ever built.

The top of the range T8 Twin Engine model has a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine to drive the front wheels and an 80hp electric motor for the rears.

Together they produce 400hp and 640Nm of torque, yet only about 60g/km of C02. Styling is clean and simple but still recognisably an evolution of the previous XC90, which first appeared in 2002, with T-shaped LED lights within the headlamps distinguishing the front.

The most obvious improvement is in the cabin, which mixes brushed aluminium, beautifully stitched leather and matt wood finishes in a style reminiscent of Scandinavian furniture.

The car is a noticeable step upmarket from the outgoing model and is 120kg lighter. There is a matching price hike, but at £45,785 to £68,000 it is competitive with the opposition, mainly the Mercedes M Class, Audi Q7 and BMW X5.

The first cars to come to Britain in May next year will be among 1,927 (the year Volvo started) First Edition models featuring every option available. They will be sold exclusively online.