2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Not to be confused with the XC90 crossover utility vehicle, the V90 Cross Country is the high-riding, outdoorsy cousin of the new-for-2017 Volvo V90 full-size wagon.

The Cross Country builds on the standards V90's striking good looks with charcoal plastic-finish fender flares and faux skid plates, the V90 Cross Country gets silver roof rails, and rides on suspension set some 60 mm higher than the standard model. A self-leveling rear air suspension system is optional. Total ground clearance is a not-insubstantial 213 mm, which is about 23 mm less than the ride height of the XC90.

Under the long hood of the V90 Cross Country lies Volvo's modular 2.0-litre four-cylinder twincharged engine, which benefits from both a supercharger and a turbocharger. It develops an impressive 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which eclipses the old XC70 T6 in output by quite some margin. Paired with this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

As with the S90 and V90, the Cross Country comes standard with Pilot Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Provided road markings are clear, the V90 can accelerate, brake, and steer all on its own at speeds of up to 128 km/h. Also standard is the latest version of City Safety that provides detection and collision-mitigation systems for pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals like elk or deer.

A light and airy cabin blend Scandinavian minimalist design and comfort with the latest in technology. The Cross Country receives the same large-format infotainment display found in all other 90-series Volvos; it receives standard navigation and reverse camera. Apple CarPlay is optional. Adding to its ambiance, the Cross Country comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, unique metal sill plates, plus standard Black Walnut matte-finish wood trim. A leather-wrapped dashboard is optional for an even more luxurious feel. The premium nature of the latest V90 Cross Country should give the Volvo a fighting chance against Mercedes-Benz's upcoming E-Class Wagon, which will also be sold in an jacked-up, cladded version called All-Terrain.

Standard equipment includes four-zone climate control, power adjustable front seats, driver memory, heated front seats, leather upholstery, 8.0-inch instrument cluster display, leather-clad proximity key with push-button start, hands-free power tailgate, laminated windows, alarm, power-folding rear seats, panoramic roof, Black Walnut wood trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, LED ambient lighting, metal scuff plates, cargo divider, matte-finish bumpers and side sills, LED headlamps with high-pressure washers, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, emergency autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic parking assistant, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, hill start assist, hill descent control,

Key options include a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring system, heated steering wheel, heated windshield, heated rear seats, heated washer nozzles, head-up display, integrated rear booster seats, premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and extended leather trim.

Pricing for the V90 Cross Country starts at $61,900.