VOLVO has launched a new R-Design version of its award-winning XC90. R-Design models are the sportiest XC90s to date, featuring a range of design, dynamic and equipment upgrades to give Volvo’s seven-seat SUV a sporty makeover.

The outside of the car is distinguished by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, silver-effect door mirrors, gloss black mesh front grille and tinted rear windows.

Inside, there are leather/nubuck sports seats, a 12.3-inch active TFT driver’s information display and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with gearshift paddles. R-Design XC90s also get a powered front passenger seat with memory function (to match the driver’s seat), sports pedals, black headlining and upgraded interior lighting. There’s even an exclusive R-Design leather-clad remote key fob.

R-Design models come with Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force as standard, too, which allow you to choose between different settings for the engine, transmission, steering and the optional air suspension.

This is on top of the already generous standard specification of entry-level XC90 Momentum models, which includes a nine-inch touch screen control system, Sensus Navigation, two-zone climate control with Volvo’s ground-breaking CleanZone air quality system, LED headlights, power-operated tailgate with handsfree opening, and the Volvo On Call mobile app.

Standard safety equipment includes City Safety (which features pedestrian and cyclist detection, and front collision warning with full auto brake), driver alert control with lane departure warning, and front, side and full-length curtain airbags.

Nick Connor, Volvo Car UK’s managing director, said: “Its sportier looks certainly make it stand out on the road, and its extra equipment ensures that the interior is as luxurious as it is stunning.”

R-Design versions are available with the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, and in T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid form. Prices of the XC90 R-Design start at £49,785 OTR.