Volvo XC90 INSCRIPTION MOMENTUM

Highlights

• 5-Star NCAP safety rating
• Top-tier audio system standard
• Most advanced ADAS standard

Summary

This 2022 Volvo XC90 Inscription represents the peak of Scandinavian luxury tailored for the GCC market. With its clean white exterior—a top Choice for heat reflection and resale value in our region—this SUV offers a sophisticated alternative to loud, aggressive competitors. Having covered 123,000 km, it sits in a sweet spot of depreciation while maintaining the modern technology found in current showroom models. The Inscription trim elevates the experience with high-quality materials and advanced driver assistance suites that are often expensive options on its German rivals. For a GCC buyer, this vehicle offers the perfect blend of a family-oriented seven-seater and a premium executive car. The AWD system and 254 hp engine provide steady, reliable power for cruising between Emirates during the peak of summer. Ownership across the GCC is simplified thanks to the robust Volvo service network from Dubai to Riyadh.

This Car vs Other 2022 XC90s

At 123,000 km, this XC90 has been driven approximately 40,000 km per year, which is higher than the global average but aligns with the standard life of a GCC highway commuter. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, high-mileage modern Volvos are often preferred over lower-mileage imports as they represent vehicles that have been actively maintained and 'heat-cycled' correctly within the local climate. The white exterior color is a significant advantage in the regional used market, as it can command a 5-10% premium over darker hues due to its superior thermal performance in 45°C+ temperatures. Choosing a 2022 model ensures you have the latest Sensus infotainment refinements and the most efficient version of the T5 powertrain. This specific vehicle benefits from being a genuine GCC spec unit, which means its cooling systems and radiator are optimized for the extreme Arabian summer. For a buyer looking for a luxury SUV that has already seen its steepest depreciation curve, this listing offers exceptional value relative to newer, identical-looking units.

INSCRIPTION vs Lower Trims

The Inscription is the most desirable trim level for GCC buyers, focusing on pure luxury and comfort rather than the sporty aesthetic of the R-Design. Moving up from the Momentum trim, the Inscription adds distinct chrome exterior accents and much higher quality Nappa leather upholstery which remains significantly cooler to the touch during summer months. One of the standout additions is the Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system integration, providing a level of acoustic clarity that segment rivals usually charge heavily for. You also gain ventilated front seats, a feature that is practically essential for comfort during mid-day drives in the Gulf region. The interior is finished with genuine wood inlays and a crystal Orrefors gear shifter, creating an environment that feels more like a lounge than a car cabin. This trim also standardizes the 360-degree surround-view camera, making it far easier to maneuver this large SUV through tight underground parking lots in Dubai or Doha.

XC90 vs Segment Rivals

The XC90 competes directly with the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, but it carves out its own niche in the GCC. While rivals often prioritize aggressive handling, the Volvo focuses on tranquility and cabin air quality, utilizing an advanced filtration system that is highly effective against the fine desert dust common in our region. With a fuel tank capacity of 71 L, it is designed for long-distance cruising, easily handling the drive from Abu Dhabi to Muscat on a single fill-up. Unlike many German rivals that offer a cramped third row, the XC90 features an adult-friendly seven-seat configuration that doesn't compromise on second-row legroom. The 2.0L turbocharged engine is surprisingly capable, offering better fuel efficiency in stop-and-go city traffic than the larger 6-cylinder engines found in competitors. Volvo's standard inclusion of the Pilot Assist suite also means you get semi-autonomous driving features that are typically locked behind expensive packages in the BMW or Mercedes stables.

Running Costs & Resale

Owning a Volvo in the GCC is more cost-effective than many realize, especially with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which averages around 8.5 to 10.0 L/100km depending on your balance of city and highway driving. This is a significant saving compared to the V8 or V6 alternatives often found in the SUV segment. Service intervals are typically every 15,000 km, and Volvo has a strong presence across the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, ensuring parts availability is never a concern. Historically, the XC90 Inscription holds its value remarkably well due to its reputation for safety and the timeless nature of its design; it generally sees a depreciation of 14% annually in the local market. Being a GCC spec car, it retains a higher residual value than American or European imports because it carries full service history compatibility and locally rated cooling systems. Value retention at the three-year mark for an Inscription remains among the highest in the luxury crossover category, making it a sound long-term investment.

Performance & Capability

The heart of this XC90 is a 254 hp turbocharged engine that delivers its torque low in the rev range, making highway overtaking effortless even when the car is fully loaded with seven passengers. The 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in roughly 7.9 seconds, which is more than enough for confident merging onto the fast-moving E11 highway. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is highly intelligent, primarily driving the front wheels for efficiency but instantly shifting power to the rear when it detects loose sand or gravel on a weekend trip to the outskirts. With a ground clearance of 238 mm, it handles uneven terrain and large speed bumps better than most executive sedans. While it isn't a heavy-duty desert dune basher, it is perfectly suited for beach trips and gravel paths across the Northern Emirates. The steering is light and precise, reducing driver fatigue during long cross-country hauls between GCC borders.

Comfort & Cabin

The cabin is a sanctuary of Scandinavian design, featuring seven full-sized seats that treat every passenger with respect. For the GCC climate, the multi-zone climate control system is exceptionally powerful, with dedicated vents for the second and third rows to ensure everyone stays cool even in 50°C heat. The Inscription cabin is remarkably quiet thanks to extensive sound insulation, shielding you from the noise of city traffic and wind shear at high speeds. The seats are widely regarded as the most comfortable in the automotive industry, designed with orthopedic input to support the spine on long road trips. Technology is centered around a portrait-oriented touchscreen that remains responsive and easy to use even when wearing sunglasses. The panoramic sunroof features an electric sunblind that is thick enough to block out the harsh midday sun entirely when needed. It is a space designed for family harmony and executive relaxation in equal measure.

Safety

Volvo's reputation for safety is undisputed, and this XC90 Inscription comes equipped with the full City Safety suite as standard. This includes collision avoidance technology that can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals—critical for night driving on rural GCC roads. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a lifesaver on multi-lane highways like Sheikh Zayed Road, providing active steering support if you attempt to change lanes into another vehicle. It also features Cross Traffic Alert with auto-brake, which is incredibly useful when reversing out of tight spots in busy shopping malls. The structure of the car is built with extensive use of boron steel, the strongest type currently used in car body construction, earning it a consistent 5-Star NCAP rating. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid work together to make long desert highway drives significantly safer and less draining for the driver.

The bottom line

For the family-oriented buyer in the UAE or KSA who values safety and understated luxury over flashiness, this GCC-spec XC90 Inscription is a standout choice. It offers the high-end features of a brand-new SUV at a significantly more accessible price point, backed by Volvo's legendary reliability.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.