Two of the newest estate-based crossovers to break cover in 2016.
What once was a segment created by the Audi A6 Allroad has now found two new entrants: the Volvo V90 Cross Country and Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain. While Volvo had stepped into the segment a long time ago with the Volvo XC70, this is Merc's first attempt at an estate-based crossover.
Here's how Volvo's V90 Cross Country compares with the Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain.
Exterior:
As far as the exterior changes are concerned, both the V90 Cross Country and E-Class All-Terrain are on common ground. They both have protective black plastic cladding, new bumpers, silver side skirts, chunkier tires wrapping an exclusive set of rims, and exclusive grille designs.
Compared to the Volvo V90, the V90 Cross Country's ground clearance is raised by 60 mm. As for the Mercedes E Class All-Terrain, the standard ground clearance is 29 mm higher than a regular E-Class estate, which can be increased by upto 35 mm thanks to the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension system.
Interior:
Inside the only changes exclusive to the V90 CC and E Class All-Terrain are upholstery, aluminium pedals and trim options. Otherwise the design and list of equipment are identical to their estate counterparts.
Engine and Gearbox:
The Volvo V90 Cross Country will carry over the D5 AWD (diesel) and T6 AWD (petrol) from the Volvo XC90, as well as an entry-level D4 AWD (diesel) from the Volvo V90. The only transmission option is an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard and an AWD system sourced from the XC90. It can be equipped with an optional air suspension system with 4C Chassis Control.
At launch, the Mercedes E Class All-Terrain will only be available in the E 220d variant, which is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 191 hp and 295lb ft of torque. It is paired with Merc's 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and a 4MATIC AWD system as standard. Specific to the E-Class All-Terrain is the All-Terrain driving programme derived from the Mercedes GLE, which offers settings for off-road driving.
