GOING for the prestige 4x4 market's jugular must have been a pretty daunting prospect for Volvo's design crew, but their knife-sharp, first effort delivered a killer cut.

One swift launch blow was all it took to fell the BMW X5, and don't dare mention the too-powerful, plug-ugly Porsche Cayenne in the same breath as the rather refined and regal XC90.

The principal requirement for today's upmarket off-roaders is to deliver a slick, saloon-like drive, and get well away from the cumbersome, elephantine image - so often the hallmark of the larger of the 4x4 breed.

Yet there must be no sacrifices on the space, comfort, or versatility fronts.

So here you have a rather large and impressive seven-seater that closely mirrors the taut and responsive chassis of the Volvo S80 saloon, on whose platform it is based. The D5 SE model, a five-cylinder diesel of some 163bhp, has the mechanical means to get down and get dirty, with torque peaking at 1,750rpm, but the 218mm ground clearance won't tackle much more than a steep kerb.

Don't expect, then, to catch the XC90 in some of the more remote parts of the world, but you'll certainly see it in some of the most refined.

The big estate is best served by the diesel engine, which has 37.7mpg country-driving capability - not bad for the auto gearbox, a five-speed "Geartronic" unit that can switch to clutchless manual-style use.

Top speed is 115mph, and the nought-to-62mph time of 12.3 seconds means it is as quick as the average supermini. The thirstier three-litre V6 petrol unit is the only engine alternative, but that will give you just 29.4mpg in extra-urban use and a top speed of 130mph.

Much pleasure is derived from the comfortable interior of the XC90, it's all very easy on the eye, and multi-adjustment for front chairs and steering wheel help you settle in quickly. There's none of the usual off-roader feeling of sitting high up, which in turn encourages you to treat the XC90 very much like an ordinary car.

That can lull you into taking corners a little too quickly, but Volvo have electronically managed the engine to step in and cut power if you're likely to go off-balance.

Throw in a mountain of built-in safety items, and you've the market's best level of protection around you. Little things mean a lot, too - when you direct the bi-zone air at your face, or on the windscreen, that's exactly where it goes, at exactly the temperature specified. It may be a tiny point, but it's a big pointer to the Volvo's quality and all-round excellence.

The D5 SE automatic's starting price of £33,733 is bumped up well into the £40k bracket with the communications pack (£3,200), rear-seat DVD entertainment (£2,500), sunroof (£700), bi-xenon headlamps (£650), and detachable towbar (£513), plus a handful of other bits and pieces costing anything from £75 to almost £400.

But it's all money well spent.

For more information, contact your local Volvo dealership, Alan Gibson, on 01256 466111.