Most of the 1 927 individually numbered cars – which were only available for sale via digital commerce – were reserved within one hour from sales start. At its peak, seven cars were sold each minute.
“We are very pleased, but not really surprised,” said Alain Visser, senior vice-president, marketing, sales and customer service of Volvo Car Group. “The huge interest … escalated to astronomical levels after the world-premiere last week.”
The First Edition cars, which celebrate the year Volvo was founded (1927), were for the first time in history only available on volvocars.com.
The 1 927 First Edition owners of the best SUV in the world will get a fully equipped car with uniquely numbered tread plates and a distinctive badge on the tailgate.
“The first buyers signed up for their favourite number in milliseconds … the Volvo XC90 First Edition will be a collectors’ item in the future,” said Alain Visser.
The model features an onyx black exterior and eight-spoke 21-inch inscription wheels combined with an interior styled with nappa leather seats in amber, a charcoal leather dashboard and linear walnut inlays.
It is powered by a high-performance petrol or diesel engine from Volvo Cars’ new four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains. The engines are teamed with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
The heart of Volvo’s all-new in-car control is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access a range of internet-based products and services.
The Bowers & Wilkins audio system features a 1 400W class D amplifier, 19 speakers and the latest sound-processing software, which brings the emotional experience of a world-class live performance into the car.
Priced at R1 050 000, a total of 23 Volvo XC90 First Editions were ordered by South African customers and are expected to arrive in May next year.
