What's with the rear skid plate?

[sic6sense]

Contemplating a blind order for a T6 Black Sapphire. All options thrown in but I think the rear skid plate looks hideous from the photos I've seen.  What are they meant for  since it doesnt appear to hold up aesthetically.....

The car is meant for the wife and she favours the X5 3.0 although I'm trying to convince her otherwise.

[barrysharp]

sic6sense:

WELCOME http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

The rear skid plate is probably as cosmetic on the XC90 as it is on the XC70. You either like it or you don't.

[Big]

Merely decorative plastic, meant to look like a real skid plate and to visually match the aluminum member up front. Easily one of the more forgettable options.

[sic6sense]

Saw the XC90 for the first time today. Didnt manage to test drive it but its definitely a handsome vehicle although it looks like its wearing pampers with the rear skid plate.

First impressions were good and definitely well made. Just found the doors a bit too lightweight.  Volvo has a winner here and would hold up against the X5 for looks.

Now I've to convince the wife...