2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Volvo has given the XC90 a facelift. But Offraod remains a minor matter. In this big Sweden, driving comfort is the focus.
By Sebastian Viehmann
Basically, the XC90 is the rebirth of the great US station wagons of past decades with SUV genes. But that's not really surprising: During development, Volvo primarily focused on the North American market. Around 2000 individual parts were changed for the facelift of the all-wheel-drive vehicle that rolls off the band in Torslanda, Sweden. However, you have to look twice to see the retouching: The exterior mirror can now look forward to integrated indicators. There were also slight changes to the taillights or the chrome trim. The front of the Swedish SUV looks a tad less brawny than its predecessor thanks to the bumpers that are color-matched to the paint and are slightly offset downwards.
This impression continues in the interior. Instead of Nordic sobriety, the passengers can expect an impeccably processed noble ambience. The Swedes succeeded particularly in the inclined center console with the clearly arranged switches. The XC90 offers plenty of space on all seats, apart from the third row of seats. For the seven-seater, Volvo requires a surcharge of 1400 euros.
Alternative to the thirsty V8
After the launch of the revamped model, there should also be a new engine in the fall. A six-cylinder with 3.2 liters displacement and 238 hp joins the 4.4-liter V8 with 315 hp and the 2.4-liter D5 turbo diesel with 185 hp. Volvo intends to take the small 2.5 liter five-cylinder petrol engine with 210 hp out of its range towards the end of the year. Two thirds of all XC90 buyers opt for the diesel, but the new six-cylinder is an interesting alternative for gasoline fans who do not want to fall back on the rather thirsty V8. The unit runs pleasantly quietly at a moderate speed, and the automatic shifts smoothly. In order for the Swedish cruiser with its curb weight of just under two tons to get going, the machine must first be revved up.
The six-cylinder acknowledges the courageous step on the accelerator with an exhausted roar. The automatic drives out the gears so long that you have to look at the tachometer. At 320 Newton meters, the 3.2-liter six-cylinder does not achieve the torque of a V8 or turbo-diesel, but is sufficiently powerful and consumes no more than the significantly weaker five-cylinder. Volvo indicates the average consumption of the new six-cylinder at 11.6 liters per 100 kilometers. During our test drives, the consumption display of the on-board computer leveled off at 13.2 liters outside of town. The top speed is reached at 210 km / h, the car comes from zero to 100 in 9.5 seconds.
Only partially suitable for off-road use
For the all-wheel drive of the XC90, Volvo relies on a Haldex system with “Instant Traction” traction distribution. Haldex clutches are also used in the “4Motion” all-wheel drive system from VW. Volvo's Haldex clutch is a speed-controlled electronic multi-plate clutch. It distributes the engine power continuously between the front and rear axles. In normal road use, 95 percent go to the front axle. The advantage of the system is a very fast response time.
In terms of off-road capability, the XC90 still lags behind the competition. It has neither terrain reduction nor hill descent assistance to offer. Like most SUVs, you will hardly find the Volvo off the beaten track. At 2250 kilograms, the maximum trailer load of the Volvo is also significantly lower than that of the BMW X5 (2700 kg), Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes ML, VW Touareg or Jeep Grand Cherokee (all 3500 kg).
Suspension for softies
The suspension of the Swede is designed to be soft and comfortable. Especially in fast corners you would want a tighter road holding for the thick ship. The driving comfort is excellent, whether on asphalt, gravel or cobblestones. The clear comfort announcement is not surprising - after all, the Volvo group, which belongs to Ford, has primarily aimed at the North American market with the XC90. Every second XC90 is sold in the US.
In addition to the Softie chassis, another detail is typically American: the tailgate can be opened in two parts. The upper part swings upwards, the lower one folds down as an extended loading area - just like with the large US station wagons of past decades. The extended loading area of the XC90 is practical when loading, but it blocks easy access to the rear of the luggage compartment. The trunk volume is by the way with 483 liters in the lower class average. If you move the second row of seats, a whopping 1,837 liters are waiting for the luggage.
Large turning circle
On country roads or the autobahn you glide easily in the XC90, in the narrow city and in the parking lot you get disillusioned. A turning circle of 12.5 meters and the confusing body require caution when maneuvering. A reversing camera is now available at an additional cost. Red and green lines on the screen make fine work easier. Also available as an option is Volvo's BLIS system, with which you can assassinate the notorious blind spot. As soon as a vehicle is in the blind spot, a red light on the exterior mirror warns. However, the system does not respond to mopeds and bicycles. According to the Volvo development engineers, there would otherwise have been problems with trees and poles.
The prices for the XC90 start with the basic equipment "Kinetic" at 41,600 euros for the turbodiesel with 185 hp. The equipment is neat with roof rails, automatic air conditioning, radio / CD system, electric windows front and rear, an integrated child seat in the rear and fog lights. Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights are available from the “Summum” equipment, which costs 46,500 euros. The Swedes live up to their reputation and have put together a thick security package for the XC90.
