For North America, the XC90 is fitted with two engines; the proven biturbo 6-cylinder found in the S80 and a new
2.5-liter version of the 5-cylinder with low-pressure turbo system. Both have been modified as such for larger
levels of torque for this heavier SUV application and the latter will find its way into all-wheel drive versions
of the S60 and V70 models later this year. Throughout our two days of testing the vehicle in Northern California,
we had exposure to both versions of the vehicle.
Our first chance behind the wheel was in the 2.5T version of the car. Considering that the lightest XC90 (4450
lbs.) is significantly heavier than the XC70 (3,699 lbs.) seat of the pants acceleration performance is surprisingly
good. The 2.5T, we would guess is adequate for most drivers who don't crave need highe performance acceleration.
In addition, it will sip fuel less aggressively at an estimated cumulative gas mileage of 24 miles per gallon.
We're mixed on the T-6. While it is the obvious choice for this author in purchasing the XC90 and a must have for
those thirsting for performance, it does not seem to have the prodigious pulling power and head-snapping effect
that it has in the S80. Again, the XC90 is significantly heavier, and it is expected that there be additional drivetrain
loss when combined with the Haldex all-wheel drive system.
In fairness, the power in the XC90 T-6 is decent and would make all but very few more than happy. The question
remains whether, in the grand American obsession and need for more power, whether Volvo needs a power plant above
this one for the seriously obsessed? While rumors of a Yamaha-sourced narrow angle V8 that will fit the XC90 (and
the S80) have shown up in numerous publications throughout the industry, Volvo remains tight lipped. They won't
confirm the engine's existence, but they won't deny it either. Make what assumptions you wish out of that. In the
end, for now the T-6 is the top dog in the XC90 lineup and we found it more than adequate.
There is another engine that will be available for the European market. That engine is Volvo's torque-laden, diesel
powered D5. At this time there is no plan to bring it to the American market. Volvo sights diesel availability
as the main reason for this stance. Surprisingly, not all gas stations offer diesel fuel. The necessity to choose
one's gas station carefully during diesel ownership is cause for concern in Irvine. Another is that the perceived
demand for a diesel XC90 is not there. Add all of this to the fact that Volvo could very easily hit maximum production
capacity and there may be little need for the D5 in the immediate future.
Still, having an SUV as versatile as the XC90 and then adding fuel consumption figures at a level expected to be
well over 30 mpg and Volvo might find themselves with quite a bit more demand than they expected. However, a business
case does need to be made for diesel, and while the idea of proving the concept worthwhile does sound rather daunting,
it is important to remember that Ford Motor Company recently announced that it was considering the introduction
of a diesel powered Ford Focus in North America. A successful launch of that vehicle might make Volvo's parent
company much more willing to give Diesel the old college try in the USA in other products like the XC90. After
all, an SUV with a gas mileage consumption figure better than many compact cars would be quite progressive, a quality
that a marque like Volvo is certainly known for.
In the Curves
Handling is not typically something SUVs are known for. As a general rule, they're taller and heavier than a sedan;
two qualities that don't add up to superior handling. The XC90, no surprise, is taller and larger than any other
Volvos out there. By widening the track of the XC90, Volvo has provided some additional stability. In addition,
technology such as DSTC and the aforementioned RSC help keep the rubber side down and the steel side up.
We drove the XC90 in a range of road conditions; from rough, single lane back roads to Northern California's super
highways. We also had a chance to try some spirited driving in some twisty mountain passes. What we found was that
the XC90 exhibits well controlled handling. Certainly the all-wheel drive system plays a part in that.
The only real weakness we noticed in hard cornering was a slight roll of the tire, resulting in some understeer.
The Pirelli Scorpions on our test cars had a large enough tire wall that they would roll slightly under a hard
turn. They seemed to grip just fine, it's just that throwing the weight of the car off of the optimal tread area
would result in a slide under extremely spirited driving. However, it was nothing that couldn't be rectified with
a generous dose of throttle. The beauty of an all-wheel-drive car is that their dynamics are fairly easy to understand.
In most cases, it's simply a matter of pointing the steering wheel and giving the car gas. The XC90 is one such
vehicle.
In Closing
So when Volvo chose to bring the XC90 to market, relatively late in the SUV craze, they knew they had to do so
with perfection. The question is, "Have they achieved their goal?"
The answer, we suspect, would be a resounding "YES!" The XC90 is a beautiful design that performs very
well and combines that with unmatched safety. Top all of this with a highly versatile interior featuring three
rows of seats, a high degree of flexibility, a bountiful collection of bins, door pockets and cupholders and you
begin to see that this new SUV may not only convert new owners from other brands, but also other types of vehicles.
It is perhaps, the perfect family vehicle.
