Along with Haldex, Volvo has created an electronically controlled AWD system that provides instant traction. The way it works is by maintaining or pre-loading the system with 50 lb/ft of torque. This means that the front wheel will not experience the normal wheel spin associated with a regular AWD setup. This new drivetrain will make its wa
y into every AWD Volvo in the near future.
On the road, the XC90 feels lithe and sure footed. Its rock-solid chassis, shared in part with the S80, Ford Five-Hundred and Freestyle, purveys build quality like few manufacturers can deliver. Steering is light and precise and never gives you the impression that you are driving a 2 100 plus kilogram truck. When pushed the engine emits a subdued roar reminding everyone around that this is not the Volvo that your father used to drive. On the highway, the XC90 is stable and well controlled. The 6-speed tranny is slick-shifting and quick on its toes.
The V8, which makes 274 lb/ft of torque available at as little as 2 000 rpm, generates a very satisfactory kick in the pants. According to Volvo, the Japanese built powerplant can launch the truck from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. To boot, it is also the cleanest burning V8 on the planet; it meets ULEV II requirements. Fuel consumption ratings have increased by barely 3.5% for a 14% output improvement.
Safety
The XC90 was the first SUV introduced with a roll stability control. It is then no surprise that standard safety features abound. It has dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and assist, traction, roll and stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 2004 XC90 5 out of 5 (a perfect result) for the driver and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the passenger in frontal impacts. Also, it received 5 out of 5 stars for the front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" and puts it on top of 9 SUVs in its category.
Conclusion
There are different approaches to every obstacle regardless of its nature. Volvo chooses simply to be more eco-friendly (PremAir radiator and recyclable parts and body panels) and they have always put emphasis on
safety. These issues are principal matters in many people's lives and Volvo is capitalising on this: their sales have increased by nearly 8% from 2003 to 2004. So far, in the first 1/3 of 2005, sales are up by 30%. Volvo has created the "good guy" SUV that everyone seems to want.
Montreal is and has been the most loyal market to Volvo for many years. The Swedish company expects to deliver 2 500 XC90s to Canadians for 2005-2006 and they are well on their way. Of those, 500 should wear the V8 badge. This represents the same percentage of takers for the T6 (80% base, 20% T6/V8).
The beauty about the XC90 V8 is that it really can do everything well. It is competent on and off-road, is roomy, comfortable, can tow up to 2 250 kg (5 000 lbs) and is well dressed for you to go out for a night on the town. Volvo suspects that many of the V8 buyers will be golf enthusiasts, so here's to a tee-off time at Glenn Abbey.
Good stuff:
Great V8
Solid, quality feel
Not so good stuff:
Price and power gap between 2.5T and V8
Competitors:
Lexus GX470
Acura MDX
BMW X5
Mercedes ML-Class
Saab 9-7X
y into every AWD Volvo in the near future. On the road, the XC90 feels lithe and sure footed. Its rock-solid chassis, shared in part with the S80, Ford Five-Hundred and Freestyle, purveys build quality like few manufacturers can deliver. Steering is light and precise and never gives you the impression that you are driving a 2 100 plus kilogram truck. When pushed the engine emits a subdued roar reminding everyone around that this is not the Volvo that your father used to drive. On the highway, the XC90 is stable and well controlled. The 6-speed tranny is slick-shifting and quick on its toes.
The V8, which makes 274 lb/ft of torque available at as little as 2 000 rpm, generates a very satisfactory kick in the pants. According to Volvo, the Japanese built powerplant can launch the truck from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. To boot, it is also the cleanest burning V8 on the planet; it meets ULEV II requirements. Fuel consumption ratings have increased by barely 3.5% for a 14% output improvement.
Safety
 |
Conclusion
There are different approaches to every obstacle regardless of its nature. Volvo chooses simply to be more eco-friendly (PremAir radiator and recyclable parts and body panels) and they have always put emphasis on
 |
Montreal is and has been the most loyal market to Volvo for many years. The Swedish company expects to deliver 2 500 XC90s to Canadians for 2005-2006 and they are well on their way. Of those, 500 should wear the V8 badge. This represents the same percentage of takers for the T6 (80% base, 20% T6/V8).
The beauty about the XC90 V8 is that it really can do everything well. It is competent on and off-road, is roomy, comfortable, can tow up to 2 250 kg (5 000 lbs) and is well dressed for you to go out for a night on the town. Volvo suspects that many of the V8 buyers will be golf enthusiasts, so here's to a tee-off time at Glenn Abbey.
Good stuff:
 |
Great V8
Solid, quality feel
Not so good stuff:
Price and power gap between 2.5T and V8
Competitors:
Lexus GX470
Acura MDX
BMW X5
Mercedes ML-Class
Saab 9-7X
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