STYLING: XC90 looks suitably muscular without macho affectations. The XC90 challenges both BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class in every aspect of drivability.Įlectronic safety includes four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with antilock, brake-force distribution and brake assistance, Dynamic Stability Traction Control and Roll Stability Control. Like the engine, the transmission is made in Japan.ĭRIVABILITY: Handling, steering and braking are all top drawer, especially for a heavy, high-profile vehicle. The six-speed automatic was usually on the ball, though sometimes shifting with a noticeable thunk. XC90 delivers relatively good fuel mileage, considering the SUV’s 4,600-pound bulk and is rated by the EPA as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. This advanced 32-valve engine includes variable intake and exhaust timing for power over a wide range of rpm.Īcceleration is strong and smooth, with a subdued growl under the hood. PERFORMANCE: The V-8 engine may be small (gearhead note: 4.4 liters is about 270 cubic inches) but has plenty of power, making this gentle giant feel light and lively. Newfound performance, excellent drivability and, of course, Volvo’s longtime emphasis on safety moves XC90 to the head of the class. luxury drivers, who are accustomed to the silky muscle of powerful V-8s.
The new engine vastly widens the appeal of the Volvo for U.S. Naturally, the V-8 comes at a premium, adding nearly $10,000 to the price of the turbo-four XC90, although that includes a passel of luxury features and standard all-wheel drive. The Japanese company currently supplies high-revving four-cylinder engines for the performance versions of Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. The high-performance Taurus SHO of the early 1990s received its muscle from a similar Yamaha V-8. This is not the first time Yamaha has supplied a V-8 for Ford, which owns Volvo.
Yamaha, the Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles and musical instruments, builds the compact V-8 for Volvo. In this global marketplace, the engine comes to the big Swede from the other side of the world. It replaces the previous 268-horsepower inline six, while the base model’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four remains in the lineup. The 4.4-liter, 311-horsepower engine is the first V-8 ever offered by Volvo and available only in the largest vehicle ever offered by Volvo.
For 2006, Volvo addresses the only persistent gripe connected with its luxury sport utility vehicle: modest engine power.Ī powerful and refined V-8 engine is now optional for the XC90, putting this fine craft on equal footing with high-end SUVs from Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Lincoln and Cadillac.
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