Review: Volvo Mk.1 XC90 (2003-14)

Review: Volvo Mk.1-I XC90 (2003-06)

Overview

Released in July 2003, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) XC90 was a large, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Torslanda, Sweden, the Mk.1-I XC90 range consisted of 2.5T and T6 variants – both of these were fitted with five seats as standard, though seven seats were available as an option.

Engines: B5254T2 2.5T and B6294T T6

Both the XC90 2.5T and T6 were powered by Volvo’s Modular engines which had aluminium cylinder blocks and heads, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Specifically, however,

• the 2.5-litre B5254T2 five-cylinder petrol engine had dual variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.0:1; and,
• the 2.9-litre B6294T twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine had variable exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 8.7:1.

While the 2.5T was fitted with a five-speed Aisin AW55-50/51 automatic transmission, the T6 had a four-speed 4T65EV/GT automatic transmission.

AWD system

The Volvo XC90’s all-wheel drive system utilised a Haldex coupling with a wet multi-plate clutch and a hydraulic pump driven by the slip between the axles. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. In the event that traction was lost, however, the clutch would engage – in the time take for one-seventh of a wheel turn – to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle.

Dimensions and suspension

The Volvo XC90 was underpinned by Volvo’s P2 platform which was shared with the Volvo Mk.1 S80 , Mk.1 S60 and Mk.2 V70 . The XC90 was 4798 mm long, 1898 mm wide, 1784 mm high and had a wheelbase of 2857 mm.

The Volvo XC90 had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the Volvo XC90 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipmet for the Volvo XC90 included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of seats, where fitted), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, rollover stability control, traction control, anti-submarining seats and seatbelt pretensioners for all seats and front seatbelt load limiters.

The XC90 was also fitted with Volvo’s side impact protection system (‘SIPS’) and whiplash protection system (‘WHIPS’) for the front seats.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the XC90 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.81. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Volvo XC90

Standard features for the Volvo XC90 2.5T included 17-inch alloy wheels, eight speaker sound system with CD player, Siljan textile/vinyl seats, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, 40/20/40 split and flat folding second row seats, remote central locking, power windows and retracting mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, a 12 volt power outlets, trip computer, rear cargo blind and an immobiliser. Where fitted, the third row of seats could fold flat into the floor.

The Volvo XC90 T6 was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker Dolby Pro Logic II sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, leather seats, heated front seats, a power adjustable front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an integrated telephone with handset, rear audio sockets and woodgrain interior trim.

2005 Volvo XC90 Lifestyle

In 2005, seven-seat ‘Lifestyle’ editions were released. Compared to the 2.5T variant, standard features for the Lifestyle editions were extended to include leather upholstery.

Related links

• Press Kit: Volvo XC90 (June 2002)
• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo XC90 (September 2002)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 gets V8 powertrain (September 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.1 XC90

Review: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (2006-14)

Overview

Released in September 2006, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) XC90 introduced a revised range, seven seats as standard, an upgraded all-wheel drive system and subtle cosmetic changes. The T6 was discontinued, but the range was expanded with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel variant (‘D5’) and a 4.4-litre petrol V8 (‘V8’). In 2007, a 3.2-litre petrol six-cylinder engine (‘3.2’) was also added to the line-up, effectively replacing the 2.5T. In July 2011, the range was substantially revised (see ‘July 2011 update’, below).

Engines: D5244T4 D5, 3.2 and B8444S V8

For the new variants,

• The 2.4-litre D5244T4 diesel engine had an aluminium cylinder block and heads, a water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.3:1;
• The 3.2-litre inline six cylinder engine had aluminium-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS) for inlet valves, four valves per cylinder, a Variable Intake System(VIS) with two throttle flap valves and a compression ratio of 10.8:1; and,
• The 4.4-litre B8444S V8 petrol engine was developed by Yamaha and had aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.4:1.

For these variants, six-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic transmissions were fitted as standard.

AWD system

The Volvo Mk.1-II XC90’s Haldex all-wheel drive system included a ‘pre-charging’ function which used a non-return valve within the coupling to immediately provide 80 Nm of torque to the rear wheels if a loss of traction was anticipated. The system would also provide torque to the rear wheels under acceleration. When cruising, however, the front/rear torque split remained 95:5 as per its Mk.1-I predecessor, but up to 65 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels if required. Furthermore, the traction control system could brake a single spinning wheel to transfer power to the wheels with traction, but was disabled under four-wheel braking.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.1-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.1-II XC90 was largely unchanged.

Features: Volvo XC90

Standard features for the Volvo XC90 2.5T, 3.2 and D5 variants included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary inputs and rear headphone outlet, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, 40/20/40 split and folding second row seats, flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power retracting mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, 12 volt power outlets, cargo cover, trip computer and immobiliser

The XC90 V8 was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker Bose sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, a power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers.

Volvo XC90 Executive editions

In February 2007, an ‘Executive’ edition was introduced for all variants. The Executive editions featured 19-inch ‘Galateia’ alloy wheels, soft-leather upholstery, thick-pile carpeting, a redwood steering wheel, watch-dial instruments, walnut panel inlays, exterior chrome highlights (door mirrors and C-pillars), colour-coordinated wheel arch extensions and metallic paint.

Volvo XC90 V8 Sport

In February 2007, a ‘Sport’ edition was introduced for the V8 variant. The V8 Sport was distinguished by its 19-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, upgraded anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, Nivomat self-levelling suspension and faster steering ratios. Inside, there were more supportive front seats, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather piping, watch dial instruments and unique carpets. Visually, the XC90 V8 Sport could be identified by its wheel-arch extensions, ‘satin silver’ skid plates and metallic paint.

2008 Volvo XC90 Ocean Race

In November 2008, limited-run Ocean Race editions were released for all XC90 variants. Visually, the Ocean Race editions could be identified by their 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, chrome highlights (lower grille, window trims, tailgate mouldings), silver-painted aluminium roof rails, alloy-look front and rear skid plates and ‘Ocean Race’ badging. Inside, there were cross-stitched Soft Beige or Off Black leather seats and brushed aluminium highlights.

Volvo XC90 R-Design editions

In November 2008, R-Design editions were introduced for all XC90 variants. The R-Design editions had 18-inch ‘Cratus’ alloy wheels, lower ride heights and sports-tuned anti-roll bars and bushes. As per the V8 Sport, the V8 R-Design was also fitted with its upgraded anti-roll bars, 19-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, upgraded anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, Nivomat self-levelling suspension and faster steering ratios.

Inside, there was a twelve speaker Dynaudio Premium Sound sound system with a six-disc CD player, two-tone leather seats with piping, bi-xenon headlights with washers, a leather-trimmed ‘R-Design’ sports steering wheel and gearshift, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, chronograph-style instrumentation, ‘R-Design’ floor mats and an aluminium trimmed centre stack and pedals. Visually, the R-Design editions could be identified by their unique bodykits, twin 90 mm chrome exhaust outlets, ‘satin matt’ coloured door mirrors and grille, ‘R-Design’ badges and colour-coded rear spoilers.

July 2011: XC90 update

In July 2011, the Volvo XC90 range was revised as the V8 variants were discontinued. As such, the range consisted of the 3.2 and D5 variants, both offered in R-Design and Executive editions. Standard features were extended to include Bluetooth audio streaming, while the 3.2 R-Design gained satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (August 2011)
• Brochure: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (October 2013)

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (September 2009)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (July 2010)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-II XC90 (September 2013)

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 Sport (July 2006)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2008 (July 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 R-Design (January 2008)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2009 (May 2008)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2011 (August 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2012 (May 2011)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2013 (August 2012)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC90 – model year 2014 (May 2013)