All-new
Volvo XC90 – The next-generation SUV
The all-new Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicle represents
the company's first foray in the mid-size premium SUV market. With its
attractive styling, exemplary
handling characteristics and innovative safety features, the XC90 marks
the introduction of the next-generation of sport-utility vehicles.
Adhering to Volvo's core brand values of safety, environmental
consciousness
and value, the XC90 also manages to accomplish no fewer than five automotive
world firsts: Roll Stability Control (RSC), an inflatable side curtain
for all three rows of seats, an integrated sliding center booster seat
for children, seatbelts with pretensioners in all seating positions
and the availability of a Dolby 5.1 Pro Logic II surround sound stereo
system featuring a 305-watt Alpine amplifier and 12 premium speakers.
Built off the venerable P2 large-car platform that is
also utilized by the flagship
S80 luxury sedan, the XC90 is the largest vehicle in the Volvo lineup.
Unitized construction increases torsional rigidity and helps to reduce
noise, vibration and harshness. Volvo's unique vehicle architecture
mounts the engine transversely, allowing increased room within the passenger
compartment for an optional third-row of seats, boosting seating capacity
to seven. A full 93.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity and over 9.5 feet
of cargo length are available when the second and
third rows and the front passenger seat are folded flat. Adding to the
vehicle's versatility are no less than 64 seating configurations, more
than any other of the XC90's competitors.
Maximizing interior versatility is what sets the XC90
apart from other SUVs in
its class. Optional forward facing third row seats, offered as part
of the Versatility Package, increases seating capacity to seven. Also
included are separate controls for the rear air conditioning unit and
audio systems. A unique feature of the
XC90's second row seats (when ordered with the Versatility Package)
is that
the 40/20/40 bench seat is adjustable fore and aft, affording more room
for the third-row passengers. When not in use, the third row folds flat
below the cargo floor, increasing luggage capacity without the hassle
of lifting a heavy seat out of
the vehicle. The center portion also incorporates a child booster seat,
and when
slid into the forward position allows the child to better interact with
the
front seat occupants.
Two versions of the Volvo XC90
will initially be offered when the vehicle goes
on sale in November 2002: the XC90 AWD and the XC90 AWD T6. The
XC90 AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder turbocharged
engine producing 208 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque
from 1,500 – 4,500 rpm. The XC90 AWD T6 gets its power from a
twin turbocharged 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine making 268 horsepower
at 5,100 rpm and a stout 280 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 – 5,000
rpm. Both all-wheel-drive models will tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Following on the heels of the all-wheel-drive models,
a front-wheel-drive
version, the XC90, will go on sale in the first quarter of 2003. The
same engine that's found in the XC90 AWD, a 208-horsepower 2.5-liter
five-cylinder engine, will also power the XC90.
As with other all-wheel-drive Volvos, the XC90's system
operates seamlessly
and is invisible to the driver. Created by Haldex and specifically tuned
to meet
the demands of the XC90, power is transferred automatically between
the front and rear wheels, depending on available traction. Under normal
conditions, 95 percent of the engine's power is sent to the front wheels.
If slippage is detected
and the front wheels lose traction, a multi-plate clutch located in
the rear
differential engages and instantly begins routing up to a maximum of
65 percent
of the power to the rear wheels. Engagement of the all-wheel-drive system
is extremely fast, allowing just 1/7th of a wheel rotation before power
begins being diverted to the wheels with the most traction.
With a wheelbase of 112.6 inches, 2.7 inches longer than
the S80 luxury sedan, and an extremely wide track of 64.3 inches front
and 63.9 inches rear, the
XC90's ride is compliant and controlled even when driven over rough
or uneven road surfaces. The independent MacPherson strut front suspension
coupled with
a ZF steering gear allows sharp, precise response. The fully insulated
multi-link independent rear suspension filters noise and vibration for
a quieter ride.
XC90
Buyers
XC90 buyers will be around 45 years old, approximately two years younger
than the average Volvo purchaser. A majority of them will most likely
be married with a median income around $145,000. About 40 percent of
them will already own three or more other cars and more than half, 55
percent, will be men.
Competitive
Group
The mid-size premium SUVs the XC90 will compete with are the Acura MDX,
the Mercedes-Benz ML320, the Lexus RX 300 and the BMW X5 3.0i.