Volvo XC90

Not to be confused with Suzuki X-90.
Volvo XC90
Overview
Manufacturer Volvo Cars
Production 2002present
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine
front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars, introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and now in its second generation. Manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken (Torlanda Works), the first generation XC90 used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars.

Volvo moved production of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, when they introduced the second generation XC90, based on a new global platform, marketed as Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA).

The XC90 is Volvo's top-selling vehicle in the United States and also Volvo's best selling model worldwide in 2005 with 85,994 cars sold.

First generation (2002–2014)

Volvo XC90
Overview
Production 2002–2014 XC90
2014-present XC Classic
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden (2002-2014)
Daqing, China (2014-Present)
Designer Doug Frasher (1999) [1][2]
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door Mid-size SUV
Layout Front engine
front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Platform Volvo P2 platform
Powertrain
Engine 2.5 L 210 hp turbocharged I5
2.9 L 272 hp turbocharged I6
3.2 L 238 hp I6
4.4 L 315 hp V8
2.4 L 185 hp (163 hp) Diesel I5
Transmission 5-speed Volvo M56 manual, 6-speed manual,
4-speed GM 4T65EV/GT automatic,
5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic,
6-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2003–04 & 2007–present: 2,857 mm (112.5 in)
2005–06: 2,859 mm (112.6 in)
Length 2003–06: 4,821 mm (189.8 in)
2007–present: 4807 mm (189.3 in)
Width 2003–2012: 1909 mm (74.7 in)
2013-: 76.2 in (1,935 mm)
Height 1784 mm (70.2 in)

Volvo debuted its Adventure Concept Car at the January 2001 North American International Auto Show to gauge reaction to the styling and features of its upcoming SUV.[3] In November 2001, Volvo released a teaser image showing the frontal styling of the production version, named the XC90. Notable as Volvo's first SUV model, the styling of the XC90 recalled the concept.[4] The full XC90 unveiling occurred in January 2002 at the North American International Auto Show.[4] Production began in August 2002 after Volvo's traditional mid-year shutdown, with the first XC90s coming out of the Torslanda factory in Sweden.[4]

Pre Facelift Volvo XC90 D5 (Australia)
Facelift Volvo XC90 D5 (Australia)
Facelift Volvo XC90 3.2 (Australia)
Pre Facelift Volvo XC90 D5 (Australia)

At its North American launch for the 2003 model year, the XC90 was presented with a choice of two trim levels, the 2.5 T and the T6. The 2.5 T was the entry level version and offered a 2.5-litre B5254T2 "T5" turbocharged inline-five engine, producing 208 hp (155 kW) and 236 lb·ft (320 N·m) mated to an Aisin co-developed five-speed AW55-50/51 automatic. The T6 offered a 2.9-litre B6294T twin-turbocharged inline-six with 268 hp (200 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) mated to a GM-sourced, Volvo-modified four-speed 4T65EV/GT automatic. While the 2.5T came standard with front-wheel drive, a Haldex Traction all-wheel drive (AWD) system was optional. The T6 was offered only with the AWD system.

A Yamaha V8 engine was added in 2005. This 4.4-litre Volvo B8444S engine produced 288 hp (215 kW) for the first few models later upgraded to 311 hp (232 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) of torque. Volvo sold just over 40,000 XC90 units in North America that year.[5]

The XC90 won the North American Car of the Year award and Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2003.

The host of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, has owned three of these vehicles, and claims they were designed by someone who must've had children due to its immense practicality.

The Passion Red avatar of the XC90 was heavily showcased in the 2009 film 3 Idiots.

Safety

The Volvo XC90's front end is designed to absorb frontal impacts and also deflect any pedestrians up on to the hood of the vehicle rather than underneath the vehicle. Volvo has patented the unique frontal structure that features crumple zones, and predetermined positions for the engine and other ancillaries during a frontal impact.

The XC90's roof is reinforced with ultra-high-strength steel to help prevent a collapse in the passenger cavity in the event of a roll over. This Volvo system is marketed as ROPS, and is closely associated with the Roll Stability Control (RSC), electronic stability control (DSTC), and SIPS systems of Volvo to prevent and ultimately minimize accident forces.

The XC90's rear structure has been designed to absorb impact energy, with occupants are also protected by a whiplash protection system. Marketed as WHIPS, the system cradles the the occupants during a rear end collision.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Volvo XC90 their Top Safety Pick award. The XC90 was granted the IIHS's highest rating of "good" in front, side, rear and roof strength tests and has Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment to receive the award.[6]

The industry-first Roll Stability Control was first introduced in XC90 in 2003.[7][8]

Interior

At the end of July 2007, Volvo Car Corp. announced the recall of 42,211 2005 model year XC90s for risk of battery short circuit and fire. The vehicles were manufactured in the Swedish Torslanda Plant between June 7, 2004, and May 13, 2005.[9] The recall only applies to cars in the U.S. and Canada.[10] There have been no reports of short circuiting in the vehicles.

IIHS scores:[11]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Good1
Side impact (2005–present models) Good
Roof strength Good2
1 vehicle structure rated "Good"
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.51

2007 facelift

The XC90 was updated for 2007 with a restyled front and rear and a revised interior. The 235 hp (175 kW; 238 PS) 3.2 L SI6 straight-6 engine replaced the 208 hp (155 kW; 211 PS) B524T2 straight-5 in the base model for the US market. The 2007 XC90 debuted in April 2006 at the New York Auto Show.

2009, 2010, and 2012 updates

For model year (MU) 2009 model, the XC90 received a new rear logo, featuring larger lettering with wider spaces between the "VOLVO" letters. In 2010, all XC90 models received painted wheel arches (previously they were optional). In addition, a new, larger, circular Volvo logo appeared on the front grille. For MY 2012, new LED tail-lights became available on certain models, although entry-level models retain the previous style. For MY 2013, the XC90 received a cosmetic refresh that included standard LED daytime running lights and taillights, and exterior revisions including body color bumpers, rocker panels and silver trim replacing black plastic trim. The refreshed model went on sale during late spring 2012 with a base price of US$40,395 for a front-wheel drive base model.[12] For the 2014 model year the base price is US$39,700.[13]

XC Classic

The first generation Volvo XC90 will continue to be sold in China as the "XC Classic" and will be produced at a new Volvo factory located in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, with the necessary tooling being shipped from Sweden.[14]

Second generation (2014-)

Volvo XC90
Overview
Production 2014present
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden (2014)
Designer Thomas Ingenlath[15]
Robin Page (interior designer)[16]
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door Mid-size SUV
Layout Front engine
front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Platform Volvo Scalable Product Platform (SPA)
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 liter turbo Drive-E (Petrol, Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid variants)
Transmission 8-speed Geartronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,984 mm (117.5 in)
Length 4,950 mm (194.9 in)
Width 2,008 mm (79.1 in)
Height 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Volvo XC90 Twin Engine

In May 2012 Volvo announced that the second generation XC90 will go into production in late 2014, with orders being taken in 2014 and the vehicle officially going on sale in 2015.[17] The SUV will be sold in Europe, Asia and North America. Volvo expects the United States to account for at least a third of global sales.[18]

The new XC90 is based on Volvo's new platform, marketed as Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology which features a stronger platform offering weight reduction while improving safety and efficiency.

The vehicle is longer, taller and lower than its predecessor.[19] All engines in the XC90 will be 2.0 liter 4 cylinder Drive-E powertrains with Volvo's 8-speed Geartronic transmission. The lineup will include two petrol engines: a turbocharged, supercharged 320 hp T6, producing 400 nm of torque and a turbocharged 254 hp T5, producing 350 nm of torque, two diesel engines: a twin turbo 225 hp D5, producing 470 nm of torque and a turbocharged 190 hp D4, producing 400 nm of torque. The top-of-the-line model will be the XC90 Twin Engine, a plug-in hybrid which combines the more powerful petrol engine at the front with an electric motor at the rear to produce 400 hp and 640 nm of torque.[20]

The First Edition of the all-new Volvo XC90, 1,927 individually numbered cars only available for sale via digital commerce, sold out in 47 hours after orders opened on September 3, 2014.[20] All 1,927 of the First Edition models, which could feature either the Petrol T6 or Diesel T5 engine, will be finished in Onyx Black and feature 21-inch alloy wheels and include every available vehicle option. The limited production run number represents the year the Swedish brand was launched, with each model fitted with uniquely numbered tread plates and a distinctive rear mounted badge,[21] with customers able to select their XC90 First Edition numbers.

Design

Volvo XC90 Interior showing Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Orrefors crystal glass gear lever, diamond-cut center console controls and 9" touch-screen control console

The new XC90 has a redesigned chassis with double wishbone front suspension and a new integral link rear axle incorporating transverse leaf springs of lightweight material. The new XC90 can also be equipped with electronically controlled air suspension with a choice of five modes.[20]

The interior features a 9" tablet-like touch screen control console along with steering wheel controls and voice-control system, all linked to an interface, marketed as Sensus, which allows for access to cloud-based apps including Internet radio, connected navigation, parking, music streaming, OS mirroring Apple and Android devices in the touch screen display, and a Wi-Fi hot spot for using a tablet in the car. Other features include a gear lever made of Orrefors crystal as well as diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control, located on the center console between the driver and passenger seats.

The highest level audio system in the XC90 features a 1400W Class-D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakersas well as one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. Integrated into the car body, it turns the entire interior space into a large subwoofer. The latest sound processing software has been used to manage the timing of the sound and co-ordination of the speakers.

The vehicle's seats have also been redesigned with adjustable side bolsters, seat cushion extension and massage. The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. A sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row or to increase loading space. An integrated child booster cushion in the centre seat is available.

Volvo Cars’ air purification system has been improved by adding a new carbon filter for more efficient capture of small, particles and pollen in the incoming air. The second generation XC90 offers a 360° view system capable of providing the driver with a birds-eye view, whereby information from all cameras is gathered and digitally integrated in a central processor to form a 360° image. The rear sensing system, marketed as Park Assist Pilot, offers automatic reversing into a parking bay.[20]

The 2nd generation XC90 is the first Volvo to carry the company’s new, more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow aligned with the diagonal metallic slash across the grille along with t-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The car will be available in four trim levels, namely Kinetic (base trim level), Momentum, Inscription (a more luxurious trim) and R-design (a sportier trim).[20]

Safety

The vehicle features a comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package (IntelliSafe), including two world first safety technologies: Run-off road protection package and Auto brake at intersection. New systems include:

T8

The T8 plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 is based on technology used in the Volvo V60 PHEV.[18] The vehicle emits 64 g/km of CO2 and has an all-electric range of 40 km (24 mi). Normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode, but the driver can push a button to switch to a mode that uses only electric power, for quiet, emission-free driving.[20] The batteries are situated at the center of the vehicle can be charged using an electric vehicle charger and can also store energy recovered by means of regenerative braking. Volvo says that the XC90 T8 sacrifices no passenger or cargo space to accommodate the hybrid equipment.[19] Sales of the XC90 T8 will start in the U.S. in the Fall of 2015.[23]

Technical data

Specification D4 AWD D5 AWD T5 AWD T6 AWD T8 AWD
Length 4950 mm (194.9 in)
Width 2140 mm (84.3 in)
Height 1775 mm (69.9 in)
Wheelbase 2984 mm (117.5 in)
Luggage area volume 704 l (186.0 US gal; 154.9 imp gal)
Seats 7
Curb weight
Tank Capacity 71 L (18.8 US gal; 15.6 imp gal)71 L (18.8 US gal; 15.6 imp gal)
Cylinders In-line 4 (4 valves/cylinder)
Engine 2.0L Turbo Diesel2.0L Twin-turbo Diesel2.0L Turbo Petrol2.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged "twincharged" petrol2.0L Turbo Petrol with Supercharger and Electric motor (Twin Engine)
Displacement (cc) 19691969196919691969
Fuel economy (combined) 5.87.7
Max power output 190 hp (142 kW)225 hp (168 kW) @ 4250 rpm264 hp (197 kW)320 hp (239 kW) @ 5700 rpm400 hp (298 kW)
Max torque 400 N·m (295 lb·ft)470 N·m (347 lb·ft) @ 1750-2500 rpm350 hp (261 kW)400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @ 2200-4500 rpm640 N·m (472 lb·ft)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec) 7.86.96.4
Top Speed km/h 205 km/h (127 mph)230 km/h (140 mph)
Transmission 8-speed Geartronic automatic
CO2 emissions (g/km) 15217964
Environmental classification (EU) Euro 6Euro 6

References

  1. http://www.volvocars.com/intl/top/community/heritage/pages/history.aspx?itemid=331
  2. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Frasher%27s+odyssey%3A+with+the+design+of+its+XC90+SUV,+Volvo+had+to...-a095526322
  3. Pund, Dan (January 2001). "Volvo Adventure Concept Car". Car and Driver. Hearst Communications. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lacy, Justin (November 29, 2001). "First pics: Volvo joins the off-road boom". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  5. "Volvo XC90 Leads Sales With Best Month of the Year. - Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. January 4, 2006. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  6. "XC90 IIHS evaluation". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  7. Hide Comments (December 1, 2002). "Mike Monticello"2003 Volvo XC90 AWD T6 - Road Test," Road and Truck". Roadandtrack.com. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  8. "2003 Volvo XC90 – North American Truck of the Year,". Carpictures.com. January 5, 2003. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  9. "Volvo recalls SUVs due to fire risk". Bloomberg News / The Arizona Republic. July 25, 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
  10. "Volvo to recall 42,000 cars in North America because of short circuit risk". International Herald Tribune. March 29, 2009. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  11. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/volvo/xc90
  12. "2013 Volvo XC90 Photos and Info-Car News-Car and Driver". Car and Driver. May 3, 2012.
  13. "Volvo XC90 Price". NADAguides.
  14. http://www.worldcarfans.com/114091181067/first-generation-volvo-xc90-to-live-on-in-china-as-xc-classic
  15. "All-new XC90 will be the first Volvo built on the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture". Volvo Cars of North America. August 12, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  16. Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (March 14, 2013). "Bentley Interior Design Chief Robin Page Heads To Volvo". Auto Express. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  17. Diana T. Kurylko (May 14, 2012). "Volvo's goal: Conquest more luxury-vehicle buyers". Automotive News.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Jack Ewing (2014-08-26). "Volvo Introduces Its First S.U.V. Made Under Chinese Ownership". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  19. 19.0 19.1 "New Plug-in Hybrid Volvo XC90 Boasts 400 Horsepower". AutoTrader.com. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 "The all-new Volvo XC90". Volvo Car Group. October 21, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  21. Mildenhall, Owen (October 2, 2014). "New 2015 Volvo XC90 revealed in Paris: pics, specs, video and full details". Auto Express. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  22. http://ae-plus.com/news/xc90-features-integrated-radar-and-camera-system- XC90 features integrated radar and camera system
  23. Mike Szostech. "Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid Availability". MyXC90PHEV. MECF. Retrieved 24 February 2015.

External links

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