 Click here for the Ride&Drive Index! Posted September, 2007 Road Test: 2007 Volvo XC90
Meanwhile, some of the body molding and exterior panels have been altered and given a satin-metallic finish. It gives the outside a more contemporary appeal that is sure to win over those who have an expectation of how an SUV should appear. The XC90’s engine specs are the same as the previous year. The V6, 3.2-liter cranks 235 horsepower at 6200rpm and 236 pounds per feet of torque at 3200rpm. It’s naturally aspirated and includes a continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (CVVT). The optional Haldex AWD system instantaneously delivers up to 50 percent more torque to the rear axle only when needed, such as during takeoff. Instant Traction adds a one-way pre-charging valve to the AWD system that maintains a torque load of 59 foot-pounds, which is available instantly. Prior to Instant Traction, if the AWD system sensed that the front wheels were losing traction, one-seventh of a wheel rotation occurred before it began redirecting torque to the wheels with traction. With this Haldex system, that issue, which could be dangerous in certain weather conditions, has been eliminated. The rigidity and the ability to really put it through its paces were limited. I couldn’t take the curves as aggressively as I wanted and, if I tried, the car The XC90’s interior is equipped with a lengthy list of standard features. The only features that were optional are the Metallic paint, Active Bi-Zenon Gas Discharge Headlamps, and AWD. The Premium package consists of power glass moonroof, power passenger seat, leather surfaces and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The Versatility Package includes third row seats, self-leveling rear suspension, AC for third row, center booster cushion-second row. We drove the XC90 Special Purposes Vehicle AWD with all the trimmings. Its base MSRP is $36,136. With all the option packages and destination charges it came to $45,200. Unless you really require AWD for $45,000 you could have the no-frills V8 for a lot less. If you can find one on a dealer’s lot, drive it around. (Make sure they give you a great price!) If not, the new 2008 is just around the corner. R&D
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displeased me more but now that I have had time to get used to it, the latest version of this automobile doesn’t seem so bad. I admit, reluctantly, that some change is good. Fortunately, for this model year, very little changed. 2008 is the year that we expect the XC90 to emerge with major changes to it. Stay tuned.
rocked more than I liked at the curve’s apex. The ambient noise levels, however, were improved over that of the 2005 model we last tested.