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Volvo XC90 D5 SE Premium AWD road test

A near monolith, Volvo’s shot at delivering a luxury SUV is a success on all counts. Deceptively quick off the mark, the XC90 combines safety and speed in equal measure with a ride as smooth as the cosy and sophisticated white leather interior.

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Performance

Aside from the V8 and 3.2-litre petrol engines also available, the five-cylinder turbodiesel D5 review vehicle we drove felt punchy and astute for such a mammoth, hitting 60mph in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 127. The six-cylinder 3.2 engine - 238PS, 320Nm torque from 3,200rpm – and 4.4 eight-cylinder V8 (315PS, 440Nm torque from 3,900rpm) were introduced in 2007 to replace the five-cylinder 2.5T (210PS) and six-cylinder T6 (272PS) engines.

Ride & Handling

The effortless ride feels smooth, steady and unperturbed, fulfilling Volvo’s aim of providing a luxury SUV drive. The gargantuan 19” Galateia wheels mean speed bumps are barely acknowledged while the harshest of potholes will be cast aside with little bother. Motorway runs are endearing and getting heavy with the right boot is an absolute joy. Flicking on the cruise control is satisfying and made all the more stress-free when you know that overtaking will feel just as unflustered. Sadly, handling is outshined by the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne and city driving does not bring out the best in the XC90. The lethargic steering feels slightly sluggish and consequently street parking can be a lengthy procedure. With spec so high, it was disappointing that RTR’s review vehicle featured rear parking sensors but not at the front. Volvo could argue that most of us are blessed with sensors built into the front of our heads (they’re called ‘eyes’), but the inclusion of front sensors would have contributed a little more consistency and symmetry to the XC90. The numb steering means cornering will require a little more work than it probably should but the Roll-over Protection System balances out the experience to ensure the vehicle never feels uneven.

Build Quality & Reliability

It can be assumed that near enough any vehicle with the Volvo brand brings with it an assumed expectation of a dependable drive. The luxury-focussed XC90 is no different with solid construction laced into every inch of the vehicle. The new Marstrand upholstery, new Manganite inlays, leather gear knob and colour co-ordinated door handles give an instant impression of the care and proficiency employed here. Dissatisfied customers have been few and far between.

Safety & Security

As well as a high production standard, Volvo has also become a by-word for safety. A Roll-over Protection System (or ROPS if you prefer) uses a stability-enhancing system to anticipate an impending roll-over and nip it in the bud while protection for the occupants is increased if the vehicle does manage to roll over. In the event of a collision, sensors monitor the incoming force and adjust inflation of the airbags accordingly as well as the Side Impact Protection System and Inflatable Curtain. The driver and front passenger would also benefit from a Whiplash Protection System.

Space & Practicality

With automatic seat adjustment, individual temperature control and the right amount of buttons on the wheel, there are fewer rides where the driver will feel this commanding. Passengers forfeit the automatic seats but leg room is still more than ample. However, it’s those in the third row who get the bum deal. It may be marketed as a seven-seater and yes, there are seven seats, but a pair of hobbits would struggle to settle comfortably in the rear two seats. With all the seats up, the XC90 can hold 249 litres. Folding down the third row more than doubles it to 614 litres while flipping both sets of seats nearly triples the amount of space to 1837 litres.

Ownership & Value

As its size suggests, the XC90 is a thirsty one. We managed an average of 29mpg, not quite the 34.0mpg (manual) or 31.4mpg (Geartronic) mentioned in the press release. That’s not to say the Volvo XC90 is not a worthy investment. Besides a few niggles, there’s nothing here to get that upset over and the XC90 does what it does proficiently and with confidence. On family days out, it ensures long journeys will be largely moan free, just make sure the littlest are in back two seats.

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