Think of the new V8-powered 2005 Volvo XC90 as an SUV energized by a mechanical can of spinach. You do remember Popeye, don't you?
Believe it or not, this is Volvo's first V8 and it injects the XC90 with enough power to put it on par with other eight-cylinder SUVs like the Cadillac SRX or Infiniti FX45. Plus, and Volvo is the first to admit this, it's hard to be considered a premium automaker if you don't have a V8 in the lineup.
But the Swedish automaker's motives are also driven by the bottom line. Nearly a third of U.S. consumers who buy premium SUVs buy one with a V8, and Volvo wants a piece of that action.
New V8 Delivers
The new engine is a welcome improvement, as our main complaint about the XC90 T6 was its lack of power. We tested a 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 and got a 0-to-60-mph time of just 9.5 seconds. The V8-powered XC90 topped that time by almost two full seconds at 7.6. That's a serious can of spinach and it's quick enough that even the average commuter would notice the improvement.
The 4.4-liter engine features variable valve timing and double-overhead cams, and it's built in Japan by Yamaha, which is credited with its design, and then shipped to Sweden. It's good for 311 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the 268-hp turbocharged inline six that powers the T6.
According to James Hope of Volvo Cars North America, Volvo sourced the motor from Yamaha because of that company's ability to build "compact but powerful V8 engines." And no, it's not an SHO Taurus motor. Hope went on to say, "We also needed a V8 that could be transversely mounted, and the Yamaha unit met that criteria."
Fuel economy is also important to Volvo. The T6 and V8-powered XC90 have identical EPA ratings for 2005, both offer an estimated 15 city, 20 highway. Our long-term 2003 XC90 T6 averaged 15.4 mpg, while our more recent test of the V8-powered XC90 averaged 15.1 mpg. These numbers are average among premium midsize SUVs; BMW's V8-equipped X5 is more fuel-efficient but only seats five passengers.
Another Volvo twist is the fact that this V8-powered SUV meets ULEV-II requirements — the only SUV in its class to do so.
Minor Complaints
The new V8 is hooked up to a new six-speed automatic transmission that makes great use of the engine's power during hard acceleration. Its gear ratios are right on. But in city driving it finds its top gear too quickly, probably to conserve fuel. This forces it to kick down a gear when only moderate acceleration is required. Bottom line, there's too much downshifting. The shifts are smooth, but their frequency is noticeable.
Although we like the Volvo's steering, which offers great feel with the right amount of effort, the XC90 just doesn't feel nimble like the BMW X5 or Cadillac SRX. Instead it feels heavy and without a sporty edge. It handles well enough, but it isn't as fun to toss around as some of its competitors.
Another minor irritant is the V8's noise levels, which are higher than we'd expect from the engine in a $50,000 Volvo. It doesn't sound bad; in fact, V8 rumble is cool at times, but at full throttle the cabin is noisier than it is in an XC90 T6.
How much noisier? During our 2003 XC90 T6 test, we recorded a cabin noise level of 71 decibels at full throttle. Compare that to the XC90 V8's 76-decibel reading. However, the V8-powered version is a little quieter at highway speed than the T6.
Lots of Volvo Touches
All V8-powered XC90s are all-wheel drive and come standard with plenty of luxury features like leather upholstery, moonroof, rear air conditioning and power-adjustable seats with memory. And this is in addition to such safety equipment as stability control, an active rollover protection system and an inflatable head curtain for all rows of seating.
Other than the new engine and transmission, little is new for the 2005 Volvo XC90. Rain-sensing wipers are now standard as is HomeLink. Although furnished with high-quality materials, the interior still isn't much to look at, especially for a $50,000 premium SUV. But the XC90 does have very comfortable seats and an excellent Dolby Pro-Logic II sound system. We also like the built-in child booster seat.
An Excellent SUV
With the addition of a smooth and powerful V8, Volvo's premium SUV has become an excellent premium SUV. Sure, we found a few little things to complain about, but this truck capitalizes on the original XC90's strong points then adds a needed boost in power. Volvo even managed to pull it off without sacrificing fuel economy. The company should sell every one it builds.
Believe it or not, this is Volvo's first V8 and it injects the XC90 with enough power to put it on par with other eight-cylinder SUVs like the Cadillac SRX or Infiniti FX45. Plus, and Volvo is the first to admit this, it's hard to be considered a premium automaker if you don't have a V8 in the lineup.
But the Swedish automaker's motives are also driven by the bottom line. Nearly a third of U.S. consumers who buy premium SUVs buy one with a V8, and Volvo wants a piece of that action.
New V8 Delivers
The new engine is a welcome improvement, as our main complaint about the XC90 T6 was its lack of power. We tested a 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 and got a 0-to-60-mph time of just 9.5 seconds. The V8-powered XC90 topped that time by almost two full seconds at 7.6. That's a serious can of spinach and it's quick enough that even the average commuter would notice the improvement.
The 4.4-liter engine features variable valve timing and double-overhead cams, and it's built in Japan by Yamaha, which is credited with its design, and then shipped to Sweden. It's good for 311 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the 268-hp turbocharged inline six that powers the T6.
According to James Hope of Volvo Cars North America, Volvo sourced the motor from Yamaha because of that company's ability to build "compact but powerful V8 engines." And no, it's not an SHO Taurus motor. Hope went on to say, "We also needed a V8 that could be transversely mounted, and the Yamaha unit met that criteria."
Fuel economy is also important to Volvo. The T6 and V8-powered XC90 have identical EPA ratings for 2005, both offer an estimated 15 city, 20 highway. Our long-term 2003 XC90 T6 averaged 15.4 mpg, while our more recent test of the V8-powered XC90 averaged 15.1 mpg. These numbers are average among premium midsize SUVs; BMW's V8-equipped X5 is more fuel-efficient but only seats five passengers.
Another Volvo twist is the fact that this V8-powered SUV meets ULEV-II requirements — the only SUV in its class to do so.
Minor Complaints
The new V8 is hooked up to a new six-speed automatic transmission that makes great use of the engine's power during hard acceleration. Its gear ratios are right on. But in city driving it finds its top gear too quickly, probably to conserve fuel. This forces it to kick down a gear when only moderate acceleration is required. Bottom line, there's too much downshifting. The shifts are smooth, but their frequency is noticeable.
Although we like the Volvo's steering, which offers great feel with the right amount of effort, the XC90 just doesn't feel nimble like the BMW X5 or Cadillac SRX. Instead it feels heavy and without a sporty edge. It handles well enough, but it isn't as fun to toss around as some of its competitors.
Another minor irritant is the V8's noise levels, which are higher than we'd expect from the engine in a $50,000 Volvo. It doesn't sound bad; in fact, V8 rumble is cool at times, but at full throttle the cabin is noisier than it is in an XC90 T6.
How much noisier? During our 2003 XC90 T6 test, we recorded a cabin noise level of 71 decibels at full throttle. Compare that to the XC90 V8's 76-decibel reading. However, the V8-powered version is a little quieter at highway speed than the T6.
Lots of Volvo Touches
All V8-powered XC90s are all-wheel drive and come standard with plenty of luxury features like leather upholstery, moonroof, rear air conditioning and power-adjustable seats with memory. And this is in addition to such safety equipment as stability control, an active rollover protection system and an inflatable head curtain for all rows of seating.
Other than the new engine and transmission, little is new for the 2005 Volvo XC90. Rain-sensing wipers are now standard as is HomeLink. Although furnished with high-quality materials, the interior still isn't much to look at, especially for a $50,000 premium SUV. But the XC90 does have very comfortable seats and an excellent Dolby Pro-Logic II sound system. We also like the built-in child booster seat.
An Excellent SUV
With the addition of a smooth and powerful V8, Volvo's premium SUV has become an excellent premium SUV. Sure, we found a few little things to complain about, but this truck capitalizes on the original XC90's strong points then adds a needed boost in power. Volvo even managed to pull it off without sacrificing fuel economy. The company should sell every one it builds.
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