The Volvo XC90, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2007, represents a significant entry for the Swedish automaker into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. Produced from 2010 to 2012 in this specific configuration – a 2.4 D3 with 163 horsepower and an automatic transmission – it offered European buyers a versatile, seven-seat vehicle blending Scandinavian design with a focus on safety. While not initially sold in the United States with this particular diesel engine, the XC90 itself became a popular model in the US market, known for its robust build quality and family-friendly features. This version, however, was primarily aimed at the European market where diesel engines were, and continue to be, more prevalent.
Volvo XC90 (Facelift 2007) 2.4 D3: An Overview
The XC90 facelift, released in 2007, brought subtle but important changes to Volvo’s flagship SUV. These included revised front and rear styling, an updated interior, and improvements to the chassis for enhanced handling. The 2.4 D3 variant, powered by a five-cylinder diesel engine, was positioned as an efficient and practical option within the XC90 range. It catered to customers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs without sacrificing the space and versatility expected of a large SUV. The seven-seat configuration made it a popular choice for families, while the automatic transmission provided ease of driving in various conditions.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the XC90 2.4 D3 lies a 2.4-liter inline-five cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5244T5. This engine produces 163 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the XC90 2.4 D3 offers adequate acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11.8 seconds and 0-60 mph in approximately 11.2 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (28.7 US mpg), with CO2 emissions of 216 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine’s transverse mounting contributes to efficient packaging within the front-wheel-drive layout.
Design & Features
The Volvo XC90 is a five-door SUV characterized by its elegant and understated Scandinavian design. The 2007 facelift refined the exterior with a new grille, headlights, and taillights, giving the vehicle a more contemporary appearance. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with seating for up to seven passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or shorter adults. Key features include a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and a focus on safety. Volvo was, and remains, renowned for its safety innovations, and the XC90 incorporates features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis structure. Trunk space is generous, ranging from 249 liters (8.79 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to 1837 liters (64.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4807 mm (189.25 in.) in length, 1936 mm (76.22 in.) in width, and 1743 mm (68.62 in.) in height – provide ample interior space without being overly cumbersome.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC90 |
| Generation | XC90 (facelift 2007) |
| Type | 2.4 D3 (163 Hp) Automatic 7 Seat |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 28.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 34.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 12.2 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 216 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5244T5 |
| Engine displacement | 2400 cm3 (146.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.15 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 249 l (8.79 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1837 l (64.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Length | 4807 mm (189.25 in.) |
| Width | 1936 mm (76.22 in.) |
| Height | 1743 mm (68.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2857 mm (112.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1634 mm (64.33 in.) |
| Rear track | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.7 – 13.3 m (41.67 – 43.64 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
