The Volvo XC90, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2007 and produced through 2012, represents a significant entry for the Swedish automaker into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. This generation, powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine, aimed to blend Scandinavian design principles with practicality and safety – hallmarks of the Volvo brand. The XC90 offered seating for up to seven passengers, making it a popular choice for families. While not initially a major seller in the United States compared to some German or American competitors, the XC90 established a foothold and a reputation for reliability and understated elegance.
Volvo XC90 (Facelift 2007) 3.2: A Detailed Overview
The 2007 facelift brought subtle but important changes to the original XC90, refining its aesthetics and enhancing its overall appeal. These updates included revised front and rear styling, interior trim improvements, and the introduction of new technology features. The 3.2 variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six engine, became the primary powertrain option for many markets, including those outside of North America where smaller displacement engines were favored. The XC90 competed with vehicles like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Audi Q7, offering a distinct alternative with its focus on safety and a more relaxed driving experience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the XC90 3.2 is its 3.2-liter (194.79 cubic inches) inline-six cylinder engine, designated the B6324S5. This engine produces 243 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm, delivering a power-to-weight ratio of 76.1 hp per liter. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l), with CO2 emissions of 265 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volvo XC90 (facelift 2007) is a five-door SUV designed to accommodate up to seven passengers across three rows of seating. Its exterior design is characterized by clean lines, a relatively upright stance, and a focus on functionality. The facelifted model features a revised grille, headlights, and taillights, giving it a more contemporary appearance. Inside, the XC90 offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with a focus on ergonomics and safety. Key features include a well-appointed dashboard, supportive seating, and a versatile cargo area. The trunk offers 249 liters (8.79 cu. ft.) of space with all seats in place, expanding to a substantial 1837 liters (64.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features are paramount, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The XC90’s dimensions are 4807 mm (189.25 in.) in length, 1936 mm (76.22 in.) in width, and 1743 mm (68.62 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2857 mm (112.48 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC90 |
| Generation | XC90 (facelift 2007) |
| Type | 3.2 (243 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) | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.8 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 265 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 243 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6324S5 |
| Engine displacement | 3192 cm3 (194.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt | 8.53 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 | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 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.) |
| Approach angle | 25° |
| Departure angle | 28° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 |
