Volvo XC90 T6 all wheel drive

The Swedes are also not modern Vikings, so from this point of view, we cannot attribute to them the notorious belonging. However, in those places, a certain designer Gustav Larson (ah, what a stereotypical name) once convinced the entrepreneur Assar Gabrielsson to make cars, and the first Volvo from this alliance was born back in 1927. Now you can

you expect the phrase "Everything else is history."

True, of course, not far off, but this story is still being written today. Volvo, which has taken on only the good sides of integration into a large concern (Ford!), Is cleverly making its way into the future. Not exactly a luxury car lineup, a discreet entry into class niches. The policy is still in effect.

After the already well-known XC70 last year, an even bigger XC90 has arrived in its baptized press from the hangars of Geneva airport. Mechanically, it is somewhat close to their (so far largest) S80 sedan, and in appearance is more mature than the XC70. Works more off-road.

Volvo has wisely chosen the name for these two soft SUVs: the combination of letters works convincingly and modernly, and the words they stand for do not promise too much. Namely, XC stands for Cross Country, across the country at home, where nothing says they don't mean well-maintained tarmac roads - or otherwise, it doesn't promise any capable Hummer-type SUVs.

So while its exterior can cause some off-road bumpiness, the XC90 is not an SUV. If so, then this is a very nice representative of the family of "soft" SUVs. The XC90 has exterior styling (i.e. belly-to-ground distance), permanent four-wheel drive, and grip levers on the A-pillars. And it's all about off-road.

Not everyone will be able to satisfy this machine; Proponents of true off-road driving will argue that at least some of the above (may) also have conventional cars, that there are no real components (rigid axles, gearboxes, differential locks) at all. On the other hand, those who reject anything non-standard (such as a sedan or, at best, a van) will argue that the XC90 is an SUV. And both of them are right in their own way.

But only those who are willing to deduct such amounts of money are responsible. Some time ago, they flatly abandoned uncomfortable and uncomfortable SUVs with all the (not) necessary mechanical devices, but still want something different. The Americans, of course, are in the lead, but wealthy Europeans are not lagging behind either. Everyone welcomed the Stuttgart ML with open arms and the hunting season was open to customers. Among them now is the XC90.

This is true; If you look at its competitors, this Volvo lacks a few techniques, perhaps including the adjustable height from the ground. Absent? Um, at the top of the hill, as you can see in the cover photo, this XC90 went up on its own, came back on its own (i.e. unaided) and didn't get the slightest scratch. However, the hill is (according to the photographer) not exactly a cat's cough. Thus, the XC90 can do a lot, but above all, much more than the average consumer would ask of it. Reason and intelligence should prevail: the first because of the capital invested, the second (also) because of the (almost) classic road tires.

Dare I say: Technically, the XC90 is probably the closest competitor to what buyers of soft SUVs expect and end up using. The XC90 has quite a few other tricks up its sleeve.

First, there is no doubt that he is not of German descent.

In principle, being a German does not mean anything bad, but if almost the entire group is Germans, then the appearance of a neutral Swede is simply fresh. Entry? The baseline, viewed from a distance, may not even differ significantly from the baseline of this type of Grand Cherokee SUV, and the details make it a typical, handsome and imposing Volvo. That is to say: the characteristic hood and large taillights, convex sides of the body. All this and all "not listed" is beautifully stowed and packaged in a length of 4 meters, which is only slightly less than the S8 sedan.

It is clear that he is not short, he is also tall, therefore he commands respect. But don't be intimidated by driving; this requires very little physical effort, as all controls, including the steering wheel, are pleasantly soft if you are driving at a normal pace and within the legal framework. Also, there will be no problems with visibility around the car, only a very large circle of racers can anger in the city.

We hadn’t been in a Volvo for the past decade, which would have been disappointing with the quality of the music, this time because of the remote control and built-in minidisc, but we were annoyed by the poor quality of the radio and the long switching between stations in memory. Other than that, life in the XC90 is a pleasure not only because of the sound. Both types have ample room for four adults, and the ambiance itself is bright, pleasant, harmonious in color, but also sensitive to dirt. Anyone with a Volvo number of 60 or more will feel at home in the XC90 as well.

Large, legible gauges (along with a humble trip computer) and a center console with most of the controls are typical, which means recognizability and ease of operation. A lot of wood (including most of the steering wheel), polished aluminum in places and a lot of leather create a prestigious feel, and only the inaccessible wheels for adjusting the front seats in the lumbar quartet are a very good overall impression.

It is true that we already expect a refrigerated box in this price range, but the XC90 does not have one, but it is also true that there are a few more cars with so many (5) and such efficient places for half-liter bottles, and this prestige is usually discouraged ease of use. Well, the XC is proof that there are exceptions to this rule, as it is serviced by a quick-release console between the seats (more legroom for the rear middle passenger), with an integrated child seat, with a truly one-third divisible rear bench (i.e. three times one third), with a completely flat bottom, as well as an enlarged trunk and a transversely split tailgate, which means that the lower fifth part opens downwards and then forms a solid cargo shelf. The trunk is generally very large with additional useful storage under the floor.

This is the XC90, designed primarily for more luxurious family life on the road. However, for whom one XC90 is not enough, it will reach the top of the range - according to the T6 version. Trust me: you don't need it, but it's nice to have and drive. T6 means drive is provided by a six-cylinder inline engine with two turbochargers (and two aftercoolers) and an automatic 4-speed transmission. Too few? Ah, be reasonable. In third gear, the speedometer needle lightly touches the line that says "220", then the transmission shifts to 4th gear, and the engine continues to pull normally.

The torque (almost) never runs out and the engine power might be less convincing just to be aware. And not in numbers, but in practice, when he reduces the weight of the car by two tons and when the driver requires a speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour when driving uphill. However, it is true that the transmission (and not only in the number of gears) is one step behind the best products of its kind at the moment: in terms of speed and response in various operating conditions.

The only downside to the T6, if you put up with the price, is its fuel consumption. The on-board computer says that at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour, the engine consumes 17 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, and on our more mountainous routes, consumption increases by another two liters. When you accelerate to 200 kilometers per hour, the trip turns into a fight on the esophagus, because the devil consumes as much as 25 liters per 100 kilometers. There is nothing better in the city (23), and our standard flat track required 19 liters per 2 kilometers from the car, which means that a full tank will only last for a good 100 kilometers. If the cost of fuel is not important to you, frequent stops at gas stations will definitely get on your nerves.

But it's nice to drive. It is great to rely on the capabilities of the car in everyday traffic when you need to quickly pass the motorways of Europe or overtake a truck in a shorter plane between Medvode and Škofja Loka. But just avoid the curves; the chassis is a compromise on stiffness, so it's too stiff on rubble potholes and too soft in corners, and every rampage, despite good all-wheel drive that keeps the car safe and neutral for long periods, means a burden to passengers and driver.

Chubby needs to be understood correctly. Namely, there is no Swede who is a couple, and similar products from other brands do not seem the same in the combination of technology, environment and image to withstand constant comparison. The Volvo XC90 is unique and we think it's good.

Vinko Kernc

Photo: Vinko Kernc, Aleš Pavletič

Volvo XC90 T6 all wheel drive

Basic data

Sales:	Auto DOO Summit
Base model price:	62.418,63 €
Test model cost:	73.026,21 €
Power:	200kW (272 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	9,3 with
Maximum speed:	210 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	12,7l / 100km
Guarantee:	General warranty 2 years without mileage limitation, 12 years warranty on rust
Oil change every	20.000 km
Systematic review	20.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials:	309,63 €
Fuel:	16.583,12 €
Tires (1)	1.200.000 €
Compulsory insurance:	3.538,64 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +	11.183,44 (
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up	€ 84.887,25 0,85 (km cost: XNUMX €)

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 83,0 × 90,0 mm - displacement 2922 cm3 - compression 8,5:1 - maximum power 200 kW (272 hp .) at 5100 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 15,3 m / s - specific power 68,4 kW / l (93,1 hp / l) - maximum torque 380 Nm at 1800 rpm min - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt)) - 4 valves per cylinder - multipoint injection - exhaust turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer:	engine drives all four wheels - 4-speed automatic transmission - gear ratio I. 3,280 1,760; II. 1,120 hours; III. 0,790 hours; IV. 2,670; reverse 3,690 - differential 8 - rims 18J × 235 - tires 60/18 R 2,23 V, rolling circle 1000 m - speed in IV. gears at 45,9 rpm XNUMX km / h.
Capacity:	top speed 210 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 9,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 12,7 l / 100 km
Transportation and suspension:	off-road van - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring struts, cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, spring struts, cross rails, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes (forced cooling ), parking mechanical brake on the rear wheels (pedal to the left of the brake pedal) - steering wheel with rack and pinion, power steering, 2,5 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1982 kg - permissible total weight 2532 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 2250 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg.
External dimensions:	vehicle width 1900 mm - front track 1630 mm - rear track 1620 mm - ground clearance 12,5 m.
Inner dimensions:	front width 1540 mm, rear 1530 mm - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 450 mm - handlebar diameter 375 mm - fuel tank 72 l.
Box:	Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5L): 1 × backpack (20 l); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 2 × suitcase (68,5 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l)

Our measurements

T = 5 ° C / p = 1030 mbar / rel. vl. = 37% / Tires: Continental Premium Contact
Acceleration 0-100km:	9,3s
1000m from the city:	30 years ( 179 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	6,8 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	11,3 (W) p
Maximum speed:	210km / h (D)
Minimum consumption:	19,2l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	25,4l / 100km
test consumption:	21,4 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	38,7m
AM table:	43m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	55dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	54dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	60dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear	67dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	64dB
Test errors:	lowered child seat folding lever, incorrect automatic adjustment, audio volume

Overall rating (326/420)

• The Volvo XC90 T6 is technically a very good car, but it also carries with it a (maybe even better) image. Of the notable shortcomings - only the gearbox and fuel consumption, otherwise everything is fine - partly also to personal taste.

• Exterior (15/15)

  Without a doubt, the exterior is neat: recognizable Volvo, solid, sovereign. Manufacturing without comments.

• Interior (128/140)

  Excellent ergonomics stand out with the exception of the lumbar adjustment. A very flexible and practical interior, plus excellent materials.

• Engine, transmission (36
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine is great and rides easily on the body. The gearbox is missing one gear and performance is not top notch.
  
  
  competition.

• Driving performance (83
  
  
  / 95)

  Most of the points deducted are mainly due to the XC90's high center of gravity. The adaptive power steering is very good.

• Performance (34/35)

  A powerful engine is the reason for excellent performance, as only four gears in the transmission can sometimes lose traction.

• Security (24/45)

  Thanks to the road tires, the braking distance is extremely short. There are no comments on the security section.

• Economy

  Economy is not its good side, from price to fuel consumption, where the T6 performs particularly poorly.

We praise and reproach

typical but sovereign look

interior materials

convenience and flexibility of the interior

(adjustable) power steering

Equipment

engine performance

shoulder strap

large riding circle

Dirt-sensitive black protective plastic housing

inaccessible wheels for lumbar adjustment

power reserve, fuel consumption

body tilt in corners