The product-lead revolution at Volvo Car continues at an incredible pace. In September of last year, Volvo Car Australia introduced two new model variants and two new engines to the successful XC90 model range.

The XC90 V8 and XC90 D5 diesel are today joined by the new XC90 3.2, which boasts an extremely refined 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine. Volvo continues to lead the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the XC90 3.2.

"The XC90 3.2 offers significant improvements, and considering the sub-$70 grand price, we certainly expect it to capture sales and play a large part in the continuing positive transformation of the Volvo brand," said Alan Desselss, Volvo Car Australia Managing Director.

The XC90 3.2 replaces the XC90 2.5T at the $69,950 price position and is equipped with the same standard features. In doing so, the XC90 3.2 retains standard features including seven seats, in-built child booster cushion, leather interior, Volvo Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), and Volvo's occupant safety systems and active driver-assist systems.

XC90 Scores Best for Safety

WHIPS - IIHS/Thatcham whiplash test - highest ranking
WHIPS - Folksam whiplash test - highest ranking

Frontal Impact - EuroNCAP - five stars (first premium SUV to score five stars)
Frontal Impact - US NCAP - five stars (2004-'06 XC90)
Side Impact - US NCAP - five stars
Roll Over Test - US NCAP - four stars (highest score give to date)

Injury Reports - HLDI\* - Good (highest score and only premium SUV to receive 'Good' rating for front and for rear) \*Highway Loss Data Institute

Quick and Efficient

Volvo's new 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine revs cleanly and smoothly because of the inherent balance of an inline six. The 3.2-litre I6 engine delivers 175kW and 320Nm. This represents a power increase of 21kW over the 2.5T engine in replaces, while the six-speed automatic transmission maximises power delivery over the engine's wide rev range.

The complete I6 engine, which sits transversely, is extremely compact and measures only 3mm longer than the five-cylinder 2.5T engine. The I6 engine weights only 180kg.

The engine is light and power. The result is an XC90 3.2 that delivers better acceleration, better fuel efficiency and better driving performance that the XC90 2.5T.

  • Zero-100km/h acceleration in 9.5 seconds
    • XC90 2.5T - 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds
  • Fuel efficiency of 11.8 L/100km (combined)
    • XC90 2.5T - 12.0L/100km (combined)
  • 3.2 engine exceeds ULEV II, Euro 4 emission standards

 

Maintaining the sub-$70,000 price positioning gives Volvo a tremendous advantage in market.

Volvo Car Australia delivered the new XC90 3.2 to customers in late February and estimates about 40 percent of its XC90 annual sales will be contributed to the XC90 3.2.