The base XC90 3.2 ($36,135) is new for 2007, with a 3.2-liter normally aspirated inline-6 replacing the previous 2.5-liter turbocharged 5. The new engine generates 15 percent more horsepower (235) and torque (236 lb-ft), yet delivers the same EPA mileage ratings as its predecessor.
The XC90 3.2 comes with fabric upholstery, but standard features are otherwise premium grade, including an eight-way power driver's seat with memory, a 160-watt, eight-speaker stereo with CD and MP3 jack, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, trip computer, power windows, doors, locks and mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It comes standard with five-passenger seating. Electronically controlled fulltime all-wheel drive ($1,850) is optional on the XC90 3.2.
Option packages bring the XC90 3.2's features up to par with the V8 model, minus the V8 engine. The Premium Package ($2,995) includes leather seating, a power front passenger seat, the power moonroof and six-CD changer. The Versatility Package ($2,250) can be added to the premium package and includes the third-row seat, rear air conditioning, a built-in second-row child booster seat and self-leveling rear suspension.
The seven-passenger XC90 V8 ($45,840) is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 developed to Volvo specifications by Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle builder and auto engine specialist. The V8 generates 311 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. In addition to a two-place third seat with rear air conditioning, the V8 adds leather upholstery, an eight-way power front passenger seat, a six-CD changer, a power moonroof, auto-dimming interior mirror and speed-sensitive power steering.
Option groups for the XC90 V8 include a Touring Package ($1,300), with 18-inch wheels, premium sound with a 305-watt amplifier and 12 speakers and special Sapeli wood inlays on the dash, gearshift knob and steering wheel. The Sport Package ($2,875) adds chromed 19-inch wheels and heavily bolstered sport seats.
Packages available on all XC90s include a Climate group ($675), with heated seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers, and a Convenience Package ($1,295) that adds rear park assist, power retractable side mirrors and a cargo security cover and net. Stand-alone options include a navigation system ($2,120), a rear-seat DVD system with two headrest-mounted seven-inch color screens ($1,995), 18-inch wheels in chrome ($1,400) or alloy ($750), Active Bi-Xenon headlights ($800) and metallic paint ($475).
Safety features make the XC90 is one of the best equipped sport-utilities on the market. Standard safety features include dual-stage front impact and side-impact airbags for front passengers, and curtain type head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The XC90 was one the first SUVs equipped with a rollover protection system, which senses an impending vehicle rollover, tightens the seatbelts and deploys the curtain airbags. The seats feature Volvo's Whiplash Protection System, which moves them back and downward if the vehicle is hit from behind, reducing neck snap.
Safety features intended to help drivers avoid collisions to begin with advanced four-channel antilock brakes, an electronic stability program to help manage skids, and Roll Stability Control, which uses a gyroscopic sensor to reduce the possibility of a rollover by applying brakes and modulating engine power.
The 2007 XC90 is offered for the first time with Volvo's blind-spot monitoring system, or BLIS ($595). BLIS uses cameras to monitor an area measuring 10 feet by 31 feet on either side of the car, which is often not covered by the side mirrors, and reports the presence of another vehicle in the blind spots with a prominent warning light in the appropriate mirror.
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