Volvo XC90 D5 AWD SE Lux Geartronic 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £43,515
Tax Band: K
Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 34.4
CO2: 215
0-62 Mph: 10.3 secs
BHP: 197 BHP
Range: 515 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The XC90 is the largest 4x4 that is on offer from Volvo and it is one that does have many of the luxury features and a price tag that puts it on a par with some of the luxury 4x4's on the market. The practicality of the car does make it a very good option for families, but even though it is a 4x4 this is a car that is really designed for the road, where it drives reasonably well, but the automatic gearbox is a little disappointing.

PROS:  The cabin is classy and comfortable offering plenty of space and flexibility for families, while this engine offers strong performance with a good automatic gearbox and a good level of trim too.

CONS:  The purchase price at this level is pretty expensive, and the running costs aren't cheap either, and it is a shame that some luxury features aren't included even at this high price.

Behind the Wheel

One of the drawbacks with the XC90 is that it does feel like a large car when you are driving, and the steering doesn't respond particularly quickly to the wheel. The suspension does mean that the ride is very comfortable taking all but the largest bumps out of the road, and the innovative four-wheel drive system does work well sending the power to any wheel that may be losing traction. Inside the cabin there is plenty of adjustment in the driving seat and the steering wheel, and visibility is generally good apart from the raised bonnet that does slightly affect forward visibility.

The engine performance from this version of the XC90 is affected by the automatic gearbox, and acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in a reasonably good 10.3 seconds. The top speed of 127mph is plenty for driving on the motorway, and although the engine can be heard in the cabin, it is generally a very refined experience that doesn't suffer as much as some other luxury 4x4's.

Looks & Equipment

The body of the XC90 is quite square, but it does have a bold front end with large headlights and a metal coloured bar at the front end provides a contrast to the body work. The tail light column is along the side of the body, and this does help to round off the back end. Although the XC90 doesn't quite look as good as the Range Rover Evoque, it is still a fairly nice car. Inside the trim is very classy, and the decision to go for four seats does work very well.

Leather seats and alloy wheels are all very welcome inclusions in this 4x4, and the leather seats are also power heated seats too. The power folding mirrors are a nice touch, and climate control helps to keep the cabin comfortable. Cruise control does make the XC90 a better car to drive on the motorway, but for a car with this price tag it is disappointing to see that satellite navigation is still not included as standard.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The XC90 is certainly a practical car, with a large boot and four seats that offer plenty of space and comforts for the occupants. The lack of a middle seat in the back may be an issue for some buyers, but it does mean that each seat is comfortable and spacious. Volvo has a good record for reliability, and the XC90 does look like it is following in this vein.

The XC90 is also a very safe car, as it is supplied with a good range of airbags to look after occupants in the front and rear in a collision. It also has stability control and a number of other aids to keep the car safe.

Value for Money

With a list price of £42,175, the XC90 is in competition with some very impressive cars, and many people will want to go with one of the more accomplished 4x4's.

The fuel efficiency of the XC90 is also quite disappointing, and it is able to deliver an average 34.0mpg. The high insurance group means that premiums won't be cheap either, but one plus point is that the depreciation isn't too bad. The car comes with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and is also delivered with a one year roadside breakdown assistance.

Volvo XC90 D5 AWD SE Lux Geartronic 5dr Car Review - by 
All Volvo XC90 Reviews
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Active Geartronic 5dr - January 2012
For a car that is comfortable but classy, and reliable but edgy, the Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Active is worthy of note. With an excellent package and well thought out interior, it makes for an impressive ...
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD SE Lux Geartronic 5dr - March 2012
The XC90 is the largest 4x4 that is on offer from Volvo and it is one that does have many of the luxury features and a price tag that puts it on a par with some of the luxury 4x4's on the market. ...
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Executive Geartronic 5dr - January 2012
If you are looking for a practical, reliable, and aesthetically brilliant car that can sustain long journeys and the boisterous thundering of five kids, then the Volvo XC90 may very well be the car...
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