Test drive Volvo XC90 D5: everything is different

D5 Diesel Dual Transmission Test

I wonder why the four XC90s parked for the upcoming test don't make me think of the new model's predecessor. The romance of my automotive memories takes me back to a time when, as a little boy, I often thought of one Volvo 122, which was one of the most exotic representatives of the rare car society in the Lagera Sofia area. I did not understand anything from what I saw, but for some reason I was attracted by, perhaps, a vaguely formed sense of solidity.

Today, I know cars a little better, and that's probably why I understand why the new XC90 also appeals to me. Obviously, the perfect joints and body integrity show that Volvo engineers have done a great job. What I don't see, but I already know, is the fact that 40 percent of its bodywork is made from pine steel, currently the strongest steel used in the automotive industry. In itself, the strong advantage of the Volvo XC90 in obtaining the maximum scores in the EuroNCAP tests. It is impossible that the Swedish company's 87 years of research and development in the field of car safety is not reflected in this model. No less impressive is the list of driver assistance systems and active accident prevention. In fact, to list them all here, we need the next 17 lines of this article, so we will limit ourselves to just a few - the City Safety emergency system, which can recognize pedestrians and cyclists both day and night and stop. , Lane Keeping Assist with Steering Intervention, Blind Object Alarm, Head-Up Display with Hazard Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Drive Assist and Cross Traffic Identification for Reversing a Parking Space. And more - warning of the presence of signs of driver fatigue and the danger of a rear-end collision, all-LED lights and preventive belt tensioning when sensors and control electronics detect that the car is moving off the road. And if the XC90 is still falling into a ditch, take care of the special deformation elements in the seat structure to absorb some of the impact energy and protect the body.

Higher expression of safety

The new XC90 is the safest Volvo ever built. It is difficult for us to understand the deep meaning of this fact and how this can be achieved. This revolutionary model, which gives a new start to the brand, is 99 percent new. Developed over four years, it incorporates cutting-edge technology solutions such as the all-new Modular Body Architecture (SPA). All subsequent models, except for the V40, will be based on it. Volvo is investing $11 billion in a grand plan to build them. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the fact and break the misconception that this is the money of the Chinese owner of Geely - the support of the latter is of a moral, not financial nature. Why the XC90 was chosen as the pioneer of a new beginning - the answer can be very simple - it had to be replaced first. In fact, the truth is deeper, because this model carries a lot of brand symbolism.

Incredible interior in every sense

Much water has flown under the bridge since the first XC2002 rolled off the production line in 90, which not only expanded the brand's lineup, but also set new standards for family comfort and quiet, safe and economical driving.

The concept of the new model has not changed, but has become even richer in content. The design follows some of the characteristic contours and techniques of its predecessor, such as the curves of the hind thighs and the architecture of the lights, but has taken on a much more distinctive look. Part of this is the new front end design with T-shaped LED lights (Thor's hammer). The body from 13 cm to 4,95 m offers a huge sense of space even with two additional seats in the third row. When you open the lid of the five-seater version, an entire cargo area opens up in front of you with a standard volume that reaches the level of the VW Multivan.

The three comfy seats in the second row fold down comfortably, and there's also a fold-down baby cushion in the middle, practically the only design carried over from the previous model. Everything else is brand new - from the extremely comfortable upholstered seats to the incredible natural wood details - the radiance of quality, the impeccable workmanship and the exquisite materials reach the smallest detail and are topped with small, finely sewn Swedish flags around the edges of the seats.

The elegance of pure forms is also achieved through the intelligent control of various functions with a reduced number of buttons. In fact, there are only eight of them on the center console. Everything else (air conditioning, navigation, music, phone, assistants) is controlled using a large vertically located 9,2-inch touch screen. There's a lot to be desired in this part, though - more intuitive features are required for ease of use, and there's no need for basic functions like radio and navigation commands to dig into the bowels of the system (see Connectivity Window). It's reminiscent of the early days of BMW iDrive, and it's clear that Volvo's system still has room for improvement.

Fully four-cylinder engines

There are no such shadows on the engines, although Volvo has abandoned its typical five- and six-cylinder units. Marketers will have to eliminate this part of their message, because in this case, cost-cutting measures take precedence. In fact, the engineers took the task of harmonizing the common basic architecture of two-liter four-cylinder units for diesel and gasoline engines quite seriously. They cover the entire range of power required by the vehicle thanks to intelligent block reinforcement solutions, high pressure direct injection and an advanced boost system. To do this, in the petrol versions in the most powerful version, a system with mechanical and turbocharging is used, in the hybrid - with the help of an electric motor. The most powerful diesel variant (D5) is cascaded to two variable geometry turbochargers and has an output of 225 hp. and 470 Nm.

Fears that two cylinders and one liter less would melt the ambition for dynamic driving of the two-ton colossus were quickly dispelled when the pressure boosting system takes over and raises the pressure level to 2,5 bar along with the injection system. fuel with a maximum level of 2500 bar. It takes 8,6 seconds to reach the 100 km / h mark. The lack of feeling like the engine is small or overloaded is complemented by the ideal standard eight-speed automatic transmission from Aisin. It also removes minor initial signs of a turbo hole, and in the D position it shifts smoothly, smoothly and precisely. If desired, the driver can switch using levers on the steering wheel, but the pleasure of using them is rather hypothetical.

A wide range of gear ratios creates the prerequisites for reducing fuel consumption. In addition, in economy mode, the electronics reduce engine power, and in inertia mode, the transmission cuts off power transmission. Thus, the consumption of economical driving is reduced to 6,9 l / 100 km, which is quite an acceptable value. In more dynamic mode, the latter increases to about 12 l / 100 km, and the average consumption in the test was 8,5 l - a very acceptable value.

Naturally, the suspension design is also completely new - with a pair of transverse beams at the front and an integral axle with a common transverse leaf spring at the rear or with pneumatic elements, as in the test car. The big 1990 had a similar form of independent suspension in the 960. This architecture allows the car to move safely, neutrally and precisely despite its height, unlike other large Volvo models where the driver has to contend in dynamic corners at the same time. with understeer and transmission of vibration in the steering wheel (yes, we mean the V70).

The new XC90 offers the same precision in terms of steering, and there's also a dynamic mode with reduced effort applied by the power steering and even more pronounced feedback. Of course, the XC90 doesn't and doesn't tend to obsess over performance to the extent that the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 do. With him, everything becomes pleasant and somehow very comfortable - completely in tune with the general philosophy of the car. Only short and sharp bumps are transmitted into the cabin a little stronger, despite the air suspension. Other times he handles them extremely skillfully and unflinchingly - as long as it's not in dynamic mode.

So we can safely say that the designers have done a really great job - completely new ones have been added to the classic strengths of the XC90 brand. This is not just another SUV model, but spacious, with its own radiance, quality, dynamic, economical and extremely safe. In short, the best Volvo ever made.

Text: Georgy Kolev, Sebastian Renz

Evaluation

Volvo XC90 D5

Body

+ Enough space for five passengers

Large trunk

Flexible interior space

Seven-seat option

High quality materials and workmanship

Good visibility from the driver's seat

– Ergonomics is not optimal and takes some getting used to

Comfort

+ Very comfortable seats

Good suspension comfort

Low noise level in the cabin

– Knocking and slight uneven passage through short bumps

Engine / transmission

+ Temperamental diesel

Smooth and smooth automatic transmission

– Not particularly cultivated engine work

Travel behavior

+ Safe driving manners

Sufficiently precise steering system

Slight tilt when cornering

– Clumsy management

ESP intervenes too early

safety

+ Extremely rich equipment for active and passive safety

Efficient and reliable brakes

ecology

+ Low fuel consumption

Low CO2 emissions

Effective economy mode automatic transmission

– Big weight

Costs

+ Reasonable price

Extensive standard equipment

– Annual service inspection required

technical details

Volvo XC90 D5
Working volume	1969
Power	165 kW (225 hp) at 4250 rpm
Maximum torque	470 Nm at 1750 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	8,6 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	35,7 m
full speed	220 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	8,5 l / 100 km
Base Price	118 200 BGN