While Volvo has warmly embraced all-wheel-drive in its cars and station wagons, it went one big step further with this week’s test drive, the XC90.
The twin-turbo, 2.9-liter, six-cylinder engine has 268 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 280 foot-pounds of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, a remarkable feat.
The leather interior adds elegance, as do the heated driver and passenger seats and dual zone heating and air-conditioning controls. (If you get the third-row seats, as this test vehicle had, you get third-row air conditioning as well.)
The test vehicle had the optional premium package: 18-inch wheels and tires and power retractable rearview mirrors, which are a blessing in something that is 74.7 inches wide. The XC90 fooled me, however, because it is only 188.9 inches long and didn’t stick out in the racing lanes in the parking lot. Gee, if they aren’t racing lanes, then why is everyone going near full throttle?
The all-wheel-drive system, even coupled with the four-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic, is tough on the EPA mileage ratings — 15 miles per gallon in the city and only 20 mpg on the highway.
That meant the 19-gallon fuel tank was limited to a 380-mile cruising range in this 4,639-pound vehicle. But it did cruise well with good balance on curves, a powerful boost from the engine on hills and a gentle ride on winter-roughened roads.
The XC90 AWD T6 came with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $40,965 and a dealer invoice of $38,543. Edmunds. com’s True Market Value shows an average selling price of $40,604 before options, dealer and delivery charges. Near-luxury price, yes, but definitely a luxury vehicle.
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