| As most vehicles age into their lifeline, the | | | | experience. It doesn't have the car-like |
| 2007 Volvo XC90 just gets better and better, | | | | characteristics of the newer crossovers. SUVs |
| really more refined, and in its case the | | | | got popular because of the upright, |
| styling is enhanced with a new grille, | | | | high-performance, near-truck-like driving |
| bumpers and taillights. | | | | characteristics which you get with the XC90. |
| | | | |
| The car gets an all-new 3.2-liter in-line | | | | For someone looking for a high-end SUV, the |
| six-cylinder engine that replaces the | | | | Volvo XC90 remains a great car. The center |
| previous five cylinder, resulting in 235 | | | | console dominated by two large round dials |
| horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, and an | | | | for audio controls, the rest of the panel |
| identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Volvo is | | | | comprised of easy-to-read flush black |
| still offering the V8 option that develops | | | | buttons. And you've got to love the little |
| 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The | | | | human graphic sitting in a seat that guide |
| new 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the | | | | you on the climate control functions. The |
| stringent ULEV II emissions standards. | | | | dash and driver cockpit includes laptops and |
| | | | cellphones. |
| The new six-cylinder produces enough power so | | | | |
| that potential buyers don't have to | | | | Steering wheel mounted controls are clean and |
| automatically default to the V8 if they're | | | | simple to understand without diving for the |
| looking to ensure they have enough power. It | | | | driver's manual. They include audio and |
| receives color-coordinated side moldings and | | | | cruise control functions with flat black |
| door handles while the V8 gains aluminum roof | | | | buttons on the wheel's center padded area, |
| rails and color-coordinated wheel arch | | | | and Volvo has put easy to use front and rear |
| moldings. Both models sport new outside | | | | wipers on the right stalk, with light |
| mirrors with integrated turn signals that | | | | controls on the left stalk, both mounted on |
| flash three times with light pressure on the | | | | the column. |
| turn signal stalk. | | | | |
| | | | It comes with third row seating that's |
| An upgraded interior features a standard | | | | standard with the eight-cylinder engine and |
| leather gearshift for the cylinder. | | | | optional with the six. |
| | | | |
| Changes for the V8 include new watch-dial | | | | It has "active" Bi-Xenon headlights with |
| instruments and optional Sovereign Hide | | | | beams that swivel up to 15 degrees for |
| Chestnut Brown leather upholstery. Selecting | | | | enhanced nighttime visibility [that cost |
| the Touring Package for the V8 adds new | | | | $800]. A high-power Dynaudio sound system is |
| Sapeli wood inlays including the gearshift | | | | offered on the V8. An auxiliary input, MP3 |
| knob and steering wheel, plus 18-inch | | | | capability and satellite radio preparation is |
| "Camulus" alloy wheels to its already | | | | standard on both models. Available on both |
| excellent Volvo parts. An auxiliary input, | | | | models is Volvo's state-of-the-art digital |
| MP3 capability and satellite radio | | | | video Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). |
| preparation is standard on both models. | | | | |
| | | | Adhering to Volvo's core value of safety, all |
| Volvo maintains its benchmark status with the | | | | XC90 models are equipped with Roll Stability |
| XC90 because as Volvo's most popular selling | | | | Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction |
| vehicle in the U.S., it's done something | | | | Control (DSTC), Side impact Protection System |
| other high-end brands haven't been able to do | | | | (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable |
| -- and that is really reflect the brand's | | | | Curtains for all three rows. |
| values and identity through design and | | | | |
| performance. There's a couple other high-end | | | | The 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 liter |
| SUV makers that always leave you with the | | | | six-cylinder engine starts at $36,135, while |
| impression all they've done is slap their | | | | the V8 begins at $46,425; both have a |
| badge on a truck because they wanted to give | | | | destination charge of $695. Some option |
| their customers the option to have a high-end | | | | packages to look out for are the climate |
| SUV. For the moment these other brands shall | | | | package that includes heated seats, for $675, |
| remain nameless. | | | | as well as the navigation system that goes |
| | | | for $2,120. The all-wheel drive package our |
| But the focus here is on the Volvo XC90 that | | | | tester had runs $1,850. |
| delivers a traditional SUV driving | | | | |