Vehicle: 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 with Luxury Package
Price as tested: CDN$70460

Performance: For 2006, Volvo ditched the T6 twin-turbo I-6 motor in flavor of Yamaha-developed V8. While the outgoing T6 has a healthy hp rating, its barely adequate for a heavy vehicle like XC90. As for the 2.5T, it remains a base engine in XC90 despite its a dog. The highlight of this 4.4L V8 is its 311 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. This engine has made XC feels a bit more responsive when the driver has an urge to pass slow-moving vehicles. In the past, you need a second thought with T6 motor and forget about driving in fast lane in 2.5T. This 311 lb/ft of torque does work a whole lot better with XC’s 2190 kg curb weight. However, its level of response and flexability still not the best-in-class. There are many V8 luxury SUVs that are far more powerful and willing for keen drivers. Without the smart shifting 6-speed Geartronic, this motor is simple a waste with this hefty weight. Its a willing shifters with proper gear ratios. Although Volvo still doesn’t allow enthuisastic drivers to push it through the rev range.

Handling: Despite Volvo claimed they have stiffened up XC90′s suspensions, springs and shocks for V8 application; it remains a blvd cruiser rather than a capable handler. There are just way too many body rolls, Volvo’s DST-C or Dynamic Stablity & Traction Control is just way too instrusive. However, given XC90′s softly sprung character. It has a need to be instrusive. The steering feels vague and imprecise, even though the response is acceptable. Consider how much efforts Volvo has put through XC90′s passive safety, they should invest more resources for its active safety. With mashmellow handling dynamics, even 100 airbags couldn’t save a person’s life without a proper suspension tuning.

Interior: Inside the XC90, its everything you expect from a Volvo. It all begins with a great set of seats and logically layout instrumentation gauges. Everything else is well-finished in high-quality materials. The auto climate control is effective and driving position is easily found.

Just like all other XC90s, the 3rd row is a tortune for adults. I won’t even recommended kids to sit back there for a long road trip.

Conclusion: With the introduction of V8, XC90 finally got the engine that it desperately needs in day 1. Unfortunately, its 3 years too late considered how its competitors have advanced in this short period of time.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 VOLVO XC90 V8
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5