Volvo XC90 Generations

The XC90 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that comes in a five-door configuration and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Its initial iteration, introduced in 2003, featured two rows of seats, while the second generation, released in 2015, boasts three rows of seats. Presently, the XC90 can be equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a combination of supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a plug-in hybrid variant.

2003-2014 Volvo (1^st Generation)

Volvo x90 first generation

Volvo’s entry into the SUV market began with the introduction of the XC90 in the United States during the 2003 model year. Initially, it was offered in two trim levels: the 2.5T and the T6. The base 2.5T trim was equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Optional front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional Haldex Traction AWD system. In the meanwhile, the T6 variant featured a 2.9-liter turbocharged inline-six engine generating 268 horsepower and was solely available with AWD.

In 2005, Volvo introduced an optional Yamaha V8 engine, initially offering 288 horsepower and later upgraded to 311 horsepower. The XC90 received accolades such as Motor Trend’s Sport Utility of the Year and the North American Car of the year in 2003. In 2007, Volvo refreshed the XC90 with a facelift, including redesigned front and rear elements and an updated interior. Additionally, a 235 horsepower straight six-cylinder engine replaced the previous inline five cylinder as the base engine for the American market.

Over subsequent years. Volvo continued to enhance the XC90. In 2009, minor exterior and feature upgrades were implemented, alongside an upgrade to the “VOLVO” lettering. The 2010 update featured a new logo on the front grille and optional body colour wheel arches. LED taillights were introduced in 2012, followed by a more significant update in 2013, incorporating LED daytime headlights and redesigned body colour trim pieces.

Regarding safety, this generation of the XC90 received “Good” ratings across all five categories from the Insurance Institute of the Highway Safety (IIHS) and includes various safety features such as crumple zones, pedestrian deflection mechanisms, and reinforced roofs with high strength steel. Consequently, the XC90 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

Volvo Car Group has opted for Tenneco’s latest generation of Continuously Variable Semi-Active suspension (CVSAe) as a standard feature in its limited production XC90 First Edition. The CVSAe dampers enhance both the comfort and handling of the vehicle’s ride by constantly adjusting all four shock absorbers up to 100 times per second, adapting to changing road conditions and dynamic driving scenarios such as cornering, lane changes, acceleration, and braking. These dampers offer the flexibility to switch between standard, sport, or comfort modes at any time, allowing drivers to customize their ride experience for either a more comfortable, dynamic, or sporty feel. It’s worth noting that Volvo was the pioneer among car manufacturers in adopting Tenneco’s electronic damping technology as standard on its S60R and V70R performance models back in 2002.

2015-Present Volvo (2^nd Generation)

Volvo Xc90 2024

The second generation of the XC90 debuted in the American market in 2015, with Volvo anticipating that the U.S market would account for around a third of its global sales. This model represented a significant departure from its predecessor, making Volvo’s first new model under Geely ownership and symbolizing a revitalization of the brand.

Built on the SPA platform, the new XC90 is a seven-seater SUV that underwent substantial dimensional changes compared to the previous generation. It became longer, wider and lower, with a wheelbase of 117.5 inches, an overall length of 194.9 inches, a width of 75.7 inches, and a height 69.9 inches. Depending on the trim, drivetrain, and engine choice, its curb weight ranged from 4,581 to 5,165 pounds.

The base engine option for this generation is the T5, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there are two optional engines; the T6 with 316 horsepower, utilizing both the supercharging and turbocharging, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining the same engine with an electric motor for a total output of 400 horsepower and an electric range of 13miles.

The updated XC90 features a redesigned chassis with a double wishbone front suspension and a new integral link rear axle incorporating lightweight transverse left springs. It can also be equipped with electronically controlled air suspension offering five models, including customizable settings for an optimal driving experience. The interior received a makeover as well, incorporating new technologies such as nine-inch tablet-style touchscreen console controlling the infotainment system and climate control functions.

Safety remained a priority in this generation, earning top marks with “Good” ratings in all categories from the IIHS and an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Notable safety features include lane-keep assist, lane-departure prevention, pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control.

The XC90 lineup comprises three trim levels for each engine type (T5,T6 and T8): Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The top-tier “Excellence” trim, priced at over $100,000, includes the T8 powertrain as standard, along with premium amenities like a Bowers and Wilkins sound system, crystal gearshift knob, heated and cooled massage seats for both front and rear passengers, air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic moonroof.

Double Wishbone Front Axle

Volvo xc90 double wishbone front axle

A double wishbone front axle provides Volvo’s Vehicle Dynamics engineers with precise control over the wheel’s movement during suspension travel. This control extends to various parameters like camber angle, caster angle, toe pattern, roll center height, scrub radius and more. The advantages of this setup include improved grip due to high camber gain and a minimal king pin angle, reduced disruptions from a small king pin offset, consistent roll thanks to low roll center height migration and decreased unsprung mass due to the inclusion of numerous aluminium components

Rear axle concept

Integral Link Rear Axle

Volvo’s integral link rear axle system contributes to superior grip by providing high camber stiffness and precise wheel management. Effective control over the rear axle is essential for precise steering. Aligning the roll center height migration with the front axle results in smooth and consistent parallel rolling. This integral link design is lightweight due to the incorporation of numerous aluminum components and Volvo’s innovative composite transverse leaf spring solution.

Polyurethane Composite Leaf Spring

Volvo Xc90 Polyurethane Composite Leaf Spring

The suspension system of the updated Volvo XC90 utilizes a transverse fiber-reinforced composite leaf spring instead of the traditional coil spring setup. This choice results in a notably compact design and reduces weight by approximately 4.5 kilograms compared to conventional coil springs. Additionally, this configuration leads to a smoother ride quality, improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance, and an increase in trunk volume due to the absence of suspension turrets.

VOLVO Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)

Air Suspension and Four C

volvo xc90 air suspension

The 2024 Volvo XC90 offers a dynamic and refined ride, thanks to its active chassis with air suspension. This system continually adjusts ride height and adapts shock absorbers, providing stability and a sophisticated driving experience, especially at high speeds. Activating Off-Road mode offers increased ground clearance when needed.

This available system provides several practical advantages for the driver. Air Suspension contributes to enhanced comfort by automatically adjusting the vehicle’s level, resulting in a stable and smooth ride across various surfaces.

The driving experience seamlessly combines comfort and assurance, thanks to the standard multi-link chassis and the optional air suspension that offer a balanced blend. The vehicle offers five drive modes: Hybrid (default mode focusing on efficiency), Power (maximizes performance), Pure (prioritizes battery power usage), Off-Road (raises ground clearance), and Constant AWD (improves traction in all conditions).

Additionally, the Four-C system, featuring computer-controlled dampers, further improves comfort and handling by providing customized damping control tailored to different driving situations.

Benefits of Volvo Air Suspension

Volvo XC90

Towing Capacity and Versatility

Equipped with air suspension on all four wheels, the XC90 proves its versatility. A convenient feature is the ability to lower the car’s rear by up to 2 inches, making loading cargo or hitching up a trailer a breeze. The simple press of a button in the cargo area facilitates this adjustment.

Settings for Control and Convenience

For optimal control, users can switch off the air suspension when lifting the car with a jack to avoid interference with automatic level control. The system allows users to regulate the car’s height, facilitating cargo loading, entry, exit, or trailer connection and disconnection.

Entry Assistance

The XC90 goes a step further with entry assistance. Lowering the car for easy entry and exit is a feature that adds to the overall convenience. The driver can adjust this setting through the center display, making the XC90 a versatile and user-friendly vehicle.

Activating or Deactivating Air Suspension

In certain scenarios, like lifting the car with a jack, it’s necessary to deactivate the air suspension temporarily to prevent unwanted adjustments. Users can easily control this feature through the center display, providing a seamless and adaptable driving experience.

So, the 2024 Volvo XC90 with its advanced air suspension system redefines the driving experience by combining dynamic performance with practical versatility. Whether seeking a smooth city ride, planning a towing adventure, or simply loading and unloading cargo, the XC90’s air suspension ensures optimal comfort and control at every turn of your journey.

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