You could say that Volvo Car Corporation began paving the way for the Volvo XC90 already in the beginning of the 1990s.
The Volvo 850, introduced in 1991, included a new power train concept, which still, well into the new millennium, gives every new Volvo a competitive edge.
The original concept includes a transverse in-line five-cylinder engine, partnered with an extremely compact gearbox. An in-line six-cylinder engine was added with the introduction of the Volvo S80 in the late 1990s.
Three major benefits
While a traditional north-south orientation of the engine requires a longer engine bay, the transverse solution offers the designers more freedom without compromising Volvo’s extremely stringent safety standards.
"In recent years, this architecture has given us extra legroom in the rear seat of the Volvo S80, more luggage space in the Volvo V70, the dynamic coupe-look of the Volvo S60…and now it’s time for the XC90", says Hans Wikman, Project Director Volvo XC90.
Seven seats where others struggle to seat five
Just like the S60, it has the cockpit forward design. The windscreen and the passenger compartment have moved forward – further than in most other SUVs.
"This means that we can provide added roominess within a given footprint, and the XC90 is compact for an SUV. It is just 90 millimetres longer than a Volvo V70 – and we can seat seven people in a size, where most competitors struggle to seat five. And we still have adequate of luggage space behind the third row", says Hans Wikman.
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