2005 Volvo XC90

Volvo's popular XC90 model finally gets an engine that Americans can understand -- a V-8. It adds lots of attractiveness to this mid-size sport-utility vehicle and has the first V-8 in Volvo's nearly 80-year history.

The XC90 is the best-selling European SUV in America, which is a development that even surprises Volvo. But Ford-owned Volvo figures it's lost about 20 percent of customers for the handsome XC90 because the SUV hasn't had a V-8.

A V-8 is de rigueur for upscale SUVs, but Ford had no V-8 that would fit longitudinally -- or lengthwise -- in the XC90, which debuted in late 2002 as a 2003 model. And none of Ford's V-8s were sufficiently compact to fit transversely, or sideways, in the XC90.

However, the Swedish automaker has more than made up for the lack of eight cylinders in the 2005 XC90 by offering an outstanding 4.4-liter V-8 from Japan's Yamaha. The engine even was designed to have a special sexy exhaust note during hard acceleration; it's made in Japan and shipped to Sweden for installation in the XC90, where it's mounted sideways.

Why Yamaha? Because it has done lots of advanced engine work for major automakers for many years. It even developed the engine for the classic, knockout 1965-70 Toyota 2000GT sports car. Yamaha also had a Ford connection because it developed the high-performance V-8 for the second-generation Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) limited-volume model, although the XC90 V-8 shares no parts with the SHO engine.

The XC90 aluminum V-8 has continuously variable valve timing for good response at all speeds and produces 311 horsepower and lots of torque; it propels the XC90 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and is the only gasoline V-8 with strict Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II status. The engine packaging also allows the XC90 to maintain high head-on and 40-mph offset-crash properties.

Look for the new V-8 in other Volvos and perhaps in the Chicago-built Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle and Mercury Montego, which some feel needs a more powerful engine. The new V-8 represents a major investment for Ford, which likes to spread around good components in vehicles throughout its empire.

The roomy, refined XC90 also is offered with turbocharged inline five- and six-cylinder engines that generate 208 and 268 horsepower, respectively. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder is rather small and strains a bit when pushed, but the smoother, 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder does much better with its additional horsepower and torque.

While it's the best XC90 engine, the V-8 powers the $45,395 XC90, which is the most expensive version. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder slips into the well-equipped $35,290 2.5T base model and the six-cylinder powers the mid-range $41,550 T6 version.

None of the engines is a fuel miser, but mid-size SUVs aren't known for fuel economy. The 2.5T provides an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 on highways, while the T6 figures are 15 and 20. The V-8 delivers 16 and 20.

The 2.5T has a five-speed automatic transmission, while the T6 works with a four-speed automatic and the V-8 is hooked to a beefed-up six-speed automatic. All transmissions have a manual shift gate.

My test XC90 was fast under all conditions, although it's hefty at approximately 4,600 pounds. The steering is rather light, but precise. Handling is nearly carlike because the XC90 is based on the chassis on Volvo sedans and station wagons.

The 2.5T has front-drive, but the other two versions have standard all-wheel drive, which is a $1,775 option for the 2.5T. The advanced all-wheel-drive system lacks low-range gearing for tough off-road use because this is primarily an on-road SUV.

Standard are antilock all-disc brakes and antiskid/traction-control systems. Volvo's unique Roll Stability Control system reduces chances of a rollover if unusually rapid or severe body lean occurs.

The ride is rather firm, but supple and composed. Braking is good, although some might feel that the pedal is rather touchy. The accelerator pedal has an unusually long throw, causing a driver to extend his leg a lot if he floors it to engage passing gear.

Other safety items include front side airbags and head-protection curtain side air bags for all seating rows. There's comfortable room for four 6-footers in the first two rows.

The quiet, attractive interior has upscale materials. Sound system and climate controls are large, but the gauges occasionally are hard to read in bright sunlight, and the cushy front seats should provide more side support.

An available integrated child booster seat flips out of the middle of the second-row seat. If the XC90 has a third-row seat, the child seat can slide forward so it's positioned just behind the two front seats, improving contact between a child and front occupants.

The third-row seat is standard in the V-8 model and put in the $2,675 Versatility option package for the other two XC90 models. That seat is tough to reach and is best suited to two children.

Second- and third-row seats fold flat to enlarge the cargo area, which is fairly roomy with the second row seatbacks in their normal position. A two-piece tailgate facilitates loading.

The XC90 V-8 model has such items as leather upholstery, a bit more chrome, rear-climate and radio controls and a twin-pipe exhaust outlet. But its nifty engine should make it far more attractive to many potential buyers.

2005 VOLVO XC90

PRICE
$35,290-$45,395

LIKES
First V-8 in Volvo history. Fast. Smooth. Handsome. Roomy.

DISLIKES
Pricey with V-8. Tight third-row access. Average fuel economy. Touchy brake pedal.