Volvo XC90

After introducing the new S80 flagship luxury sedan and the S60 and V70 mid-size vehicles built on the P2 platform, Volvo began exploring new market segments with the XC70, which it pioneered. In this process, the company launched the XC90 model in 2003, which was positioned above the XC70. The XC90 aimed to compete with other SUV models like the BMW X5, but it placed more emphasis on practicality by offering features such as seven-passenger seating capacity and rear passenger sound and climate control. Additionally, useful details like the ability to fold and stow the rear seats with one hand drew attention.

While its off-road capabilities were not particularly strong, the new AWD system developed by Haldex Traction allowed the XC90 to perform unexpectedly well on slippery surfaces. The AWD versions detected wheel slip using the existing ABS wheel speed sensors and transferred power to the rear wheels in case of skidding.

The XC90 was offered with "white block" inline five and six-cylinder engine options. The "2.5T" turbo five-cylinder engine and the "T6" twin-turbo six-cylinder engine were paired with the 5-speed Aisin AW50/55 and 4-speed GM 4T65 automatic transmissions, respectively. The high torque of the T6 was close to the maximum torque rating of the GM-sourced transmission, leading to issues such as harsh shifting and some gear loss.

In 2005, a new V8 engine was introduced, designed by Volvo and produced by Yamaha in Japan. This compact V8 engine was shorter than the T6, allowing it to be used with more compatible transmissions. However, over time, issues with the balance shaft began to emerge. In early engines, water accumulation in the engine compartment led to wear on the balance shaft bearings. An update in 2006 introduced a drainage hole in the engine block, significantly reducing this problem.

The XC90 remained in production until 2014, selling over 600,000 units during its 11-year run. It was replaced by a new model featuring the SPA platform in 2015.

All XC90 models were equipped with automatic transmissions, available in both FWD and Haldex AWD versions.

The P2 XC90 underwent several cosmetic updates during its production run.

The electric blue color of the Ocean Race V8 version, produced between 2005-2006, is quite rare.

Early model P2 XC90s commonly experienced transmission issues, particularly with the 4T65 and early TF80 transmissions. Regular cleaning of these transmissions is highly beneficial, as they lack filtration and produce a significant amount of fine particles during operation.

Engine and Transmission Packages:

• B5254T2: 2.5L gasoline light pressure turbo inline 20 valve DOHC 5-cylinder (2003-2006)
  Transmission: AW55-5x 5-speed automatic (available in FWD or AWD)

• B6294T: 2.9L gasoline turbo inline 24 valve DOHC 6-cylinder (2003-2006)
  Transmission: 4T65 AWD 4-speed automatic

• B8444S: Yamaha 4.4L gasoline naturally aspirated 32 valve V8 (2005-2011)
  Transmission: TF-80SC AWD 6-speed automatic

• B6324S: Compact 3.2L gasoline naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder (2007-2014)
  CA emissions compliant B6324S5 available from 2010
  Transmission: TF-80SC 6-speed automatic (available in FWD or AWD)