Blog

New York Show is Backdrop for Reveal
Volvo‘s current XC90 was introduced for the 2003 model year, and is due for a bit of a refresh. As the U.S. accounts for about 50 percent of all XC90s sold, it is no surprise that the minor change for 2007 model year was introduced at the 2006 New York auto show. Brought to you by AutoPacific and VehicleVoice, below is a first review of the changes, complete with before and after photos.

Among the most significant aspects of the update, which include some new safety features as well, is an all-new 232HP 3.2L in-line six-cylinder engine to slot between the 208HP 2.5L turbocharged I5 and the 315HP V8. The new six launches in the S80, though quickly followed by installation in the XC90, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The new engine will figure prominently in Volvo’s range over the next several years.

Chrome=Elegance for SUVs
Significant updates to the full-size Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator also launch for 2007 model year, with chrome clearly the key for conveying the upscale nature of the entries. Volvo seems to have picked up on this and used additional chrome accents to achieve one goal of the minor change, which was to create a more “modern and elegant” look. Changes to the face of the XC90 include more chrome in the grille and a revised lower fascia that includes more body-color surface. Redesigned taillamps have a more integrated look, moving away from the circular turn indicators, and thin chrome strips were added around the recessed reflectors in the bumpers. The roof rack is still standard black, but brushed aluminum can be ordered. There are new exterior colors and newly designed aluminum wheels.

Interior Retains Volvo Goodness, Updates Materials
Interior updates may be difficult to spot, centered as they are around upgraded materials and new color combinations, including a new soft leather Sovereign Hide upholstery with contrasting seam stitching and perforated-leather inserts. The center console got a new display and aluminum look trim. At first look, implementing only minor changes to the interior is a good move as XC90’s interior has been one of its strong points, particularly in the instrument panel and center console areas.


Feature Improvements
Though Volvo announced the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) back in 2004, it reaches production with the 2007 model year, on the updated S80 as well as the XC90. The system uses cameras in the door mirrors to detect and then uses visual cues to warn the driver of another vehicle in the blind spot. The visual cue is a blinking light in the appropriate mirror. The XC90 also adds a adaptive or cornering headlights and a rear-view park assist camera (new to Volvo, but new to the industry). The park assist also uses a wide-angle camera, displays the image in the navigation screen, and adds help lines similar to the Infiniti rear-park assist.Four Legs Arch reviews
Volvo also upgraded the real-time traffic information in their navigation system as well as the uplevel audio option, which now includes surround sound and an auxiliary jack, Dynaudio speakers, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and an Alpine amplifier with ICE Power technology from Bang & Olufsen Powerhouse.