The second-generation Volvo XC90 made its South African debut in 2015. As the first vehicle built on the Swedish automaker’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, it symbolised a significant shift in Volvo’s approach to luxury SUVs.
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When the second-generation XC90 was launched, Volvo’s ambition to redefine itself in South Africa’s luxury SUV segment was signalled. Known for their safety, Volvo vehicles had already garnered a solid reputation among South African consumers. However, the second-generation XC90 went beyond these expectations by offering a more sophisticated and premium experience.
The XC90’s South African arrival came at a time when Volvo underwent a brand transformation, aiming to elevate its status to compete head-to-head with German giants like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. The XC90 was also the first Volvo to feature the new iron mark and a more modern interpretation of Volvo’s trademark diagonal slash across the grille.
As part of Volvo’s commitment to its “Vision 2020” strategy – which aimed to ensure that no one would be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020 – the XC90 introduced a suite of cutting-edge safety systems. This included the world-first Run-off Road Protection system, City Safety with Autobrake technology, and a highly intuitive Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving function. At the time, the latter set new benchmarks in automotive safety.
In our 2018 long-term report on the XC90 D5 AWD Inscription Geartronic, we noted:
“On the flipside, [the XC90’s] striking good looks haven’t aged. It’s a vehicle that blends elegance and pragmatism with some distinctive touches; those Thor’s hammer daytime-running lights and the big, bold curved rear lamps being the standouts. It remains one of the most striking big SUVs on the road. Its main attribute – again identified right from the start – is that beautiful and spacious interior.”
The second-generation XC90 is still on sale today, albeit long in the tooth. Unfortunately for this luxury SUV, the competition has seen many updates and upgrades, but Volvo’s stalwart pillar continues to uphold its legacy and position in the market.
Rundown on the Volvo XC90
The second-generation Volvo XC90 was launched with a variety of powertrain options. Unlike many of its competitors, Volvo decided to downsize its engines and focus on 2.0-litre four-cylinder units, complemented by advanced turbocharging, supercharging, and hybrid technologies. This approach was part of Volvo’s broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility without sacrificing performance.
In South Africa, three notable powertrains defined the XC90: the D5 diesel, T6 petrol, and T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The D5 featured delivered a respectable 173 kW and 480 N.m of torque. Its power delivery was smooth, and the ample torque provided strong pulling power. The engine, along with the rest of the power units, is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. As with many diesel-powered cars in the local market, the D5 has been cut from the XC90 line-up.
The T6 variant provided a petrol engine equipped with both a turbocharger and a supercharger. This combination allowed the engine to produce 235 kW/400 N.m. The supercharger helped eliminate turbo lag, providing quicker power delivery at lower RPMs, while the turbocharger took over at higher RPMs to ensure sustained acceleration.
Perhaps the most innovative and unique powertrain in the XC90 line-up was the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. This model combined the T6’s petrol engine with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The result was an impressive total system output of 300 kW/640 N.m. The T8 could operate in various modes, including Pure (electric-only), Hybrid (combination of petrol and electric power), and Power (maximum performance). It also boasted a claimed electric-only range of around 40 km.
Today’s XC90 line-up in South Africa consists of two B5 (2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 183 kW/350 N.m) and two T8 Recharge (340 kW/709 N.m) models.
At the heart of the XC90’s technological offerings was the Sensus infotainment system, displayed on a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen. This system controlled various functions, including navigation, entertainment, climate control, and vehicle settings. The system also featured voice control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also part of the system when it debuted.
Safety was a cornerstone of the XC90’s design, with Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite of safety technologies standard across the range. This suite included features such as City Safety, which could detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision. The XC90 also offered Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid that could manage steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads at speeds up to 130 km/h.
The XC90 also boasted an air suspension system on higher-spec models.
What to look out for when buying a used Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is packed with cutting-edge technology, which can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Electrical gremlins concerning the infotainment system have been noted. These issues are often related to software bugs, and Volvo has released several software updates to address these problems. Potential buyers should ensure that the XC90 they are considering has the latest software updates installed.
The air suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride but can be prone to failures, particularly on components such as the air compressor and air struts. Regular servicing and maintenance can prolong the life of these components, but if they need replacing, it’s best to get it done by a qualified Volvo technician.
The gearbox, particularly in some diesel models, exhibited delayed shifting. These issues are sometimes due to software calibration or wear-and-tear. A simple software update or a transmission fluid flush might solve the problem. Sticking with the D5, it is noted for excessive oil consumption; indicative of possible underlying problems such as turbocharger failure or a faulty PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system.
Which one to get
Volvo’s flagship SUV has earned a strong reputation for its Scandinavian design and focus on family-friendly features. For South African buyers, particularly those who value a well-rounded and safe vehicle, the XC90 offers a range of benefits that make it a good used-car option.
Depending on the model year and variant, the XC90 offers a variety of powertrains that are generally well-regarded for their balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The diesel variants, in particular, are popular in South Africa for their long-range capabilities and lower fuel consumption, which is ideal given our country’s vast distances and fluctuating fuel prices. The plug-in hybrid variants provide an even more compelling option for environmentally conscious buyers or those looking to reduce their fuel expenses without compromising on performance.
