The Volvo XC90, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2007 and produced through 2012, represents a significant entry for the Swedish automaker into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. This generation, powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine, aimed to blend Scandinavian design principles with practicality and a focus on safety – hallmarks of the Volvo brand. While not initially a top seller in the United States compared to established American and Japanese competitors, the XC90 carved out a niche for buyers seeking a sophisticated and secure family vehicle. The 2010-2012 model years represent the culmination of the facelift, refining the original design and offering a compelling package of features and performance.
Volvo XC90 (Facelift 2007) 3.2: An Overview
The XC90 was Volvo’s first attempt at a full-size SUV, and it quickly became one of their best-selling models globally. The 2007 facelift brought updated styling, including a new front fascia, revised taillights, and interior enhancements. The 3.2 variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six engine, was a key offering in many markets. This engine provided a balance of power and refinement, making the XC90 a comfortable and capable cruiser. The vehicle’s five-seater configuration, combined with its spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, made it well-suited for families. The XC90’s emphasis on safety, a long-standing Volvo tradition, was further enhanced with advanced features for its time.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2010-2012 Volvo XC90 3.2 is a 3.2-liter (194.79 cubic inches) inline-six cylinder engine, designated the B6324S5. This naturally aspirated engine produces 243 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio results in a respectable 76.1 horsepower per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The XC90 3.2 has a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers (20.6 US mpg), with CO2 emissions of 265 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder.
Design & Features
The Volvo XC90 (facelift 2007) is a five-door SUV with seating for five passengers. Its exterior design is characterized by clean lines and a Scandinavian aesthetic, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The facelift brought a more prominent grille and updated headlight design, giving the vehicle a more modern appearance. Inside, the XC90 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a focus on ergonomics. Key features include a well-appointed dashboard, comfortable seating, and a generous amount of storage space. Safety was a paramount concern in the XC90’s design, and it incorporates a range of active and passive safety systems, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The trunk offers a minimum of 613 liters (21.65 cubic feet) of cargo space, expanding to 1837 liters (64.87 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s ride height provides 218 mm (8.58 inches) of ground clearance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC90 |
| Generation | XC90 (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 (243 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.8 UK mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 265 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 243 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6324S5 |
| Engine displacement | 3192 cm3 (194.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt | 8.53 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 613 l (21.65 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1837 l (64.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4807 mm (189.25 in.) |
| Width | 1936 mm (76.22 in.) |
| Height | 1743 mm (68.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2857 mm (112.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1634 mm (64.33 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.7 – 13.3 m (41.67 – 43.64 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |


