The XC90 has already won itself plenty of fans with its combination of rugged styling, smooth on-road dynamics and a super-useful seven-seat cabin. Now a mid-term facelift has sharpened its appeal and introduced some excellent new engines.
The chunky design has changed relatively little, although a new radiator grille and re-arranged elements in the rear lights help to distinguish it from the pre-facelift car. Inside the cabin it's still ultra-sensible with tough build quality, plenty of standard equipment and a decent amount of space. The XC90 is roomy for five and luggage, while collapsible third-row seats are big enough to give occasional seven-seat capability. Compared to rivals, some of the materials in the cabin feel relatively downmarket, though.
on the road the XC90 impresses thanks to excellent refinement and a range of powerful engines. Cornering limits are respectably high for a car in this class, although keen drivers won't find the sort of dynamic response offered by sportier rivals. Most buyers will opt for the frugal and respectably brisk 2.4 litre D5 diesel engine, which manages to better 30 mpg in everyday use. There are two excellent new petrol engines to choose between, too - a smooth, punchy 3.2 litre straight six petrol and a 4.4 litre V8 which endows the big Volvo with a serious turn of speed.
Decent standard equipment means that even the most basic "S" offers plenty of kit, with the full toyshop flung at the plusher reaches of the range. That said, the range-topping Executive trim is pricey. Values are still holding up well, although depreciation will become more of an issue as time goes on.