The Volvo XC90 marked a significant turning point for the Swedish automaker, boldly stepping into the luxury SUV market with its 2016 model. This vehicle wasn’t just an evolution; it was a revolution, embodying Volvo’s core values – safety, performance, refinement, and cutting-edge technology – and elevating them to new heights of world-class luxury. A key aspect of its appeal and smooth driving experience is the sophisticated Volvo Xc90 Automatic transmission, which we will delve into along with other features that make this SUV stand out.
A Foundation of Innovation: Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)
The XC90’s groundbreaking nature is rooted in Volvo’s substantial $11 billion investment in developing the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). This modular chassis technology, created entirely in-house by Volvo, granted designers and engineers unprecedented freedom. SPA facilitated the creation of a visually striking design, enhanced driving dynamics, pioneering safety innovations, the latest in connected car technologies, and a more spacious interior.
SPA’s innovative electrical architecture is crucial to the XC90’s enhanced “intelligence.” This system was designed to support increasingly complex functions in rapidly advancing fields like microprocessors, sensors, and camera technology, all working in harmony to assist the driver in preventing accidents.
For its initial 2016 release, the XC90 was offered in three distinct trim levels: Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design. Each trim provides a unique personality through distinct exterior and interior styling cues, as well as varying levels of features.
- Momentum: Designed to be the most popular variant, catering to the broad needs of luxury SUV buyers.
- Inscription: Emphasizes exclusive luxury features, focusing on superior craftsmanship, comfort, and elegant aesthetics.
- R-Design: Targets drivers seeking a sportier, more dynamic, and visually expressive SUV with enhanced visual appeal and a more assertive character.
Striking Scandinavian Design: The XC90’s Visual Appeal
Volvo’s designers seized the unique opportunity to craft an entirely new vehicle on a fresh platform, giving the XC90 exceptional proportions. A key indicator of luxury vehicle design is the “dash-to-front axle” ratio. The extended space between the A-pillar and the front wheel arch contributes significantly to the perception of a more luxurious and substantial vehicle.
Creating a recognizable and memorable “face” for the XC90 was another design priority. The powerful front fascia was crafted to distinguish it from competitors, confidently asserting its Volvo identity. Designers prioritized key elements such as the lighting and grille design.
The LED daytime running lights, shaped like “Thor’s Hammer,” are a distinctive and memorable design signature. The grille and Ironmark logo, including the iconic diagonal slash, were proportioned for a more prominent grille. Lower fascia character lines add visual drama and contribute to a confident stance.
While embracing a thoroughly modern and contemporary design, the new XC90 incorporates three classic Volvo design cues:
- Strong shoulder lines extend from the front to the rear, running along the vehicle’s sides.
- The Volvo Ironmark is updated with the arrow aligned with the diagonal grille slash for a modern touch.
- Taillights featuring striking LED light guides emphasize the vertical breadth of the body’s shoulder line, creating a strong visual identity.
Each trim level – Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design – presents an immediately recognizable yet unique identity. Distinctive grille treatments, color-enhanced lower body moldings, unique lower front spoiler designs, roof rail designs, and lower rear “skidplates” all contribute to the individual character of each model.
Drive-E Powertrain and the Seamless Volvo XC90 Automatic Transmission
The XC90’s distinctive character extends beneath the hood, featuring Volvo’s advanced Drive-E powertrain, engineered to deliver an optimal balance of lightweight construction, exhilarating performance, and fuel efficiency.
All 2016 XC90 models are powered by a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged. This advanced engine produces a robust 316 horsepower and a substantial 295 lb.-ft. of torque, available across a wide rev range from 2,200 rpm to 4,500 rpm. This compact engine design contributes to impressive fuel economy, reduced emissions, and agile handling.
The supercharger enhances torque delivery at low and medium speeds until the turbocharger takes over at higher revs. The supercharger then disengages to minimize friction and improve efficiency. Turbocharging compresses the air entering the combustion chambers to generate more power, allowing this smaller engine to perform like a larger displacement engine. Volvo’s expertise in forced induction dates back to their first series-production turbocharged car engine in 1981.
A critical component of the Drive-E powertrain is the XC90’s standard eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. This sophisticated volvo xc90 automatic transmission features two overdrive gears to optimize fuel economy and a lock-up function that bypasses the torque converter to minimize energy consumption. Drivers can choose fully automatic operation or manual gear changes via the console-mounted shift lever or steering wheel paddles (standard on R-Design). The volvo xc90 automatic transmission ensures smooth and responsive gear changes, enhancing both driving comfort and performance.
All XC90s are equipped with Volvo’s electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™. This system utilizes an efficient, compact, and lightweight fifth-generation coupling to distribute engine power between the front and rear wheels.
Under normal dry conditions, the system primarily directs power to the front wheels for optimal fuel efficiency. However, it continuously monitors the need for rear-wheel drive and can instantly redistribute up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels when needed. At a standstill, full all-wheel drive is always engaged to prepare for maximum traction during acceleration.
Adjustable Drive Mode Settings allow drivers to tailor the XC90’s performance characteristics to their preferences or driving conditions using a rotary knob on the center console.
- Comfort mode: Increases ride height by 0.4 inches (10mm) for enhanced suspension travel and comfort.
- Eco mode: Optimizes engine, transmission, and climate control settings for maximum fuel efficiency. An eco-coast feature activates when the accelerator is released above 40 mph (64 km/h). On XC90s with optional 4-corner Air Suspension, the chassis lowers by 0.8 inches (2cm) above approximately 43 mph (70 km/h) for improved aerodynamics.
- Dynamic mode: Delivers a sportier driving experience with quicker throttle and transmission response, holding gears for longer. With 4-corner Air Suspension, the chassis lowers by 0.8 inches (2cm) above approximately 84 mph (135 km/h) for improved aerodynamics.
- Off-road mode: Operates below 25 mph (40 km/h) and disengages at higher speeds. It locks differentials, activates Hill Descent Control, sets steering to comfort mode, optimizes engine and transmission for traction, sets Electronic Stability Control to Traction/Sport, and deactivates the Stop/Start function. With 4-corner Air Suspension, ground clearance increases by 1.6 inches (4cm).
- Individual mode: Allows drivers to customize settings for steering response, drivetrain dynamics, brake pedal feel, and more, creating a personalized driving experience.
Advanced Chassis and Suspension for Superior Ride and Handling
The XC90’s innovations extend to its chassis, engineered to provide both exceptional ride comfort and precise control. The majority of suspension components, both front and rear, are constructed from aluminum to minimize weight and optimize performance.
A new double-wishbone front suspension design connects to the body via two transverse links. This design improves handling and road holding compared to the previous MacPherson strut design, offering a more neutral balance, minimized body roll, and reduced understeer. It also helps counteract torque steer.
The integral axle rear suspension is also completely new. This advanced design allows for individual tuning of handling characteristics. On XC90 models without the optional 4-corner Air Suspension, a strong, lightweight, and compact composite transverse leaf spring replaces traditional coil springs. (Notably, the current generation Chevrolet Corvette employs a similar design.)
Optional Four-corner Air Suspension elevates ride comfort, handling, and road holding to superior levels. An electronically controlled damping system, known as Four-C, replaces conventional dampers or shock absorbers. This system uses a computer-controlled air chamber at each wheel that constantly adapts to changing road conditions. The hydraulic characteristics of the dampers are measured and adjusted up to 500 times per second for optimal ride quality.
Automatic leveling, integrated with the Air Suspension, maintains consistent ground clearance regardless of load, whether carrying only the driver or a full complement of passengers and cargo. Ride height automatically lowers at higher speeds, while an easy ingress/egress mode lowers the vehicle by 1.6 inches (4cm) for easier entry and exit. A button in the cargo compartment allows lowering the ride height by 2.0 inches (5cm) when parked for easier loading or trailer hitching.
Visual Assistance and Parking Technology
The XC90 offers various levels of parking assistance systems as part of its comprehensive safety suite. Rear Park Assist with audible alerts and a rear park assist camera are standard. The camera, discreetly positioned under the tailgate handle, provides a view behind the vehicle on the center display screen. On-screen guidelines indicate the rear wheel path based on steering wheel angle.
Beyond convenience, the rear camera is a valuable safety feature. Volvo’s research highlights that in the U.S., a significant number of children are injured each week in back-over accidents. Larger vehicles like trucks, vans, and SUVs are disproportionately involved in these incidents, often with a parent or close relative behind the wheel.
Park Assist Pilot builds upon the system offered in the S60 and V60. It adds front and side sensors to Park Assist and can autonomously control steering during parking maneuvers (while the driver manages accelerator, brakes, and gear selection). This system simplifies parking significantly and can steer the car into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
An additional level of parking support is available with the 360-degree camera. This option provides a bird’s-eye view of the car’s surroundings (at speeds up to 6 mph or 10 km/h) via a virtual car image on the center screen. This view is generated by four hidden cameras located in the lower front Volvo badge, both side mirrors, and the tailgate.
The four camera views are digitally processed to create a seamless 360-degree view from above the car. Swiping up or down on the touchscreen allows selection of front or rear camera views only, providing enhanced visual perspective when vision is limited, such as when entering a street or intersection, exiting a parking garage, or maneuvering in tight parking spaces.
Front park assist is included with the optional Park Assist Pilot, using ultrasonic sensors integrated into the lower front grilles to measure distance to obstacles within 2.5 feet (0.8 m) at speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h). Distance to each sensor is graphically displayed on the center screen, and a warning tone alerts the driver as the XC90 approaches an object, becoming constant at 11.8 inches (0.3 m).
Scandinavian Sanctuary: The XC90 Interior
The XC90’s all-new interior represents the most luxurious cabin ever created for a Volvo. Developed following the “Designed Around You” strategy, the interior prioritizes the needs of both driver and passengers. Recognizing the XC90’s appeal to families, particular attention was given to passenger comfort, including those in the second and third rows, intelligent space utilization, versatility, and ease of use.
Volvo seats have long been recognized for their comfort and support, and the XC90 introduces an entirely new generation of seats. To maximize rear legroom in the second row, a completely new frame and seatback were developed to make the backrests as slim as possible. The new seat design also contributes to enhanced protective safety.
Second-row seats are designed for comfort and maximum flexibility. Each seat is contoured for added support in the seatback and cushion. Backrests recline independently, and each seat slides individually to optimize legroom or cargo space. Seatbacks are configured in a 40/20/40 split to accommodate long items via the folding center seat while maintaining two full-sized outboard seating positions.
An integrated child booster cushion is available as an option for the second-row center position. Because the seat slides, it can be positioned closer to the front seats for easier access to the driver and front passenger. The seat is designed for children weighing 33 to 79 lbs. (15 to 36 kg).
The standard four-zone climate system provides enhanced comfort and control for second-row passengers. A touchscreen panel on the floor console allows outboard passengers to adjust temperature and fan speed independently. Optional heated rear seats are also controlled via this touchscreen. Four-zone ECC also includes the ability to cool the front glovebox to keep beverages chilled.
The XC90’s standard third-row seat offers uncompromised comfort and space with class-leading 31.9 inches of legroom. The two individual seats are generously proportioned and feature full-sized seatbacks similar to those in the second row. A separate air conditioning unit is included for rapid cooling. Third-row cushions remain in place when the seats are folded, creating a completely flat load floor.
Paying tribute to Volvo’s safety heritage, the message “Since 1959” is engraved onto the tongue of the front seatbelt buckles, commemorating the year Volvo pioneered the three-point safety belt and reminding occupants of this significant milestone every time they buckle up.
The steering wheel is designed to complement the XC90’s overall design and image. Two color families match the interior palettes: a Charcoal leather-wrapped wheel for Charcoal interiors, and Charcoal and Blond for Blond interiors.
The R-Design steering wheel features a four-split design wrapped in Charcoal perforated leather, with silk metal accents and an “R-Design” emblem. Steering wheel shift paddles are also included for manual control of the volvo xc90 automatic transmission.
Beautiful interior inlays cover a generous surface of the dashboard, center console, tunnel console, and doors. Selections include Cross Brushed Aluminum standard on Momentum, Linear Walnut Wood on Inscription, and Metal Mesh Aluminum for R-Design. Dark Flame Birch inlays are optional on Momentum, while R-Design can be trimmed with optional Carbon Fiber inlays.
Standard Keyless Entry and Drive eliminates the need for a physical key slot. The driver starts the engine by turning the Start knob on the center console while depressing the brake pedal.
Keyless entry and a hands-free power tailgate are also standard for added convenience. Approaching the XC90 with the keyfob in a pocket or purse allows door opening. Dedicated door handles with “invisible” buttons also incorporate puddle lights. Waving a foot under the left side of the bumper automatically opens the tailgate, simplifying cargo loading when hands are full.
The cargo area provides generous space and intelligent load features. Maximum cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded is a generous 85.7 cu. ft. Convenient access is provided via a power-operated tailgate with a soft-close feature. A semi-automatic cargo cover retracts halfway when its handle is depressed for easy loading. A hidden storage compartment under the load floor includes a divided storage tray for small or valuable items.
Advanced Sensus Connect Technology and User Interface
The XC90’s new Sensus user interface is among the most advanced in-car control systems available today. Volvo’s interior design objective was to enhance safety by creating a more intuitive interface that is both user-friendly and aesthetically refined.
Sensus offers seamless access to a wide array of cloud-based applications. In-car possibilities include internet radio, connected navigation, parking finder and payment, seamless music streaming, mirroring and using Apple and Android devices on the touchscreen display, a mobile hotspot for in-car tablet use, and much more.
Designers recognized that adding more convenience features often leads to a proliferation of buttons. Typical driver control systems in other premium vehicles can feature up to 30 buttons across the dashboard, making it challenging for drivers to locate and operate them while driving.
To create a less distracting environment, the focus was on removing buttons rather than adding them. Designers reimagined the center console with a touchscreen display accessible via physical touch, voice activation, and steering wheel controls.
In the all-new XC90, most physical buttons are replaced by a sleek and elegant 9-inch control panel. This large touchscreen features a vertical or portrait format with less scrolling, distinguishing it from competitors who typically use horizontal screens. Light Control Film anti-reflective coating provides deep contrast while minimizing glare and reflections. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology delivers a high pixel density for one of the highest resolution screens in a vehicle.
Advanced touchscreen technology uses an infrared film around the screen perimeter. It detects touch by sensing when a finger breaks the infrared plane. Advantages include crisp picture quality, reduced screen wear due to no pressure requirement, and operation while wearing gloves.
Volvo’s design differentiates itself in how information is organized for intuitive understanding. The need for separate external control devices like joysticks, knobs, or console-mounted touchpads is eliminated.
The central control panel interacts with an adaptive digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and vital information can be projected onto the lower windshield via the available Head-up Display (HUD).
Information on the center touchscreen is organized into a stack of four “tiles,” each displaying a key functionality:
- Navigation
- Media
- Phone
- User-defined Title (e.g., Apple CarPlay™)
A thin information band above the tiles displays phone signal strength, clock, etc., while digital climate information is positioned below. Feature or app “buttons” can be relocated and easily reorganized on the screen.
Activating a tile expands it to show more detail, while other tiles compress but remain visible. Information flow is exceptionally user-friendly, eliminating the need to navigate back and forth through menu trees.
The vertical screen orientation offers advantages such as presenting information logically, reducing scrolling, displaying navigation maps in a more natural way to see more of the route ahead, and accessing menus by swiping left or right on the home screen.
Eight physical buttons remain on the center console below the touchscreen, grouped for ease of use, controlling hazard lights, available heated windshield, heated rearview mirrors and rear window, left and right forward/backward buttons, temperature sensor, and glovebox open switch.
The instrument cluster in front of the driver allows customization of displayed information for ease of use. The screen is glossy black when off and displays a dramatic start-up sequence when activated.
A graphical 12.3-inch display replaces a traditional dashboard in all models. This display includes two large round gauges with an information area in-between that can vary in size depending on the information being displayed. For example, when navigation is active, the information section expands, and the round gauges become smaller.
Sensus Audio and Navigation Systems: Immersive Sound and Guidance
Two levels of audio systems are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, with acoustics specifically optimized for the XC90’s interior. The standard Sensus High Performance Audio system includes a six-channel amplifier delivering 330 watts to 10 speakers, providing a high-quality audio experience for all passengers, including those in the third row.
The available Premium Sound by Bowers & Wilkins is among the highest quality audio systems in the automotive market. Bowers & Wilkins is a highly respected premium audio brand, the preferred audio brand of the renowned Abbey Road Studios.
In the XC90, this system delivers an astonishing 1,400 watts to 19 strategically placed speakers throughout the cabin. “Room Transformation” technology, developed with Swedish software specialist Dirac Research, allows recreating the acoustics of specific rooms within the cabin. Drivers can select three different room modes: “Studio,” “Individual Stage,” and “Gothenburg Concert Hall.”
A newly designed, extremely thin subwoofer is integrated into the vehicle’s architecture, located by the rear wheel arch. An opening in the wheel arch allows the subwoofer to pulse more air, enabling extremely low bass tones down to 20 Hz, delivering sound quality comparable to a movie theater.
The large portrait format center screen, 3D graphics, and natural speech voice control make the XC90’s navigation system exceptionally user-friendly.
Standard Sensus Navigation maps are clearly displayed on the center screen. Enhanced map details are also provided in the 12.3-inch digital dashboard and the optional heads-up display. Free lifetime map updates are available via the USB port.
Drivers and front passengers have access to Volvo’s fully integrated, connected navigation system with all its functions, including SiriusXM Travel Link.
Real Time Traffic helps drivers reach their destinations more easily and with less stress.
Apple CarPlay™ integration seamlessly integrates iPhones (version 5 or later), allowing access to selected functionalities and apps via the large center touchscreen. The iPhone can be controlled via the touchscreen or Siri voice commands through the XC90’s audio system.
The XC90 was the first Volvo to offer this functionality, and CarPlay could be retrofitted to any 2016 XC90 produced before its availability.
Android Auto™ integration, offering similar functionality for Android phones, was under development for later introduction. Android Auto provides access to Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music, and specially adapted third-party applications like Spotify. All phone-based applications can be controlled via voice, steering wheel controls, or the car’s touchscreen, ensuring safe and easy interaction with Android Auto content.
IntelliSafe: Comprehensive Safety Technology for Peace of Mind
The new SPA architecture, with its enhanced structural strength and advanced electrical system, enabled Volvo to introduce innovative safety features, reinforcing its leadership in automotive safety and supporting its Vision 2020 – aiming for no fatalities or serious injuries in new Volvos by 2020.
Volvo Cars’ holistic approach to safety centers on real-world traffic situations. Occupants are protected by solutions designed for intelligent energy absorption in various collision types. Camera, radar, and sensor technologies are expanded to detect more objects around the car and provide support at higher speeds and in more diverse situations, including intersections.
The XC90 boasts the most comprehensive and technologically advanced standard safety package in the automotive industry. It includes existing revolutionary SUV safety technologies like Roll Stability Control, which, even 13 years after its initial introduction on the previous XC90, remains one of the few SUV systems capable of preventing rollover accidents, not just mitigating their consequences.
Additional IntelliSafe safety technologies include:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Understeer Control Logic – minimizing understeer
- Engine Drag Control
- Advanced Stability Control with Torque Vectoring
- Road Sign Information
- Driver Alert and Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic braking after collision – automatically applying brakes after a collision triggering safety belt pre-tensioners or airbags to help prevent secondary collisions.
City Safety, a comprehensive umbrella term for all collision avoidance functionalities (previously known as City Safety and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake), is a groundbreaking active safety technology.
Studies indicate that a significant percentage of drivers involved in collisions do not attempt to avoid the collision, highlighting the importance of this technology.
A compact combined radar and camera unit behind the windshield detects vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, day and night. If City Safety determines a collision is imminent, it warns the driver with a head-up light in the windshield, an audible warning, and a short brake pulse, while simultaneously preparing the brake system and safety belts for immediate effectiveness. If the driver doesn’t react or reacts too late, City Safety autonomously brakes the car.
City Safety operates at speeds above 2.5 mph (4 km/h) and can avoid or mitigate three types of collisions with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians:
- Avoiding or mitigating collisions with other vehicles: Accidents with other cars can be avoided at relative speed differences up to 31 mph (50 km/h). At higher speed differences, the collision is mitigated. The driver can always take control and brake or steer. If a collision is imminent, safety belts and brakes are pre-tensioned and prepared for maximum performance should the driver brake.
- Avoiding collisions at intersections (World First): The XC90 is the first car globally with technology that automatically brakes if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car – a common scenario in busy city intersections and on highways. The system detects a potential crash and brakes automatically to avoid or mitigate the consequences.
- Avoiding or mitigating collisions with cyclists: If a cyclist swerves into or crosses the car’s path, or is stationary in the path, the XC90 warns the driver and brakes automatically if the driver does not act. Collisions with cyclists can be avoided at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h) and speed differentials between the car and cyclist of 25 mph (40 km/h). At higher speed differentials, the collision is mitigated.
- Avoiding or mitigating collisions with pedestrians: If a pedestrian moves into or crosses the car’s path, or is stationary in the path, the XC90 warns the driver and brakes automatically if the driver does not act. Pedestrian collisions can be avoided at speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h). For speeds between 29 – 50 mph (46 – 80 km/h), the collision is mitigated. Nighttime cyclist and pedestrian detection is a new City Safety feature on the XC90.
Run-off Road Protection (World First): Accidents where vehicles run off the road are common, often caused by driver distraction, fatigue, or poor weather. These accidents account for a significant percentage of traffic fatalities.
Volvo developed Safe Positioning to address run-off road accidents. In a run-off road scenario, the XC90:
- Detects the situation and tightens front safety belts to keep occupants in position as long as the car is in motion.
- Uses energy-absorbing material between the seat and seat frame to cushion vertical forces from hard landings, reducing vertical occupant forces by up to one-third and mitigating spine injuries.
Road Sign Information: Uses the windshield camera to recognize various traffic signs (speed limits, prohibition signs) and displays them in the speedometer or Head-up Display as reminders.
Seats, Seat Belts, and Airbags: Newly designed XC90 seats have extremely strong frames made of various steel grades, capable of absorbing high-energy loads even in severe accidents (another World First). This design absorbs high vertical loads in accidents, reducing vertical occupant forces by up to one-third and mitigating spine injuries.
The new front seats also feature the latest Volvo WHIPS Whiplash Injury Protection System.
Three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners are included for all seven occupants. Upper safety belt mounting points for the third row are specially designed for optimal over-shoulder protection.
Airbags complement safety belt protection, including front airbags and side airbags integrated into the front seat backrests. Inflatable Curtains protect second and third-row passengers, integrated into the roof above the doors and rearmost side windows. The XC90 also includes a driver-side knee airbag.
Stability and Brake Systems: DSTC is now called ESC (Electronic Stability System) with individually tuned functions for each Volvo model.
Automatic brake activation – collisions: In a collision activating safety belt pre-tensioners or airbags, the car’s brakes are automatically applied to help prevent further damage.
The brake pedal has a new construction. In frontal collisions triggering pre-tensioners and frontal airbags, a pyrotechnical device releases the brake pedal, reducing the risk of right foot and leg injuries.
IntelliSafe Surround, groups optional driver support features:
BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Mitigation: Active above 7 mph (12 km/h), Blind Spot Information System uses radar units in the rear bumper corners to measure distance to vehicles approaching from behind.
- Warns the driver with a side mirror light about approaching vehicles.
- Constant light indicates a rapidly approaching vehicle in adjacent lanes up to 230 ft. (70m).
- Flashing warning light if the driver ignores the light and activates the turn signal to change lanes.
- System can be deactivated via the center control panel.
Cross Traffic Alert: Simplifies backing out of parking spaces by detecting and warning of approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from either side.
- Audible and visual warnings on the center screen.
- Active up to 98 ft. (30m) for vehicles, and shorter distances for cyclists and pedestrians.
Enhancements compared to radar-based BLIS on other Volvos:
- Different warning light location and function.
- Addition of Rear Collision Mitigation.
- If the XC90 is stationary and another vehicle is about to hit it from behind, the system pre-tensions seatbelts just before impact and applies full auto braking to prevent being pushed into another car or intersection.
IntelliSafe Assist, groups features using the windshield camera and radar:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Pilot Assist: Ideal for highways or commuting, ACC reduces driving stress, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Cruise control adapts speed automatically to slower vehicles ahead. Radar unit maintains distance and can bring the XC90 to a complete stop behind a lead vehicle. If the lead vehicle stops for less than six seconds, the XC90 automatically resumes following.
- Driver selectable time gaps to vehicles ahead via steering wheel buttons and driver display graphics.
- Standard cruise control functions and on/off control.
- Above 43 mph (70 km/h), ACC briefly accelerates towards the vehicle ahead if the turn signal is used for overtaking.
Pilot Assist function: Supplements Adaptive Cruise Control, enabling the XC90 to maintain set speed and distance while also providing steering support to keep the car within its lane in low-speed traffic.
- Operates at “queue speeds” below 30 mph (50 km/h).
- Camera and radar monitor lane markings and vehicles ahead, providing light steering adjustments to stay within the lane if approaching lane markings without turn signals.
- Maintains lane position using light steering torque relative to lane markings and vehicles ahead. Driver must keep hands on the steering wheel.
- If Pilot Assist is deactivated below 30 mph (50 km/h), Adaptive Cruise Control still maintains speed and distance but without steering corrections.
Distance Alert: Reduces collision risk with vehicles ahead, warning the driver if getting too close.
- Monitors distance to the car ahead above 16 mph (30 km/h) when Adaptive Cruise Control is not in use.
- Can be turned off in the center display settings menu.
- Driver selectable time gaps to vehicles ahead, adjustable via steering wheel buttons like Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Amber warning light on the windshield (or Head-up Display symbol) if approaching a vehicle ahead closer than the set time gap.
Lane Keeping Aid: Actively steers the XC90 back into its lane if straying due to driver inattention or loss of control. Attempts to prompt driver intervention through clear warnings if approaching a lane marking.
- Gently steers the vehicle back to center if about to cross a lane marking, especially if the driver is not actively steering (e.g., not using turn signals).
- Uses windshield camera and radar, dependent on visible lane markings.
- Highly customizable system, can be turned on/off in the center display menu, with audible or haptic (steering wheel vibration) warnings selectable.
- If steering intervention is insufficient, or if the driver steers into another lane, steering wheel vibrations or a warning sound are activated.
The 2016 Volvo XC90, especially models equipped with the volvo xc90 automatic transmission, represents a leap forward in luxury SUVs. Its blend of Scandinavian design, innovative technology, powerful yet efficient engines, and class-leading safety features solidify its position as a top contender in its segment. For those seeking a refined, safe, and technologically advanced SUV with a smooth and responsive volvo xc90 automatic driving experience, the XC90 remains a compelling choice.
