Volvo XC90 launch specifications released

24 June 2002: Volvo’s next-generation SUV, the XC90, will be launched in the autumn with D5 diesel and 272bhp T6 petrol engine options.

The vehicle is aimed at market rivals BMW’s X5 and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The initial versions will have a Geartronic automatic transmission which can be used manually, while a manual version of the D5 will come available next year.

The XC90 will feature seven forward-facing seats, and is Volvo’s first proper SUV. There has been strong pre-launch interest in the car, and Volvo say they already have many hundreds ordered in advance.

June 2002