The interior is quite elegant - more BMW than Lexus. The instrument panel follows Volvo’s recent trend to Scandinavian modern, with an emphasis on simple lines and functionality.
The basic vehicle architecture has been very intelligently thought out. The transverse, in-line engine placement has given the engineers a lot of space to work with. Not only were they able to fit the Yamaha V-8 in with no modifications to the frame or crumple zones, but they managed to fit three rows of seats into what is actually a very compact body - the XC90 is only about 3” longer than the V70 wagon.
The XC90 V-8 bases out about 10 grand more than models equipped with the 2.5T engine. For those extra 10Gs you’ll get a bunch of high cost stuff that’s optional on the 2.5T equipped models including the very sophisticated Haldex electronic AWD system.
