Volvo Announces Pricing for the Next-Generation SUV, the All-New XC90

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 5 -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced pricing today of its first-ever sport-utility vehicle, the all-new 2003 Volvo XC90. Two all-wheel-drive versions of the XC90 will be offered initially when the vehicle goes on sale in November: the XC90 AWD and the XC90 AWD T6.

The XC90 AWD models will be equipped with Volvo's electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, a $1,750 stand-alone option, bringing the initial price of the vehicle to a very competitive $35,100. Base price for the XC90 AWD T6, which includes leather seating surfaces, a power glass moonroof and an in-dash six-CD audio system, is $39,975. A front-wheel-drive XC90, scheduled to go on sale the first quarter of 2003, is aggressively priced at $33,350. The destination charge for all models is $625.

With 75 years of safety innovation behind it, the Volvo XC90 truly is the next-generation SUV. Incorporating the world's first Roll Stability Control (RSC) system, pretension seatbelts in all seating positions, an inflatable side curtain for the third row seats, and an integrated sliding center booster seat for children, along with a high-strength Boron steel roof structure, the XC90 combines both active and passive safety systems in one stunningly designed package. Additional standard safety features include Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC), anti-lock brakes, WHIPS, Volvo's whiplash protection seats, and the SIPS side-impact protection system.

Powering the XC90 is a light pressure, turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine that generates 208 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm.

The XC90 AWD T6 is motivated by a more powerful twin turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine that makes 268 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm.

"Our designers and development engineers have shown great creativity in designing an SUV which optimizes all the inherent virtues of an SUV -- versatility, capacity, driving position -- with interior and exterior styling which is very distinctive and attractive," said Vic Doolan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "At the same time they exercised conscience and consideration to ensuring the XC90 leads the segment in terms of safety for all occupants and consideration for all road users, environmental care and performance when it matters."

VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The 2002 Volvo automobile line includes the sporty S60, the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon and rugged Cross Country, C70 Coupe and convertible and the compact S40 and V40 models.