We are buying our first volvo and it will be an 2011 XC90. I am undecided weither to get the std 6 cyl or upgrade to the v8. All I read suggests the 6 is underpowered but the dealer says all he sells is the 6 cyl. I was hoping to get some input from XC90 owners on the feelings about this topic and what engine they have. I will not be towing but live in the mountains of NY. And the 7k cost of the v8 is substantial. Thanks in advance.
Kevin

 

It's a shame that they don't offer the 2.5T for the XC90 anymore. WAY better than the 6cyl. they put in them now.

 

I have a XC90 T6 and I personally think it has more power than I need (and probably similar to the V8). Really wished they had a diesel option since poor mileage is more noticeable than the extra power I will never use on the highway or sitting in traffic. I also have a XC70 with the 3.2. I like that engine a lot.

 

Just purchased the 2010 XC90 V8 and love it. The dealer is correct the V6's are more accessible, we had to ship my V8 from two states away.

 

I decided on the V8 mainly for towing. My previous vehicle was the Nissan Murano with the V6. It had around 245 hp with about the same number for torque. The 3.2 XC90 has about 10 less horse and torque compared to the Murano.
The Murano was very capable of towing up to 3500 lbs with those numbers. My decision to go with the V8 was since the XC90 was slightly heavier and bigger than the Murano; I was not comfortable with going with the 3.2 engine base.
Having now driven the V8; I am very glad I decided to go that route. The 311 hp really makes this car a fun care to drive and more than capable for my towing needs.
I would highly recommend driving both to see how they differ.

 

Towing = V8, not towing = V6. Gearing is more of an impact when you're driving in mountains and not towing anything. For you, the only reason to get the V8 is if you just love to have that extra power available, IF you decide to use it.

 

I do have to agree with jks2. With the correct powerbands/shifting; the 3.2 is a very capable engine platform. My neighbour has an '09 R-Design with the 3.2 and he says that it's great for him.
My V8 is great for towing; however I find that the power when not towing is wasted since I find that the vehicle's Stability/Skid Control (DSTC) system won't let you punch this car without it wanting to control traction/power.
I do wish it would plant the power equally to all it's wheels for a more sportier output.
Anyways; take the two engine platforms out for a ride and see what's right for you.

 

If you get the V8, you will never say I wish I would have got the V6. The other way around you certainly might say you wish you had the V8. BUT $7K is a lot more money. When I get one, it will be the V8 because I want it to tow my boat.