I said in my earlier post I would describe the outcome of our test drive of the XC90 diesel and petrol versions for comparative purposes. We really like the car and were aiming to decide which engine option was the right choice for us. Other potential buyers might find the description useful when comparing engine options or considering a test drive?
In the UK there are currently 2 engines available in the XC90, the 163 bhp D5 diesel and the 272 bhp 6 cylinder turbo T6 model (torque is 340 and 380 Nm respectively). We drove the D5 for about 2 hours on all types of roads and then followed up with a much shorter half an hour drive of the T6. Both were Autos (Geartronic).
We found the D5 adequate around town, it picks up quite well from a start, from low speeds has a reasonable turn of acceleration. The downside of this is that brisk driving is quite tiring as the engine has to work hard to deliver any acceleration and with frequent down-changes. It runs out of breath pretty quickly on hills, changes down frequently, and with poor accelerating at B road speeds - it was lightly laden (2 adults and one baby)! Unlike the diesels I have driven / owned before where lots of torque is available at low revs (making for relaxing driving) this engine seems to need to change down early and rev hard. Surprised to observe the fact that the computer was reporting a return of only 26 mpg this supports the suggestion that in D5 form the car is a bit underpowered. In town, stuck in traffic, the diesel noises were a little intrusive for a luxury car - no excuse for this, in my opinion, as many other manufacturers have demonstrated. Both of us agreed that we liked the car and could live with the D5, but would like to drive the petrol T6 before making a decision.
Jumping in the T6, straight away noticed relative quietness, smooth power delivery and similar levels of torque to the diesel at low speed. This continues to be the case at speed and makes the car a much more relaxing drive. There is considerably more power and acceleration available at speed for overtaking, changing lanes on the motorway or from a sliproad. Fuel computer suggested an average of 21 mpg (although I know these things can be a little inaccurate). Would have liked to have had a longer test of the T6 but suspect the above conclusions would have been reinforced.
After a relatively short drive we had a brief discussion and agreed that it was well worth the additional £2500. We will order an XC90 SE T6 next week, sadly - delivery is 8 months!
Thanks for the advice from other posters on this group and hope someone finds this useful in the future.
Cheers
Jim