Volvo XC90: Best aei Engineered Vehicle for 2003

The new model raises the safety and environmental compatibility bars for SUVs.

The Volvo XC90 is Automotive Engineering International's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2003 because its engineers focused much of their attention on because its engineers focused much of their attention on addressing the safety and environmental criticisms aimed at today's SUVs. In fact, three of the five automotive “world firsts” Volvo claims for the vehicle-a rollover protection system with integrated gyro sensor, an inflatable safety curtain, and seatbelt pretensioners for all three rows of seats-are safety-related. The other two firsts are interior-related: an integrated sliding child booster seat in the center second-row position and the world's first Dolby 5.1 Pro Logic II surround sound stereo system. Engineers were also able to develop three engines that combine good power and fuel economy with excellent emissions performance.

Hans Wikman, the XC90 Project Director, agrees with the AEI readers and editors in putting safety and environmental compatibility at the top of the list of his program's accomplishments. But he is also proud of the vehicle's car-like driving characteristics and interior flexibility. These qualities are made possible, in large part, by a cab-forward architecture based on Volvo's flexible P2 large-car platform, which also underpins the S80, S60, and V70.