BMW X7 vs. Volvo XC90: Complete comparison 2026

BMW X7 represents the majestic pinnacle of luxury from the Munich-based automaker, offering uncompromising interior space, powerful engines, and cutting-edge technology. On the other hand stands the Volvo XC90, the embodiment of Scandinavian elegance and a pioneer in automotive safety, which attracts with its minimalist design and highly comfortable interior. In the following comparison, we will analyze the key differences in detail and find out which of these two premium family cruisers represents a more attractive choice on the market for nearly new used cars.

Looking at the exterior dimensions of the BMW X7 and the Volvo XC90, it is immediately apparent that both brands approach the concept of a luxury family SUV slightly differently. While Volvo maintains more restrained and, by European standards, somewhat more practical proportions, the BMW X7 feels like a genuine American cruiser on the road. With a total length ranging from 5151 to 5181 mm (depending on the version and facelift), the Bavarian model is more than 200 millimetres longer than its Swedish rival, which stays just below the five-metre mark (4950–4953 mm). In everyday use, this means that the Volvo XC90 is slightly easier to park at a shopping centre or in underground garages, whereas the BMW X7 often significantly overhangs standard European parking spaces.

The fundamental difference for interior space is defined by the wheelbase. The BMW X7 boasts an impressive wheelbase of 3105 mm, which is a substantial lead of over 12 centimetres compared to the 2984 mm of the Volvo. This value is most evident in the passenger space in the second and especially the third row of seats. While the Volvo XC90 serves as an excellent seven-seater for transporting children or for shorter distances, the BMW X7 can offer more full-fledged comfort even for adult passengers in the very back seats. The Bavarian vehicle is also 30 to 60 mm taller (1805–1835 mm), which enhances its majestic exterior stance and provides the occupants with an extra margin of headroom.

As for width, both SUVs require great attention when driving through narrow lanes or older garages. The BMW X7 measures exactly two metres (2000 mm) across its entire generation, while the vast majority of Volvo XC90 engine variants have a width of 1931 mm. However, for top-tier Volvo versions like the T8 plug-in hybrid, the width can climb up to 2008 mm due to specific bodywork details. Choosing between these models from the perspective of exterior dimensions clearly points to user priorities: the Volvo XC90 represents a huge but still reasonably manoeuvrable SUV, while the BMW X7 is the embodiment of absolute interior space and uncompromising majesty at the cost of reduced agility in tight city streets.

Trunk capacity is one of the key decision criteria for those interested in large family SUVs like the BMW X7 and Volvo XC90. Both models target large families and offer the popular seven-seat layout, which brings the necessity of a compromise between the number of passengers and cargo space. Differences in total capacity and interior variability can thus play a crucial role in daily use. A larger trunk means not only easier weekend shopping but also less stress when packing for long family vacations, where it's often necessary to fit strollers, sports equipment, and many other essentials.

The BMW X7 (G07 generation, typical for the used car market around 2022) offers quite impressive interior space that matches its giant exterior dimensions. Depending on whether the third-row seats are upright or folded, the basic trunk volume ranges from 326 liters when all seven seats are occupied to a generous 750 liters in a five-seat configuration. If you need to transport truly large and bulky items and fold down the second row of seats as well, you get a gigantic transport capacity with a maximum volume of up to 2120 liters, making the Bavarian model a true luxury "hauler."

The competing Volvo XC90 (2nd generation) presents itself as an extremely practical and family-oriented SUV, but in a direct comparison, it offers more modest values. Standard combustion versions provide 302 liters of space behind the third row of seats; after folding it down, the volume increases to a solid 709 liters. It is important to point out the T8 (Recharge) plug-in hybrid powertrain, which reduces the basic seven-seat capacity to 262 liters due to the placement of battery cells. The maximum volume after folding all rear seats stops at 1816 liters for hybrids and 1874 liters for purely combustion versions. In practice, this means that the BMW X7 offers nearly 250 liters more when the seats are fully folded, representing space for several extra suitcases, which you will definitely appreciate under a full family load.

When focusing on the ability to tow trailers, the differences between the BMW X7 and the Volvo XC90 are quite fundamental and represent an important factor for buyers planning to hitch heavier loads behind their vehicle. Towing capacity directly affects the overall practicality of the vehicle and determines how versatile the large SUV can be.

The BMW X7 is an absolute leader in this discipline on the market for approximately four-year-old used cars (G07 generation). Whether you opt for the standard diesel six-cylinder xDrive30d or the top-of-the-line V8 M50i, the maximum permitted weight of a braked trailer always reaches an exemplary 3,500 kg. This capacity is ideal for towing large horse trailers, heavy boats, or massive caravans with generous space for a few extra suitcases.

The second-generation Volvo XC90, on the other hand, offers somewhat more modest values, which also vary depending on the selected engine. The maximum weight of a braked trailer for this Swedish car is 2,700 kg, which you achieve with more powerful versions such as the B5 Diesel or the petrol B6. The standard B5 petrol engine can tow 2,400 kg. However, if you choose the highly sought-after T8 plug-in hybrid variant on the used car market, you must expect a reduced capacity in the range of 2,350 to 2,400 kg. The reason is the higher kerb weight of the car caused by heavy traction batteries. Nevertheless, even this reduced value is fully sufficient for weekend shopping for bulky materials, towing a standard family caravan, or a longer holiday. The weight of an unbraked trailer is then legally limited to the usual 750 kg for both SUVs.

In conclusion, if your primary requirement is towing exceptionally heavy loads without any compromises, the BMW X7 is the clear choice. The Volvo XC90, on the other hand, will appeal to drivers whose towing requirements fall within the normal average and for whom a slightly lower capacity will be more than enough.

Engine Comparison: Six-cylinders and Eight-cylinders vs. Electrified Four-cylinders

Looking under the hood of these two large luxury SUVs, we encounter diametrically different engineering approaches that have a fundamental impact on dynamics, refinement, and operating costs. The BMW X7 remains faithful to traditional large-displacement engines, offering silky-smooth inline six-cylinders and powerful V8s. This brings prestige and a massive power reserve, which is crucial for a vehicle weighing over 2.4 tons. The Volvo XC90, on the other hand, has taken the progressive path of downsizing and relies exclusively on two-liter four-cylinder engines across its entire model range. However, the Swedes cleverly compensate for the smaller displacement with advanced turbocharging and electrification, whether in the form of mild-hybrids or top-tier plug-in hybrid technology. While the Munich offering of powerful diesels will be more appealing to those who devour highway kilometers in a fully loaded car, Volvo will undoubtedly score with its efficiency in the city and an exceptionally powerful plug-in hybrid that allows for purely electric driving.

Engine Range for the BMW X7 (G07 Generation)

The Bavarian automaker built the range of power units for the X7 model primarily on its proven inline six-cylinders and flagship V8s. All engines are paired as standard with the excellent eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. If you are looking for a roughly four-year-old car on the used market (around the 2022 model year), you will come across the xDrive40d diesel variant, which is considered an ideal compromise in terms of reliability and operating costs. This mild-hybrid diesel six-cylinder with 250 kW of power offers a massive 700 Nm of torque, allowing the colossus to accelerate with absolute ease. Those seeking absolute dynamics will appreciate the M50i gasoline V8 and its modernized successor, the M60i (introduced in 2022), which deliver a breathtaking 390 kW and a very sporty performance.

When choosing older used cars, keep production history data in mind: the entry-level xDrive30d diesel and the technological marvel in the form of the quad-turbocharged M50d diesel flagship ended their journey in the price list during 2020. They are essentially no longer present on the market for four-year-old used cars and have been fully replaced by the popular xDrive40d version.

Engine Range for the Volvo XC90 (2nd Generation)

The second-generation Volvo XC90 made automotive history as a confident pioneer of an exclusively four-cylinder strategy for large SUVs. Earlier standard engine options in the form of classic gasoline (T5 and T6) and diesel (D4 and D5) units were sufficient for safe driving, but they are less relevant for four-year-old used cars – these purely internal combustion engines were phased out between 2019 and 2020. The automaker replaced them across the board with modern and more efficient mild-hybrids with the new B5, B6, and B5 Diesel designations.

When choosing a younger used car, the most sought-after choice is the B5 Diesel mild-hybrid (173 kW and 480 Nm), whose starter-generator helps smooth out starts and reduces consumption on longer trips. For fans of modern technology and drivers primarily in suburban settings with charging options, the T8 plug-in hybrid (formerly known as T8 Twin Engine) is a total hit. Its system combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, reaching a total system output of up to 335 kW in newer versions with extended range. It thus offers lightning-fast dynamics and, at the same time, very quiet electric driving through the city.

Choosing the right engine is crucial for long-term satisfaction, as the following recommendations are based on real-world experience, driving dynamics, actual fuel consumption, owner feedback, and mechanical reliability.

In general, the BMW X7 and Volvo XC90 take completely different approaches to powering their flagships. For the G07 generation, BMW relies on majestic three-liter straight-six and V8 engines, which perfectly suit the character of a heavy, 2.5-ton luxury SUV and offer a massive reserve of power. A fascinating fact about the Bavarian brand is how efficiently its large six-cylinder engines can run, thanks to perfect synchronization with the ZF eight-speed gearbox. In contrast, the Volvo XC90 (2nd generation) follows a strict and bold philosophy of exclusively using two-liter four-cylinder Drive-E engines. This results in a slightly higher engine workload under full load, but it also brings a significantly lighter front end (improving cornering agility) and overall lower operating costs for service and insurance. While you can choose aggressive and "insanely" powerful versions with the BMW, Volvo scores points with calming smoothness and focuses more on ecological technologies, led by plug-in hybrids.

For the BMW X7, we recommend: xDrive40d, 250 kW

This diesel straight-six (engine code B57) from 2020–2022, enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid technology, represents the absolute ideal in the market for approximately four-year-old used cars. It offers a perfect balance between premium refinement, generous practicality, excellent efficiency, and top-tier mechanical reliability.

• Why it's the best choice: The engine boasts a massive 700 Nm of torque, peaking at just 1,750 rpm. In practice, this means effortless pull in any situation without unnecessary downshifting. Despite the huge frontal area and weight, real-world fuel consumption typically ranges between 8.0 and 9.5 liters per 100 km.
• Technical advantages: Compared to the older 30d version, the 40d features twin-turbocharging, which smoothes out the power curve and ensures the car doesn't run out of breath even at speeds above 160 km/h on German autobahns. Furthermore, the mild-hybrid system masks the Start-Stop system's engine restarts fantastically and imperceptibly.
• Known risks and how to spot them: For B57 diesel engines, the biggest operational risk is an internal coolant leak into the EGR cooler. This can cause not only a loss of power but, in extreme cases, poses a risk of an intake manifold fire. How to spot the problem: Check both the electronic and physical history to see if the vehicle has undergone an official BMW recall (parts were replaced free of charge) and keep an eye on the coolant level. Another threat is clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) during exclusively urban driving. How to spot the problem: Observe if the car feels "dull" on the throttle during a test drive, or have a service center read the filter's backpressure via diagnostics before purchase.
• Which driver it's suitable for: This engine will be especially appreciated by long-distance travelers and active families. It is built for swallowing thousands of highway kilometers at a high pace and for towing heavy trailers without the driver suffering from fatigue or having to refuel constantly.

For the Volvo XC90, we recommend: B5 Diesel, 173 kW

For the Swedish SUV, the B5 Diesel mild-hybrid powertrain (173 kW / 235 hp) is clearly the most sensible choice on the four-year-old used car market. Note – as data archives suggest, the B5 Diesel definitively ceased production at the end of 2024, as Volvo has completely ended the production of diesel engines. This means that used diesel vehicles from 2020–2022 will become highly sought-after items.

• Why it's the best choice: In the large and heavy Volvo, a petrol four-cylinder without the help of a large battery (T8) doesn't make much sense due to high fuel consumption. The B5 Diesel, on the other hand, offers sufficient pulling power (480 Nm) and fuel consumption maintainable within 7.5 to 8.5 l/100 km, making it the most practical and economical choice in the lineup.
• Technical advantages: An interesting feature of this four-cylinder is a unique technology called PowerPulse. This system injects compressed air from a special two-liter pressure tank directly into the exhaust manifold before the turbocharger, spinning the turbo blades before enough exhaust gas is generated. The result is an almost perfect elimination of "turbo lag" and an immediate response when pulling away from an intersection.
• Known risks and how to spot them: The PowerPulse system itself represents the car's most well-known weakness – the pressure hose frequently cracks because the material does not handle thermal cycles well. How to spot the problem: You will hear a distinct hissing of air from the engine compartment during sharp acceleration. Fortunately, the repair is simple and inexpensive (replacement with an improved hose). Additionally, the engine is sensitive to engine oil dilution with diesel if the car does not complete DPF regenerations due to short trips. How to spot the problem: Check the oil level via the trip computer before you set off; if the level is indicated as "overfilled" (above maximum), the oil may be degraded by diesel, and the vehicle was not used for suitable routes.
• Which driver it's suitable for: The B5 Diesel is a perfect choice for more defensive drivers who drive smoothly and prioritize their family's comfort. If you don't expect aggressive sports dynamics and don't want to break speed records on the highway, this engine will reward you with reliability and absolute smoothness.

Official fuel consumption figures for large premium SUVs are often far from reality. For an objective comparison of both models, we did not rely on manufacturers' marketing brochures but used real-world data from hundreds of drivers. We focused exclusively on engine versions and generations corresponding to cars roughly four years old, which are currently the most sought-after on the used car market (BMW X7 generation G07 and Volvo XC90 2nd generation from 2020–2022).

Data source: Spritmonitor.de

(Note: *The consumption of the T8 Recharge version depends heavily on the frequency of charging the battery from the grid.)

Diesel still makes sense for large SUVs

As real-world data clearly shows, diesel engines still make the most sense for such large and heavy vehicles. An interesting finding is that although Volvo, as part of its "downsizing" philosophy, relies exclusively on a two-litre four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology for the B5 diesel version, its fuel savings compared to the refined three-litre six-cylinder xDrive40d in the BMW are not at all vast in real-world driving. The difference is about one litre per 100 kilometres, while on the motorway and when fully loaded, the larger Bavarian engine will handle the vehicle's weight and air resistance with much less effort.

Petrol engines and the illusion of the plug-in hybrid

For purely petrol versions, you must naturally expect significantly higher operating costs. The silky six-cylinder in the BMW (xDrive40i) averages 11.5 litres, while the more powerful B5 and B6 petrol four-cylinders in the Volvo oscillate around 10 to 11 litres.

The plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is a chapter of its own. Although official manufacturer figures promise consumption in the low single digits (in Volvo's case, most often 1.2 – 2.7 l/100 km), the real-world average of just under 7 l/100 km clearly shows how much depends on user behavior. Once the battery is depleted on a longer journey, the car relies on a thirsty petrol engine, which also has to pull the massive weight of the empty batteries. Without regular plugging in, consumption can easily reach 10 litres.

What does this mean for buyers?

• Motorway cruisers: For typical drivers who often cover long motorway distances in a large SUV, a diesel engine is the clear recommendation. Here, the Munich six-cylinder in the BMW X7 absolutely excels, offering fantastic dynamics and power reserves with excellent fuel consumption.
• City drivers: If you use the car daily for school runs and navigating the city, and you have the option to charge at home or at work, the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge makes a lot of sense and can lead to real savings.
• Family budget: Volvo's diesel four-cylinders can reduce costs at the pump for typical family trips, but the trade-off is a somewhat more lethargic performance at motorway speeds.

While fuel consumption might not be the most important decision criterion for a premium used car with a price tag approaching €82,000, the right choice based on your driving profile will significantly enhance your daily experience with the vehicle. While Volvo scores points with its accessible plug-in hybrid as the perfect vehicle for suburban commuting, BMW, with its large-displacement diesel engines, confidently reigns over long European motorways.

Looking at the used vehicle market roughly four years after their initial registration (primarily 2021 and 2022 models), a vast price difference is evident between these competitors. Both large SUVs target a different clientele and have different original purchase prices, which is directly reflected in today's market prices.

BMW X7 (G07) Price Range

The BMW X7 represents the absolute pinnacle in the Munich automaker's hierarchy, and this is also reflected in the secondary market. Prices for four-year-old used cars remain relatively high, matching both the prestige and the generous engine options.

• Price range: For cars from 2021–2022, expect amounts ranging roughly from €60,000 to €95,000.
• Most affordable variants: At the lower end, you will most often find the xDrive30d or xDrive40d diesel versions with mileage safely exceeding the 100,000 km mark.
• Top-tier specifications: If you desire the top-of-the-line M50d specification (a rare quad-turbocharged diesel six-cylinder) or the V8 petrol engine under the M50i designation with exclusive Individual equipment, prepare a budget around the €82,000 mark or more.
• Depreciation: Given the extremely high price tags of new vehicles (often over €123,000), the absolute loss of value for a used X7 is significant, but very advantageous for a second-hand buyer.

Volvo XC90 (2nd Generation Facelift) Price Range

In contrast, the Nordic Volvo profiles itself as a much more affordable path to full-fledged seven-seater luxury. The selection on the used car market is wide, and prices fall into very reasonable waters.

• Price range: Models from 2021 and 2022 can generally be purchased today in the range from €37,000 to €58,000.
• Most affordable variants: The most common are the B5 mild-hybrid engines (mostly diesel), which regularly drop below the €37,000 mark with higher mileage.
• Top-tier specifications: At the opposite end of the spectrum are the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid models in the top Inscription or R-Design trims. They are usually characterized by rich equipment, a verified service history, and a price not exceeding €62,000.
• Depreciation: Thanks to its highly timeless design, the XC90 ages very slowly, and its residual value decreases quite steadily in percentage terms. Furthermore, the absolute depreciation figures are much more favorable than those of its German competitor.

Used Car Market Comparison Table (2021–2022 Models)

In the large family SUV segment, top-tier safety and a five-star Euro NCAP rating are almost taken for granted. However, when choosing a used car, it is crucial to look at the broader context and the year of the test itself. The methodology of independent crash tests evolves dynamically and becomes stricter over time. While solid crumple zones used to be enough for an excellent result, today's standards require advanced simulations of frontal collisions with a mobile barrier, improved cyclist detection, or assistant reactions at complex intersections. Therefore, percentage scores from different testing years cannot be directly compared.

BMW X7 has never officially undergone Euro NCAP testing. Due to the high price tag and relatively limited sales volumes of this luxury cruiser, the organization decided not to physically test the model. However, there is no reason for concern – the X7 shares its basic safety architecture and the entire platform with the smaller BMW X5, which was tested in 2018 and easily achieved the full five-star rating. Furthermore, the X7 features an exceptionally advanced arsenal of active safety assistants, allowing it to react safely to impending collisions. Since there is no official Euro NCAP data for the BMW X7, no values are filled in for it in the comparison table.

Volvo XC90 underwent crash testing immediately after the introduction of its second generation in 2015. Its results were completely groundbreaking at the time. Not only did the car comfortably walk away with a full five stars, but it was the first model in Euro NCAP history to receive 100% in the safety assist category. Adult protection was also extraordinary at 97%. While it is necessary to consider that the 2015 tests did not yet fully include modern emergency scenarios (such as full detection of cyclists turning into the path), Volvo's robust construction and continuous software updates to assistance features throughout production make it an unrivaled fortress even by today's standards.

Safety Evaluation Conclusion
Although Volvo shines in the tables with impressive (though older from today's perspective) results from 2015 and BMW lacks official certification, both cars are among the absolute safest you can buy on the market for roughly four-year-old used vehicles. BMW offers the advantage of a structurally newer platform (model introduced in 2019) and a more modern sensor architecture, while Volvo relies on its legendary safety philosophy, which was ahead of the entire automotive market at the time of its creation.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, and both cars approach added value in their own completely unmistakable way.

BMW X7: Technological Supremacy and Uncompromising Luxury

• Infotainment and Assistance Systems: The iDrive user interface (most commonly version 7 in models around four years old) is among the absolute best on the market. It offers, among other things, advanced gesture control and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. A highly appreciated innovation is the Reversing Assistant, which remembers the last 50 metres of forward travel and can automatically reverse the car along the same trajectory in narrow streets or underground garages.
• Chassis and Driving Dynamics: All X7 models are equipped with adaptive air suspension as standard. However, a fundamental difference in the driving experience is brought by the optional Executive Drive Pro system with active roll stabilisation. Thanks to this, this giant SUV can defy the laws of physics and feels surprisingly agile in corners. For driving off the beaten track, the xOffroad package is also available with special modes (sand, gravel, rocks, snow).
• Comfort and Smart Design Features: An absolute unique feature is the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof. More than 15,000 LEDs are integrated into the glass, creating the impression of a starry sky at night. Comfort is also ensured by the five-zone automatic climate control, which is exceptional for its class, and the ability for the driver to control the tilt and slide of all seats in the vehicle directly.
• Engines and Transmission: The range of powertrains benefits from traditional BMW engineering. It includes silky-smooth diesel and petrol straight-six engines, with the iconic V8 engines (e.g., in M50i models) at the top. All are perfectly matched with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, which prefers the rear axle.

Volvo XC90: Scandinavian Elegance and Maximum Safety

• Design and Iconic Details: The interior is dominated by minimalist design complemented by unique materials. In higher trim levels and plug-in hybrids, you will find a centre console adorned with a crystal gear selector from the workshop of the famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors.
• Comfort and Interior Environment: Volvo offers the CleanZone system with an advanced PM2.5 particulate sensor, which constantly filters the cabin air to the level of an operating room. Families will then immensely appreciate a legendary Volvo feature: the integrated child booster seat in the middle seat of the second row, which saves space and makes daily travel with children easier. As a sustainable alternative to leather, you can choose luxury wool blend upholstery, which breathes in summer and warms naturally in winter.
• Electronics and Telematics: The Swedish brand places enormous emphasis on assistance systems. The Pilot Assist system provides one of the smoothest semi-autonomous driving experiences for safe motorway travel. Models from around 2022 began transitioning to the new Android Automotive onboard system directly from Google, meaning native support for Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the installation of popular apps without the need to connect a phone.
• Multimedia: An exceptional experience is the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system with its iconic tweeter on the dashboard. It includes a special "Gothenburg Concert Hall" acoustic mode, which precisely simulates the acoustics of the famous Swedish concert hall inside the car.
• Engines: Compared to BMW, Volvo pursues a strategy for used cars younger than about four years of exclusively two-litre four-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid assistance (B series) or the extremely popular plug-in hybrids labelled Recharge (formerly T8). These combine solid dynamics with the possibility of locally emission-free driving over shorter distances.

BMW X7 is an uncompromising choice for demanding drivers looking for maximum luxury, top-tier technology, and powerful multi-cylinder engines regardless of price. It will particularly appeal to larger families requiring first-class comfort on long highway journeys and a truly usable third row of seats.

Volvo XC90 represents a more rational, family-oriented alternative that scores primarily with its unrivaled reputation for safety and calm Nordic style. It is a perfect car for customers who appreciate the possibility of electric driving in the PHEV version, practicality in everyday life, and do not need aggressive sports dynamics or a V8 engine.

Based on data from independent CarAudit inspections, which involve a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle before sale, and long-term user experience from service reports, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars should watch out for.

The BMW X7 (G07 generation) is among the most luxurious representatives on the market, but its high technological and mechanical complexity can pose certain risks after several years of operation, especially with more powerful engines.

• Electronics and infotainment: A common problem owners encounter is the main iDrive screen failing and unstable wireless connectivity (especially when using Apple CarPlay). In most cases, an over-the-air software update helps, but in extreme cases, you won't avoid replacing the communication module.
• Engine and drivetrain: In the V8 versions (M50i), due to the "Hot-V" arrangement of the turbochargers between the cylinder heads, a huge amount of heat concentrates in the engine compartment. This accelerates material degradation and subsequent leaks from cooling and oil hoses. In vehicles with higher mileage, jerking of the all-wheel-drive transfer case also appears quite frequently, which can be prevented by timely and regular oil changes.
• Chassis: While the air suspension provides superior comfort, it is one of the vulnerable points. After years of operation, the air bellows can lose their seal, and premature compressor wear also occurs, typically manifesting as the car "sinking" to the ground after standing for a long time.
• Interior and bodywork: Although the build quality is top-notch, owners of the first model years complain about creaks and noises coming from the rear of the vehicle. The source is often the complicated electric folding mechanism of the second and third row of seats, or the main door seals gradually loosening.

The second-generation Volvo XC90 attracts with its timeless Scandinavian design and top-tier safety, however, complicated powertrains and onboard electronics can bring unexpected service expenses for used cars.

• Electronics and infotainment: The center display and Sensus system are notorious for slower response immediately after starting. Users very often report the screen freezing while driving, random air conditioning outages, or non-functional USB ports. Although software updates often improve the situation, in some cases, the entire main control unit must be completely replaced.
• Engine and hybrid system: The four-cylinder engines in the T6 version use both a turbocharger and a supercharger to increase power. This technical complexity increases the demands for flawless service and brings an increased risk of seal wear and ignition problems. For the popular plug-in hybrids (T8 Recharge), there have been failures of the high-voltage battery in the past (to which the manufacturer responded with a recall due to the risk of an internal short circuit) and problems with the electric rear axle drive (ERAD) module.
• Chassis and brakes: The very heavy body puts extreme strain on the braking system. Most owners agree that brake pads disappear very quickly, and in many vehicles, premature warping of the brake discs occurs due to thermal stress. Similar to its German competitors, the optional air suspension is prone to leaks after years.
• Other faults: A known and significant problem can be water leaking through the panoramic sunroof. If the drainage channels are not cleaned regularly and become clogged, water gets directly into the interior and can critically damage expensive onboard electronics.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models, which is why it is always worth using the CarAudit service for an independent used car inspection.

When choosing a BMW X7:

• Condition and function of the air suspension: The X7 is equipped with air suspension on both axles as standard. During the test drive, try manually changing the ride height to all available modes. The car must rise smoothly and evenly, and the compressor must not make any unhealthy noises. If the car sags overnight, it indicates an air leak in the bellows, which means a very expensive repair. A detailed technical inspection of the car can detect even minor leaks before the system fails.
• xDrive system transfer case: On large and heavy BMW SUVs (especially those approaching the 100,000 km mark), the transfer case takes a significant beating. During the test drive, try slow maneuvering at full lock, for example, when parking. If you feel a slight jerking or grinding from the chassis, or hear a humming sound, the transfer case is likely on its way out.
• Functionality of the iDrive system and cameras: Models around four years old have the iDrive 7 system, which is user-friendly and fast, but the car as a whole is sensitive to moisture near the external sensors. Carefully test the 360-degree camera system. A foggy, grainy image or dropouts on the display mean the expensive parking cameras need to be replaced.
• Engine behavior after a cold start: For the more reliable straight-six engines (B58 in the 40i or the 40d diesel), focus on smooth running immediately after starting a cold engine. Any fluctuation in RPM can indicate clogged injectors. If you are considering the V8 petrol (M50i), look for traces of coolant leaks in the engine bay, which is a known weakness.

When choosing a Volvo XC90:

• Speed and stability of the Sensus system: The vertical touchscreen controls almost everything in a Volvo, including the air conditioning. In used cars around four years old, the hardware is already snappier than in the early years, but you should still test its responsiveness after starting. If the display freezes for a long time, stutters, or restarts spontaneously, it indicates a software or hardware problem that could result in an expensive module replacement.
• Condition of the PHEV battery and electric motor (Recharge / T8 versions): For the popular plug-in hybrids, check the real estimated electric range in the dashboard menu. During the drive, closely monitor the smoothness of the transition between the electric and internal combustion engines. A noticeable jerk or humming from the rear of the car during acceleration often signals the approaching end of the bearings in the ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) module.
• Linearity of the twin-charged engine: Internal combustion engines in the XC90 very often use a complex combination of a turbocharger and a mechanical supercharger (T6, B6, T8 versions). The power curve must be perfectly smooth at all times. Any hesitation in pull or unusual rattling when accelerating poses a serious risk, and a thorough physical inspection of the used car by a mechanic is a necessity in this case.
• Chassis play and seat wear: The XC90 is an extremely heavy car, and wear on the control arms and bushings on the front axle occurs faster than in many competitors. During the test drive, intentionally drive over a speed bump and listen for any dull thuds from the wheels. Also check the wear on the seat bolsters – the light, soft leather (often found in the Inscription trim) tends to be more prone to rapid visual aging and cracking.

Sources: ADAC, lidovky.cz, e15.cz, autoweb.cz, autoexpress.cz, doprava.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.