When selecting a suitable battery for the Volvo XC90 I (produced from 2002 to 2016), it’s essential to consider the specific engine variant and its electrical demands. This large SUV was offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, all without start-stop systems, which simplifies battery selection to traditional lead-acid (flooded) technology. However, the battery capacity and cold cranking performance must still match the needs of the specific engine to ensure optimal performance, especially in colder climates or during extended vehicle downtime.
For the 2.5 Turbo (154 kW), T6 (200 kW), and 3.2 (175 kW) petrol engines, a battery with a capacity of 74–78 Ah and a cold cranking amperage (CCA) of 680–780 A is recommended. These engines, although powerful, do not require the very largest battery options available. A few example models that are well suited for these variants include the Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, and Varta E11 or E44. Brands like Halfords, Lucas, and others also offer comparable options, such as the HCB 096 or LP096. These batteries provide enough starting power for colder conditions while maintaining a good balance of durability and cost-effectiveness.
For the higher-output petrol engines, like the 3.2 (179 kW) and 4.4 (232 kW), as well as all diesel variants (including D3 and D5 engines with outputs ranging from 120 kW to 147 kW), a more robust battery is required. In these cases, the battery should have a minimum capacity of 95 Ah, reaching up to 100 Ah, and deliver between 800 A and 900 A of cold cranking power. These engines, especially the diesels, place heavier demands on the battery, particularly during winter starts or when multiple electrical systems are in use simultaneously.
For such requirements, batteries like the Bosch S40 13 and S50 13, Exide EA1000 or EB950, and Varta G3 or H3 are suitable examples. Alternatives from Lucas (LP019, LS019) and Halfords (HCB 019) offer comparable performance and are widely compatible with larger European vehicles. These high-capacity batteries are physically larger, typically following the L5 or L6 sizing format, ensuring a tight but proper fit in the XC90’s spacious battery compartment.
It’s worth noting that while none of these engines require EFB or AGM batteries—since they lack start-stop systems—a higher-end lead-acid battery can still offer benefits such as extended life, better vibration resistance, and higher reserve capacity. This is particularly important for XC90 drivers who regularly use accessories like seat heaters, onboard navigation, or tow trailers—features that increase the electrical load.
In conclusion, choosing the correct battery for the Volvo XC90 I depends on the engine size. Smaller petrol engines work best with 74–78 Ah batteries, while larger petrol and all diesel variants require 95–100 Ah units with a strong cold start capacity. Reliable brands like Bosch, Exide, Varta, Lucas, and Halfords offer a range of suitable models to meet these needs, ensuring your Volvo continues to start strong and perform reliably in all conditions.
Volvo XC90 in version I was produced in the years 2002 – 2016. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Volvo XC90 (2002-2016):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Volvo XC90 I – petrol engines:
- 2.5 Turbo (154 kW)
- 3.2 (175 kW)
- T6 (200 kW)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Volvo XC90 I – petrol engines:
- 3.2 (179 kW)
- 4.4 (232 kW)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
Volvo XC90 I – diesel engines:
- D3 (120 kW)
- D5 (120 kW)
- D5 (136 kW)
- D5 (147 kW)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Volvo XC90 , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!