Xenon in a Volvo XC90: Customer Review

Xenon not standard in a new Volvo?

Xenon lighting in a new Volvo XC90: you would think "surely that comes as standard?" No, it does not. But we have the perfect solution for that. It is possible for every Volvo, old, young, small or large! Herman bought his Volvo XC90 in 2012 without xenon lighting, even though he was used to it in his previous Volvo. So he considered having xenon fitted afterwards.

New: the Hilox Evolution xenon kit

Want a better xenon kit that is easier to install and 100 euros cheaper into the bargain? Then go for the H7 Hilox Evolution xenon kit. Not only is this xenon kit easier to install, it also gives 1,000 lumens more light than the Pilot xenon kits. In the world of aftermarket xenon, this is the breakthrough of 2016.

We advised Herman to go for an H7 Digital Line plus, because it is the only xenon kit that works on a car with a start-stop system. This system stops the engine when you have to wait at a red light, for example. That saves fuel and is very environmentally friendly.

Xenon in a Volvo XC90: which xenon kit did we use?

The Volvo XC90 has an H7 fitting. We removed those H7 halogen bulbs and put the H7 Digital Line plus xenon kit in their place. The xenon bulbs we supply with the Digital Line plus are state-of-the-art high-power xenon bulbs. They give an ultra-sharp beam and up to 75% more light than the standard halogen bulb.

Why the Digital Line plus? This xenon kit, developed in the Netherlands, has a special advanced cable that makes sure the car does not throw up faults and the xenon kit keeps working properly. Where another xenon kit fails because the bulbs start flickering and damage the on-board computer, the Digital Line plus keeps working flawlessly.

Want xenon lighting in your car too? Then read our step-by-step installation guide.

Efficient energy use

This xenon kit also gives you the real xenon advantage: the bulbs are 35 W, an energy saving of almost 50%. The Digital cable even makes sure that any surplus current is fed back to the battery.

Herman's reaction

"I am over the moon with the xenon bulbs in my Volvo, 100 times better than the standard halogen lighting. Since I am getting on a bit, I do not see as well in the dark as in my younger years. I fitted the set myself, and that is perfectly doable. If you have ever replaced a bulb, this is not much more. The only bit of work was tidying away the cabling. Otherwise, this is a top little set!"

Xenon and a start-stop system

Herman was advised to get the Digital Line plus because of the start-stop system in his XC90. When the engine restarts, the starter motor draws a lot of current, so the voltage in the car can dip for a moment. A xenon kit has to be able to cope with that, otherwise the bulbs may start flickering or cut out.

The Digital Line plus is no longer in the range. The product data of the current H7 Xenon Kit Hilox Evolution II Black mentions an IC chip that keeps the current stable and prevents flickering bulbs, and a CAN-bus II module for cars with CAN-bus or lighting monitoring. A start-stop system is not mentioned separately there. If your car has start-stop, ask us via contact which kit is suitable before you order.

The H7 Evolution II xenon kit in brief

For an H7 low beam, like the one in the XC90, Hilox now sells the H7 Evolution II Black. According to the product data:

• Immediately 4 times more light than with halogen.
• Available in 4300K, 5500K and 6500K. The higher the number, the whiter and bluer the light looks.
• Xenon bulbs that, according to Hilox, last 20% longer than other xenon bulbs.
• 2 years' warranty on the bulbs and the ballasts.
• In the box: 2 H7 xenon bulbs and 2 Hilox Evolution II ballasts.

There is also a Solo version with a single bulb. You will find all kits under Hilox xenon kits and separate ballasts under xenon ballasts.

How to fit an H7 xenon kit yourself

Herman fitted the set himself. According to him, most of the work was tidying away the cabling. The steps that usually come up with an H7 headlight:

1. Decide where the ballasts go: on a flat, dry spot, away from hot components and within reach of the headlight.
2. Switch the lights off and let the halogen bulbs cool down.
3. Take the dust cover off the headlight and remove the H7 halogen bulb.
4. Put the xenon bulb into the fitting. Hold it by the base and do not touch the glass.
5. Connect the bulb to the ballast and the ballast to the original bulb connector.
6. Tidy the cables away with cable ties, clear of hot and moving parts. This is the job Herman mentions.
7. Test the light and then close the dust cover. Xenon needs a moment to warm up before it burns at full strength.

After fitting, have the beam aimed and check that your car still meets the APK requirements (the Dutch roadworthiness test). If you are unsure, ask the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority) or your inspector.

Xenon or LED for your low beam?

Besides xenon, you can also choose an LED kit for the H7 low beam. LED is at full strength straight away, while xenon has a short warm-up time. According to the product data, the H7 Evolution II xenon kit gives 4 times more light than halogen and the H7 XTR Black LED kit 3.5 times more. Also take a look at all the LED low beam and high beam kits.

Please note: the product data for the H7 Evolution II xenon kit states that the kit has no ECE approval or E-mark and is therefore not intended for public roads, but only for the track and private grounds. If in doubt, ask the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority) or your inspector what applies to your car.