My son ran one for a while albeit an older one (01) horrendous problems with the auto gearbox's back then but sorted from 02 onwards, lovely car and is on my consideration list when we sell the Disco 3.
I've got an 2005/55 XV70 163hp 5 speed Diesel and it's perfect for what you describe.
I do all of my long journeys for work in it.
It occasionally tows the boat. No problems on slippy slipways.
Rest of the time the Wife uses it for running the kids about.
Coped with the snow really well.
35-45mpg (town / motorway)
Not given me any trouble in the 2 years and 30000 miles i've owned it except when the dash went mental. £46 software upgrade sorted that.
Things to be aware of however:
6 speed auto box has reports of being problematical. Volvo don't see the need for an oil change/flush but it's worth having done.
185hp engine will have a diesel particulate filter (DPF). These can clog if the car is used for lots of short journeys.
Reports of sump oil becoming contaminated with diesel due to DPF regeneration. Software upgrade from Volvo may sort this.
T5D5 is a good site for info and if your after a remap I can recommend MTE and Upsolute, MTE give better figures but Upsolute can remap it at your home.