Our house is finally moving into the 21st Century. We’re getting fibre broadband installed. Despite our current provider promising lightning speed for our internet, I’m sitting here now staring at my speed checker, and the download is wandering along at 15Mbps. Download is always slower, but 9Mbps seems like snail’s pace. Sending photos to the guys at Driven can take forever.

Anyway, it’s a win-win because our new fibre broadband is being promised at up to 300 Mbps, and get this, it’s nearly half the price of what we’re currently paying. Sorted.

Sometimes, simple updates can make a massive difference, just like this latest Volvo XC90 T8.

Small changes make the XC90 better than ever

Volvo isn’t a company that does massive, revolutionary model updates; it tends to just morph its cars from one version to another, which is why the Volvo XC90 is still in just its second generation despite being over 20 years old.

But you can’t blame them. Why change a winning formula?

However, Volvo realised that its XC90 was starting to fall behind the competition in certain areas, so it has addressed the exterior, interior and some of the mechanical bits.

And the changes have worked wonders because the XC90 is now better than ever.

Exterior & Interior changes

Let’s start outside. There’s a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, new air intakes and restyled LED "Thor's Hammer" headlights. There’s a new selection of alloys and some new colours. The rear lights also get a dark tint.

Inside, you’ll instantly spot the big change. There’s a new, larger 11.2-inch touchscreen that runs Google's Android Automotive OS, providing a more modern, improved practicality and storage. They’ve also increased the amount of cabin insulation.

Powertrain options

Arguably, the most notable changes can be found under the bonnet because, as seems to be the way with a lot of manufacturers, hybrid power is now a standard fitment. Two versions are available. The mild-hybrid B5 kicks off the XC90 range (from £65,450) followed by the plug-in hybrid T8, which is the one I had (prices start at £72,760, Sept 25).

The various figures look like this. Both versions use a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine. The B5 churns out 246bhp while the T8, with both electric motor and engine added together, gives you close to 450bhp. What that means is the B5 can hit 60mph in 7.7 seconds, while the T8 is decidedly quicker at 5.4 seconds. It’ll also manage an estimated 44 miles using battery power alone.

In terms of economy, Volvo reckons the B5 can manage 32.8 mpg, whereas the T8, they say, is capable of 217 mpg. You won’t get anywhere near that in normal day-to-day driving, but if you can make full use of the battery and can charge it at home or work and therefore spend a lot of your commute on electric power only, you could hit three figures. Do a longer journey on the motorway and you’ll probably dip to around 50 mpg. I managed 52 mpg according to the driver info readout. Both models will tow 2.4 tonnes.

And yes, the all-wheel drive system and 8-speed auto ‘box will allow for some gentle off-roading, but it’s no Land Rover, so best to keep to a soggy field or rutted track. Hill descent control is standard.

Decent performance & space

The performance in both versions is decent, and the T8 in particular is mighty quick, but that’s not what a Volvo XC90 is about at all. This is a car for comforting the occupants, keeping them safe and ensuring that everyone arrives feeling just as fresh as when they hopped in. It’s also a proper seven-seater. The third row will take a couple of six footers and legroom is generous all around. Flip the rear and centre rows into the floor, and you end up with a huge load area approaching 2000 litres.

One further change of note is that the ride comfort and handling have been improved thanks to updated suspension. It doesn’t suddenly make the XC90 into a point-to-point racer, but it’s improved the overall impression of luxury.

Classy Interior

The interior is a lovely place to be. It’s classy but not overly flashy. The feature touchscreen works really well and is nice and clear to use. You also get a row of buttons at the bottom of the screen and a separate home button. There’s also the ability to use the Google infotainment system by simply telling Google where you need to go. It’s slick.

The materials used throughout the cabin are top notch and both look and feel good. The front seats could perhaps do with a little more side support, but they’re comfortable and, thanks to the power operation, will give any driver an ideal driving position. The build quality seems to have improved, too…not that it was shabby in the previous model.

Volvo sent me the top of the range model with Ultra trim (£84,260 Sept 25). The leather seats are heated (including row 2) and ventilated, and come with a massage function. There’s a head-up display and a brilliant Bowers & Wilkins audio system, but most folk will be delighted with the entry-level Core trim and pocket around £12k.

You’ll get a programmable heating system which ensures the cabin is the sort of temperature you like when you climb in no matter what the weather’s like outside. There’s a surround parking camera, sensors back and front, intelligent speed assist, heated windscreen and heated steering wheel; sat nav, wireless phone charging and smart alloys. That should do.

Concluding thoughts

If you want a sporty, premium, 7-seat SUV, you’ll be a shade disappointed with the Volvo XC90. The manufacturer has stuck to what it’s good at - building a long-legged, comfortable, family holdall that protects its occupants like no other car. It’s fully loaded even in entry level trim, is acceptably economical in PHEV guise and makes every journey an exercise in relaxation. Volvo knows precisely what sort of person buys an XC90, and tailors it accordingly.

After all these years, the XC90 is fresher than ever.

words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Volvo

Volvo XC90 T8 - Perfectly Tailored