REVIEW | Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Recharge
I’m not a massive cricket fan, although I enjoy going to watch the evening matches, which resemble a baseball slogging fest, for the simple reason that you can have a load of beers and a few laughs while the game is going on in the background. As for test matches, sorry but when a game is delayed because of the weather and then, when it clears, the players decide to have lunch instead of getting going, I get irritated. Isn’t it supposed to be entertainment? Perhaps not and I suppose that’s what history does for you. It prevents you from moving on and evolving. All things need to change and move with the times. Cricket is one of them and the same is happening with the Volvo XC 90.
Despite sales being good and demand outstripping supply, there is a replacement waiting in the wings called the EV90 which arrives next year. So, I’d strongly recommend that you make the most of this final throw of the XC90 dice because if you are in the market for a big, luxurious, economical, incredibly safe and fast SUV, then the Volvo XC90 is arguably the pick of the bunch.
The one you see here - the T8 PHEV Recharge - will be retained for a while longer to sit alongside the all-electric EV90. 0-60mph comes up in 5.4 seconds and a top speed 112mph is achievable courtesy of a 2.0-litre petrol engine which is both supercharged and turbocharged. It’s helped along the way by a battery-driven electric motor which gives you a combined output of 448bhp. There’s all-wheel drive when you need it. However, you can trundle along for 40 miles without using a drop of juice by switching to EV mode. If you have a daily commute with that sort of mileage and have a wallbox at home or access to one at your destination (a wallbox takes 5 hours to charge the battery) you can plug it in when you get home and be ready when you’ve finished your corn flakes in the morning.
Okay, Volvo say you can manage 235.4 mpg, but we know that’s not going to happen because you won’t be doing the 40 miles every day and, let’s face it, in the middle of winter with lights, heater, air con, wipers, heated seats (and steering wheel) all running, it’ll suck the life out of the battery. However, an average of, say, 40mpg is still not be sniffed at with this size of vehicle which tips the scales at 2.3 tonnes. Fast motorway work, when the battery is devoid of power, will see that drop to low 30s.
Seven seats come as standard which for a big hybrid is a rarity. Yes, the performance is stunning, but this big SUV is at its best and most refined when cruising along or wafting down country lanes. The 2.0-litre engine is extremely well muffled, but if you floor the throttle it can sound a bit rowdy and uncouth. Under normal conditions though, you can hardly tell when the engine bursts into life to join the electric party.
There’s a variety of drive modes, hybrid, power, pure (that’s the EV mode), off-road but to be honest, you’re better off just leaving everything in hybrid mode and letting the electronic wizardry take care of things.
Out on the road, the optional (that I would take) air suspension gives you a cushy ride. There’s very little roll when pushing on through corners and it soaks up lumps and bumps around town without any fuss.
The interior is typical Volvo, oozing quality and if you’ve not been in a Volvo recently you need to go on a refresher course. They’re now a serious premium player. You can go for leather seating, but there’s a really nice woollen option too which looks and feels good.
The latest XC90s have been given a refresh which means the tech has been updated. The Google Android system works really well although “Hey Google, set sat nav to Carlisle” completely flummoxed it. The smart iPad size central touchscreen works well although Volvo have made the mistake of forcing you to do almost everything via a plethora of pages which you need to scroll through. I would much prefer buttons, please.
As for the level of kit, we shan’t bother with a list because you get everything you could possibly need. And of course, because it’s a Volvo, it is supremely comfortable for all seven occupants and incredibly safe.
Would I recommend it? Oh yes, assuming you can afford it. If you do a lot of long distance driving or regularly travel fully loaded, I’d point you in the direction of the diesel models which are still quick but also very economical. However, as a top-notch, premium SUV, the XC90 is terrific.
And if you enjoy searing pace to frighten the life out of your local hot-hatch mob, get the T8. It’s a hoot.
Prices for the XC90 start at £71,405
Words: Graham Courtney
Pictures: Volvo
