By Ian Strachan.
Volvo’s XC90 plug-in hybrid in T8 Ultra spec is probably the most complete car you’re ever likely to drive.
Not only is it a superbly comfortable, well-specified, roomy, high-performing all-wheel-drive SUV, but it also gives you electrically assisted power and low running costs.
The XC90 plug-in hybrid has a 145 horsepower electric motor to support the powerful turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 litre 310hp petrol engine, and to put charge into the electric battery. Keep it fully charged and the XC90 has an electric only range of up to 43 miles.
As well as having environmental credentials not shared by its conventionally powered rivals, this Volvo is an excellent seven-seat 4×4, as you’d expect from the Swedish manufacturer. It’s an attractive, solid-looking, practical vehicle which performs faultlessly, is well-specified and pleasurable to drive.
There’s no doubt that this big car is one of the most comfortable vehicles I’ve driven. Long drives become all the more pleasurable when cosseted in heated nappa leather luxury in this superbly comfortable car.
The XC90 is also a very pleasing vehicle to look at, oozing substance and capability. I test drove the Volvo XC90 T8 in Ultra spec which has a very high specification, and comes with a superbly smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of this Volvo is of a very high quality, with some attractive features, as well as that ultra-comfortable ventilated leather seating and a nice dash layout. Most of the vehicle’s function are controlled via a tablet-style 11.2 inch touchscreen, with voice control, which also displays the satnav and media functions. With easy to use swipe-across menus it’s intuitive and simple.
The electrically adjustable seating is not just comfortable for driver and front seat passenger. It’s positively luxurious. The passenger space and load carrying capacity are excellent, with a large boot aperture, and loadspace can be increased by folding the rear seats. The tailgate is powered for easy opening and closing, with hands-free operation, and the rear seats have a 60/40 split.
Handling of the all-wheel-drive XC90 is predictable and solid, giving the driver a good feel of the road. The air suspension ensures a comfortable ride. Steering is confident and responsive, with just the amount of power assistance you need. Terrain response can be altered with a simple control between the front seats.
The petrol unit, when operating, is a very pleasant engine. Despite having the power to take you from 0-60 mph in not much more than seconds it is very quiet and unfussed.
Equipment levels are good, with smart 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control coming as standard, along with satellite navigation and traffic information systems, internet browsing, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane safety assist, four-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and smartphone control via the Volvo app. This is a Volvo so you don’t have to worry about safety. Every safety feature that can reasonably be put on this car is there including run-off road protection and blind spot monitoring standard along with an impressive list of safety features. If you hit anything in this car you can’t say you haven’t been warned.
Other standard features include hill-hold with automatic park brake, 10-speaker DAB radio with media connectivity, Bluetooth, voice control and four USB inputs, automatic matrix LED headlights with active high-beam, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors and rear parking camera. My test car came in metallic Onyx Black at £795 extra.
The XC90 T8 in Ultra specification is priced at £84,26 on the road. Not cheap, but this is classy motoring which is as comfortable on the conscience as it is in the seats.
