By Ian Strachan.
Volvo’s XC90 T8 Twin Engine Recharge plug-in hybrid is probably the most complete car you’re 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, and no congestion charges.
The XC90 T8 Recharge uses the same powertrain underpinnings as the hybrid V90 estate. It has an 87 bhp electric motor to support the powerful turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 litre petrol engine, and also to put charge into the electric battery. Keep it fully charged and the XC90 has an electric range of around 30 miles, and its combined consumption figures are up to 100 miles to the gallon.
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 leather luxury in this superbly comfortable car.
The XC90 is also a very pleasing SUV to look at, oozing substance and capability. I test drove the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine in Inscription 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 leather-clad seating and a nice dash layout. Most of the vehicle’s function are controlled via a tablet-style screen which also displays the satnav and media functions. With easy to use swipe-across menus it’s intuitive and simple.
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 314 litres of space which can be improved by folding the rear seats. The tailgate is powered for easy opening and closing, 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 less than six seconds it is very quiet and unfussed.
Equipment levels are good, with smart alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery and adaptive cruise control coming as standard, along with satellite navigation and traffic information systems, internet browsing, voice control, pedestrian detection, twin-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. 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, lane departure warning 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.
Terrain response can be altered with a simple control between the front seats.
Other standard features include hill-hold with automatic park brake, DAB radio with media connectivity, Bluetooth, LED headlights with active high-beam, powered headrests and rear backrests and automatic lights and wipers.
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription is priced at £71,945 on the road. Not cheap, but this is classy motoring which is as comfortable on the conscience as it is in the seats.
Volvo has committed to supply every vehicle it produces with an electric motor. This is obviously the way to go.
