The improved volume version of Volvo's second generation XC90 includes a mild dose of electrification. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the B5 model.

Ten Second Review

Volvo's second generation XC90 is a seven-seat luxury SUV that's already given key rivals like Audi's Q7 and the Land Rover Discovery a lot to think about. Safe, efficient, clever, practical and stylish, this car continues to position the Swedish maker as a credibly prestigious automotive brand. Here, we look at the mild hybrid B5 petrol version.

Background

Here's the car that began Volvo's modern era, the second generation XC90. This large luxury SUV established new standards for the brand when this model was originally announced back in 2014 and the company's recent move towards full electrification will re-set those standards once again. The improved XC90 model we're going to look at here, a range announced in the Autumn of 2025, has reflected that trend with a fresh look. Plus the line-up's got a light cabin update. Time to take a fresh look at this car. The engines are as before though, a mild hybrid B5 petrol unit and a fiery T8 PHEV. And all XC90s continue to provide the sort of proper full-sized seven-seat versatility that few rivals can credibly offer and a cool, authentic brand of Scandinavian charm that's really quite appealing. It all sounds promising doesn't it? Time to put this car to the test.

Driving Experience

With the demise of diesel, there's only a petrol-powered B5 XC90 model these days, but you might want it because it's substantially cheaper than the alternative T8 PHEV version. The mild hybrid drivetrain set-up is the same as when we first saw it in this car back in 2019, based around a 48-volt battery, a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system and an 'ISG' integrated starter-generator. Every time you brake or take your foot from the throttle, the 'KERS' set-up captures surplus energy and stores it as electricity in an extra battery provided in the boot. That additional electricity can be used to boost acceleration, help the stop/start system or power ancillary functions. The objective here wasn't to provide Prius-like periods of electric-only driving but instead make the engine more efficient via smoother transitions between driving, cruising and resting. That's all been aided by revisions to the automatic gearbox and the implementation of the brand's first brake-by-wire system. The engine puts out 250bhp and 62mph from rest occupies 7.7s en route to 112mph. As before, if you avoid base trim, you get the brand's 'Active Four-C Chassis' package, which gives you four-corner adaptive dampers and electronic air suspension. Handling strikes a good balance between comfort and agility; cruising refinement meets the required executive standard; and there's the potential for a mild amount of off road prowess. A standard 'Pilot Assist' system offers a degree of highway-orientated autonomous driving technology. And you might be interested to know this car can tow up to 2,400kgs.

Design and Build

If you're familiar with this second generation XC90 design, you'll immediately spot the revised front end of this updated model, which features a smarter grille flanked by redesigned 'Thor's hammer' LED headlights. In addition, there's a more sculpted bonnet, revised front wings and a cleaner, simpler lower front bumper. There are smarter wheel designs too (sizes between 20 and 22-inches), plus darkened rear tail lights and a fresh look for the charging port. Inside, the biggest change you'll notice will be the more horizontal design to a totally redesigned dash which now incorporates a new central touchscreen. This has grown from 9 to 11.2-inches in size, is more responsive, higher-resolution and borrows its Google software from the system used in the EX90, enabling over-the-air updates. There's an easier-to-access screen operating system too. In addition, the centre console has been redesigned and now features a '2+1' cup holder (with room for an extra slim drinks can), plus there's a new wireless smartphone charger which is more conveniently accessible. The ambient lighting system and 360-degree camera system have both been enhanced, but the 12.3-inch digital driver's display remains as before. As before, this genuine seven seater features innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers in both the second and third seat rows. Even the third row can seat an adult up to 170cm tall. As for the boot space on offer, well that's inevitably going to be a little restricted with all seven seats in place, though even in this configuration, you still get 302-litres of luggage space. Fold the 3rd row and you can load up to 680-litres - or 1,102-litres, if you pack to the roof.

Market and Model

Sales of this car in our market are split 50:50 between fleet and retail and prices start at around £64,000 for the base B5 petrol model. There are three trim levels - 'Core', 'Plus' and 'Ultra'. Whatever XC90 derivative you select, all models have seven seats and come with AWD, with that drive provided through an eight-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox from a four cylinder 2.0-litre engine. Standard kit across the range includes Matrix LED headlamps, a heated windscreen and an anti-theft alarm. Inside all XC90s, the tablet-like 11.2-inch touchscreen in the centre console drives the minor controls and a whole host of Internet-based products and services. And there's a 12.3-inch 'Progressive Drivers Display' for the instruments. Plus heat for the front seats and steering wheel and a rear view camera. Many customers will choose mid-range 'Plus' trim, which includes the brand's 'Active Four-C Chassis' (adaptive damping and air suspension); plus a panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera system and a 13-speaker 600-watt Harmon Kardon sound system. Top 'Ultra'-spec gets you larger 21-inch wheels, a Head-up display, front seat massaging, nappa leather perforated upholstery, integrated rear side blinds and an 18-speaker 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Across the range, XC90 safety gear includes a run off-road protection package which tightens seatbelts and activates energy-absorbing technology in the seats when the car detects challenging terrain ahead. Another system is the auto-braking feature, which cuts in if a driver pulls out in front of oncoming traffic. This safety provision is industry leading. No one's ever been killed in the UK in an XC90 and it's unlikely that will change.

Cost of Ownership

The vast majority of XC90 buyers will opt for the B5 mild hybrid version of this car. As you'll know if you've read our 'Driving Experience' section, the B5 models use powertrains electrified via brake-by-wire energy recovery and enhanced by Volvo's advanced kinetic energy-recovery braking system. This set-up claims to offer drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real-world driving. Sounds promising; let's get to the figures, all of which assume activation of the Drive Mode system's most frugal 'Eco' setting. Here, an 'Eco-Coast' function will automatically be activated for highway use, disconnecting the engine so that you're merely travelling on your car's kinetic energy: a prod on the throttle is all that's necessary to restore normal powered motion. Anyway, to the stats: an XC90 B5 manages a combined cycle fuel figure of up to 32.8mpg and CO2 return of up to 193g/km. That's a very class-competitive showing.

Summary

The volume B5 XC90 variant will easily out-sell all the other variants combined and we can see why. There are no driving downsides for its mild hybrid tech and the electrification makes a decent difference to cleanliness and frugality. Of course, this Volvo's not perfect. There are still sharper-handling choices and more capable off roaders in this sector. In balancing its own blend of virtues though, this XC90 sets its own class standard and in doing so, establishes a family benchmark amongst luxury SUVs that rivals struggle to match. Company founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson would have liked this car. More importantly though, if you're shopping in this segment, we think you will too.

Body Glass

Front and rear power windows

Rear wash/wipe with intermittent wipe setting

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Laminated side and rear windows

Brakes

Hill start assist

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Stability and Traction Control with Spin control, Engine Drag Control and Corner Traction Control

Power parking brake with auto hold function

Hill descent control - off drive mode

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Active four C chassis - four corner adaptive dampers with electronic air suspension

Communication

Volvo on call

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Apple carplay (wired)

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Speed sensitive steering

Front and rear park assist

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate

Handsfree power tailgate opening and closing

Driver Information

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Emergency call service

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Google Automotive Services - Navigation with Voice recoginition and google assistant

11.2" centre console touch screen

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior + exterior mirrors

Colour coordinated door mirrors

Auto folding and heated power door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Tailored instrument panel and door tops

Entertainment

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Premium Sound by Bowers and Wilkins, dirac live, dolby pro logic II surround sound, 18 speakers/1400W output and fresh air subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Roof antenna

Roof spoiler

Chrome window surround

Visible VIN plate

Power glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with sun curtain

Integrated roof rails in Chrome

Rear side wing doors

Chrome lower side mouldings

Chrome front and rear bumper deco

Bright chrome front grille and deco

Exterior Lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Headlight cleaning system

Automatic matrix LED headlights with Adaptive shadow technology and Active high beam, incorporating Day running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

B Pillar ventilation

Air conditioning for 3rd row of seats

4 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter

Air purifier PM2.5

Interior Features

Load cover

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Heated steering wheel

Load protection net

12V socket in luggage compartment

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Centre console cupholders and storage

Integrated sun curtains in rear doors

Outboard armrest with cupholder and storage for third row passengers

Illuminated front and rear aluminium tread plates

Front and rear door pocket illumination

Luggage compartment divider with grocery bag holder

Underfloor luggage compartment storage

2nd Row centre armrest with and cupholders

Bright metal luggage scuff plate

Lockable glovebox compartment

3 Spoke tailored sport steering wheel with chrome trim

Glovebox compartment light

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Front reading lights

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated tailgate

Rear footwell and side step illumination

Ambient door and instrument panel lighting

Front footwell and side step illumination

Front and rear courtesy lights

Inner door release handle illumination

Front tunnel storage illumination

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Tyre pressure monitoring system

7 three point seatbelts

Drivers knee airbag

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Protection

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

City safety with steering support includes pedestrian, cyclist detection, front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake

Seats

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

Power folding 2nd row headrests

Second row integrated child seat for centre seat

Power driver seat with multi directional lumbar support and memory for seat and exterior mirrors

Two 3rd row individual folding passenger seats

Three 2nd row individual folding passenger seats with fore/aft adjustment

Isofix outer rear child seat preparation in 2nd row

Front seat cushion extensions

Power passenger seat with multi directional lumbar support and memory

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Keyless drive includes keyless entry and keyless start

2x Key integrated remote control central locking + deadlocking system and auto open/close windows

Transmission

8 speed automatic transmission with start/stop + manual change functions

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Wheels - Spare

Tempa spare wheel and jack

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 208

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 199

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

CC: 1969

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 24.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 22.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 36.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 39.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 36.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 31.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 28.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 11.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 12.3

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Coin Series: Ultra Bright

Generation Mark: 2

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 250

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: B5P AWD

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 184

Engine Power - RPM: 5400

Top Speed: 112

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.7

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Power - BHP: 250

Engine Power - PS: No

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: No

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 275/40 R21

Wheel Style: 5 MULTI SPOKE

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: SPACE SAVER

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R21

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4953

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1776

Width (including mirrors): 2140

Wheelbase: 2984

Width: 2008

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2005

Max. Roof Load: 100

No. of Seats: 7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 356

Max. Loading Weight: 775

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2400

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 71

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2790

Minimum Kerbweight: 2015

Body Glass

Heated front windscreen

Exterior Body Features

Additional metallic paint

Interior Features

Navy herringbone weave upholstery

Nubuck Headlining

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Bright Dusk

Metallic - Aurora silver

Metallic - Crystal white

Metallic - Mulberry red

Metallic - Vapour grey

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Denim blue

Metallic - Platinum grey

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Leather

Nappa soft leather perf/ventilated - Charcoal with Charcoal interior, grey ash inlay, blond headlining + Orrefors Crystal Gearknob

Nappa soft leather perf/ventilated - Cardamom with Cardamom interior, brown ash inlay, charcoal lower dash/headlining + Orrefors gearknob

Nappa soft leather perforated/ventilated - Blond with Blond interior, grey ash inlay, charcoal intrument panel + Orrefors Crystal gearknob

Navy Herringbone weave - Graphite blue with Charcoal interior, graphite blue door panel inserts, light ash inlay, Orrefors Crystal Gearknob

Wheels - Alloy

22" 7 double spoke diamond cut black alloy wheels with summer tyres