Volvo's XC90 showcases cutting edge technology in T8 Plug-in hybrid guise. Jonathan Crouch checks out the improved model.

Ten Second Review

Volvo must adapt to survive as an independent car maker. Proof of that has been delivered by this model, now usefully improved, the XC90 T8 Plug-in hybrid. It's a family-sized luxury seven-seat SUV for a very different world.

Background

The second generation XC90 was a car that fans of the brand anticipated impatiently and what we got when it originally arrived back in 2015 was worth the wait. Absolutely everything about this MK2 model was fundamentally new and engineered to set fresh class standards. Nowhere was this more evident than with the T8 Plug-in hybrid petrol/electric variant that headed up the range. Here, you get the potential of supermini-style running costs. On top of that, there's the sort of proper full-sized seven-seat versatility that few rivals can credibly offer and the kind of cool, authentic Scandinavian charm that prior to this MK3 model's arrival, we hadn't really seen from a new Volvo in a very long time. This car was usefully updated in 2019, before a further update package arrived in Autumn 2024 to create the model we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

There are no engineering changes for this updated XC90 Plug-in hybrid. The 'T8' badging applied to this car denotes its petrol/electric powertrain and plug-in hybrid usability. In fact there are three engines if you're going to be pedantic about it and count the 25bhp starter motor/generator that pitches in from time to time to smooth any gaps in torque delivery between the two main power sources. One of these is the 303hp turbocharged/supercharged petrol unit borrowed from the old conventional T6 model that drives the front wheels. In an XC90 T8 though, it's assisted by a separate engine at the back, an 145bhp electric motor powered by a battery pack neatly packaged away in the transmission tunnel. It's all enough to deliver a set of stats that it's rather hard to get your head around. So, 455hp and 62mph from rest in just 5.1s - the kind of storming performance you'd get in this segment from, say, a Porsche Cayenne S - matched with real world fuel and CO2 readings that could potentially equal those of a frugal supermini. That's assuming you select the most performance-orientated of the five driving settings that T8 owners are offered - the 'Power' mode that sees both petrol and electric units permanently working together. Alternatively, there are four other drive choices: a 'Hybrid' setting that sees the two engines cutting in and out as necessary: an 'AWD' mode that gives you permanent 4x4 traction off road: plus a 'Pure electric' setting that only uses the battery power and can take you up to 42.3 miles (an EAER rating that's more than most people's daily commuting distance) on a single charge. There's even a 'Save' option so that on a longer trip, you can hold that charge until you get to the city driving you might have to do at the end of the journey.

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. Unlike some rival PHEV large SUVs, you can have third row seating in this XC90 T8 model. 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 262-litres of luggage space (down from 302-litres in the B5 version). Fold the 3rd row and you can load up to 640-litres (down from 680-litres in the B5). It's 1,007-litres if you fold the second row as well.

Market and Model

All XC90 Plug-in hybrid T8 variants still come with 7 seats, plus of course there's automatic transmission and AWD. Prices start from around £73,000 (compare to around £64,000 for the 250hp mild hybrid B5 petrol model). There's a choice of three trim levels - 'Core', 'Plus' and 'Ultra'. 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. Both safety systems aim to bring Volvo closer to its vision of nobody being seriously injured or killed in any of its vehicles by the end of this century's third decade.

Cost of Ownership

As part of the changes made to this updated MK2 XC90 line-up back in 2019, Volvo introduced a higher-capacity battery to this T8 variant, which enhanced its all-electric driving range by around 15%, so it can these days offer an EAER-rated range of up to 44.1 miles. Theoretically then, you could use an XC90 T8 every day without ever visiting a fuel station unless you needed to undertake a longer trip. That's assuming of course that you keep the lithium-ion battery fully charged. That'll take a little longer than before thanks to the bigger battery. Owners can buy a wallbox from Volvo that will charge their cars on 16-amp power in about three hours. If you're out and about and find a 10-amp pubic charging point, the needed time will be slightly lengthier - around four hours - while connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 6-amp supply will take eight hours. Ultimately, to justify this T8 model's price premium over the conventionally-engined B5 mild hybrid variant, you really have to try and plug it in at every opportunity, otherwise you'll simply find yourself running a heavy petrol-powered SUV. And one that will need more frequent refuelling than more conventional XC90 derivatives because its fuel tank size falls from 71 to 50-litres due to the need to make space for the hybrid powertrain and the battery. If on the move, you want to prioritise all-electric progress, you can select a 'Pure' driving mode that prioritises electric-only operation and would be useful in an urban environment. In everyday use though, most T8 owners will be driving in the 'Hybrid' mode that the car's powertrain automatically defaults to, a setting in which the vehicle will automatically alternate between petrol and electric power - and the basis for a faintly incredible-sounding set of WLTP-rated running cost figures: up to 235.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and up to 30g/km of CO2. A 'Driver Performance' option on the centre-dash screen graphically shows how frugally you've been driving your XC90 and on this T8 model, also includes an interactive graphic showing what's currently being powered by what. While we can't imagine any XC90 T8 owner ever actually achieving the brand's officially-quoted returns, the important thing is that the government believes them, so business users will be able to write down as much as 100% of the cost of this car against their tax liability. And a 40% tax payer could be driving an XC90 T8 while incurring a 8% BIK tax bill that would be way less than half of what they would pay for a conventional diesel-powered large luxury SUV in this class. If you're a business buyer browsing in this segment, these are figures that'll reward a bit of thought if you're just about to blindly sign on the dotted line for the ordinary B5 petrol model.

Summary

Volvo seems to be flourishing under foreign ownership and this T8 Plug-in hybrid XC90 model is a good example of why. You might have expected Chinese company control to stifle the company's Scandinavian character. Instead, what we've been given here is a return to Swedish charisma and an emphasis on all the things that the Gothenburg brand does best - cool restrained style, real-world practicality and class-leading safety. Of course, this Volvo's not perfect. There are still sharper-handling choices and more capable off roaders in this sector. In balancing these virtues though, this XC90 sets its own class standard and in doing so, establishes a family benchmark amongst luxury SUVs that rivals will struggle to match. Add in the astonishingly low running costs that come with Plug-in hybrid technology and it's a difficult formula to resist if you're shopping in this segment. 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

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

Electric rear axle drive

Communication

Volvo on call

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive steering

Front and rear park assist

Speed limiter

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Drive mode settings

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

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate

Handsfree power tailgate opening and closing

Driver Information

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

9" centre console portrait touch screen

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

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 with Contrast Stitching

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Low speed exterior sound speaker

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 silver

Matt silver front grille with chrome detailing

Rear side wing doors

Chrome front and rear bumper deco

Chrome lower side mouldings with recharge logo

Exterior Lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

Active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Headlight cleaning system

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

B Pillar ventilation

Air conditioning for 3rd row of seats

Advanced interior air cleaner PM2.5

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

Interior Features

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Heated steering wheel

Load protection net

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Illuminated front and rear tread plates

Bright metal luggage threshold

Centre console cupholders and storage

Integrated sun curtains in rear doors

Front and rear door pocket and front cupholder illumination

Semi automatic load cover

Outboard armrest with cupholder and storage for third row passengers

Illumination lockable glovebox compartment

Recharge aluminium tread plates

12V socket front tunnel console, rear passenger compartment and cargo area

Luggage compartment divider with grocery bag holder

Underfloor luggage compartment storage

2nd Row centre armrest with and cupholders

Interior 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 reading lights, Theatre lighting and centre armrest storage illumination

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

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

Run off Road Mitigation

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 and large animal detection and front collision warning with full auto brake

Seats

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

Power folding 2nd row headrests

2 seat bench in 3rd row

3 seat bench in 2nd row

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

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

Key integrated remote control central locking + fuel flap with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows

Private locking for glovebox and tailgate

Keyless drive includes keyless entry and keyless start

Care key with user defined top speed

Transmission

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

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

Recharging port located in nearside front wing

3.7 kW monophase on board charger

7m 10amp charge cable with 3 pin plug

On board charger - 6.4 kW 2 phase/3.7kW single phase

6m 3 phase 16amp Type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 420

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 180

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 18.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 67

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 70

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 64

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 20.4

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 22.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 41.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 39.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 43.5

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 14.7

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 31

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 34

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1969

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

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 235.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 188.1

General

Coin Series: Ultimate Bright

Coin Description: T8 455 Recharge PHEV

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44E

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: 455

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.4

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 455

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 335

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 8 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4953

Width: 2008

Wheelbase: 2984

Width (including mirrors): 2140

Height: 1772

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2227

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2950

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 71

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 723

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 262

No. of Seats: 7

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1816

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Driver Information

Head up display in windscreen

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Interior Features

Contour sports seats with nappa soft leather upholstery

Nappa soft leather perforated /ventilated upholstery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Denim blue

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Vapour grey

Metallic - Bright Dusk

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Silver Dawn

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Crystal white

Seats

Second row integrated child seat for centre seat

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Tailored wool blend contour sports - Midnight zinc + black ash inlay + midnight zinc door panel + charcoal headlining + orrefors crystal gear knob

Trim - Leather

Nappa soft leather contour sports - Charcoal + charcoal ins, charcoal dash, charcoal headlining, metal mesh inlay + sport steering, orrefors knob

Nappa soft leather perforated/ventilated - Blond + backrest massage and PSS + blond int, grey ash inlay + blond/charc leather steering, orrefors knob

Nappa soft leather perforated/ventilated - Charcoal + backrest massage and PSS + charcoal/blond int, grey ash inlay + leather steering, orrefors knob

Wheels - Alloy

22" 5 double spoke diamond cut black alloy wheels