Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2015 - )

The Volvo XC90 has always been a firm favourite with active families that need the versatility of seven seats. But unlike some other people movers, the XC90 is a real looker too thanks to its strong upright styling and eye-catching features at every turn.

It oozes class inside and out, and customers can still choose between petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions with an all-electric model called the EX90 arriving imminently.

The latest 2024 models have been upgraded with a larger battery pack up from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh which increases the EV-only range to about 44 miles. In addition, the Google Android-based infotainment system is new to the vehicle.

The trim line-up is simple with three grades called Core, Plus and Ultimate with prices starting from £62,140. And, as is the Volvo way, all models are packed to bursting with the very latest safety features which helped the car gain a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP rating.

We opted for the Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Plus model for our test drive.

The Volvo XC90 is a full-sized, seven-seat family SUV and it looks powerful in its design when approached from any angle. Our test car, in Plus grade, boasted a blacked-out grille housing the Volvo emblem, tinted side windows, sweeping light clusters with active bending headlights and signature Thor hammer daytime running lights. The upright taillights make the car instantly recognisable at night and there are stunning 20-inch alloy wheels to complete the look.

Moving inside, the high-quality materials and craftsmanship are instantly apparent with tailored wool blend upholstery featuring subtle Swedish flags offering a hint to the car’s heritage. The nine-inch portrait screen offers access to the Google Android-based infotainment system with Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, access to apps via the Google Play Store and four years of data allowance.

It's a system that works exceptionally well and other creature comforts include a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, full smartphone connectivity with four USB ports and a wireless charging pad, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, four-zone climate control, plus a 12.3-inch driver display screen behind the steering wheel where all the vital data can be seen.

All controls, dials and readouts are ideally positioned for ease of use in this very driver-focused cockpit, although we did find the quite small touchscreen icons could be a bit hit and miss on the move.

But in our opinion, the Volvo XC90 boasts one of the best interiors around these days. It’s quite simplistic, which isn’t a bad thing as there is far less driver distraction than on some models that are packed with over-complicated screens.

The Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV model features an 18.8kWh battery and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering a combined 455hp (310hp petrol engine and 145hp electric motor) plus 709Nm of torque and that means this car can certainly shift. In fact, despite weighing in at just over 2.2 tonnes, it can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 112mph.

But in spite of the power and impressive turn of pace, the XC90 prioritises comfort over blistering, edge-of-the-seat handling. The ride is beautifully cushioned and the road-holding also impresses for such a high-sided vehicle. 

The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive and it’s a delightfully composed motorway cruiser effortlessly eating up the miles. But it is also confident on twisting country lanes where the elevated driving position results in a good view across the hedgerows.

It can be driven in EV-only mode for up to 44 mile which could be ample for the daily commute and then there is the petrol engine to fall back on when longer journeys are called for.

Drive modes can be selected to suit the conditions and these are called Hybrid, Pure, Power, Constant AWD and Off-road with the car always starting up in Hybrid mode.

As the company’s flagship model, the XC90 is a large vehicle that’s almost five metres long, but it feels nimble in busier town centres with nicely weighted steering and all the parking assist systems imaginable to make squeezing into a tight space that much easier.

The highly effective suspension system smooths out all but the worst potholes and, apart from a little wind noise at higher speeds, the cabin is well-insulated against noise intrusion.

The Volvo XC90 is a full-sized seven-seat SUV that boasts a strong road presence without being garish in any way. It stretches 4,953mm in length, is 1,931mm wide (2,140mm with mirrors), 1,772mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,984mm.

Up front, there are powered seats that can be heated along with the steering wheel and the memory settings are handy if more than one person uses the car. Back seat passengers also benefit from plenty of leg, head and shoulder space and they have heated seats along with window blinds.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and, with all seven seats occupied, there is still 316 litres of storage space which is enough for the weekly shop and some. But this capacity increases to 967 litres with the back seats dropped and a whopping 1,816 litres if all but the front seats are lowered. That’s ample space for bikes, golf clubs, trolleys and a lot more besides and there is a pull up dividing partition that’s great to stop items rolling around.

Then throughout the cabin, there are numerous practical storage compartments, including a glovebox, door bins, a deep central cubby, front and rear cup holders, seat back nets and some trays.

Charging the 18.8kWh battery from 0-100 per cent takes five hours and, with all-wheel drive, the XC90 can tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 2.4 tonnes.

Pricing for the Volvo XC90 range starts from £62,140 for the Core grade with the petrol powertrain. At the other end of the scale, costing £83,130, is the Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 version in high-end Ultimate specification.

Our test car, the XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 in mid-grade Plus form cost £76,530, with metallic paint bumping up the price to £77,325.

The official fuel efficiency figure is 188.1 to 235.1mpg, but like all plug-in hybrids, it would only be achievable if the vehicle’s battery was kept charged and the car driven using its EV-only range of 44 miles for much of the time.

Thanks to its low emissions figure of 30g/km owners will face a first-year road tax bill of just £10 rising to £170 after 12 months. But there is a further cost to be factored in. Because the vehicle exceeds £40k, it is subject to a premium car tax which adds an extra £390 to the bill for five years starting from year two.

For anyone lucky enough to be considering the XC90 Recharge as a company car, it has an attractive eight per cent Benefit in Kind tax rating.

Volvo has an outstanding reputation for building vehicles that are reliable and last the test of time, so anyone tempted by the XC90 is unlikely to run into any unexpected repair or breakdown costs.

In addition, Volvo is renowned for its safety record, so the XC90 is packed with safety features and driver assistance aids to keep all occupants and other road users as safe as possible.

The XC90 is and always has been a superb family vehicle with go-anywhere potential. It has evolved over the years but still offers seven-seat practicality, along with a wealth of top quality technology inside a beautifully refined cabin.

Admittedly, it’s not a cheap option these days, but it does have a premium feel to it and we like the fact potential buyers can still choose from petrol, diesel or Plug-in Hybrid powertrains.