Volvo XC90 T8 – noble Swede with a plug

Hybrid (PHEV) or electric car? There is still debate about whether a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is the best or worst of both worlds – i.e. a combustion engine or an electric unit.

As always, it’s probably what you make of it. In the case of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), this means plugging it in often and taking advantage of the benefits of zero-emission driving locally. For carmaker Volvo, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and long under the umbrella of Chinese group Geely, the path is clear.

According to Volvo, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and pure electric vehicles are the future; That’s why the brand’s largest SUV, the XC90, is only available as a plug-in. Its purely electric counterpart, the EX90, is already in the early stages.

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Meanwhile, inside, the Volvo XC90 offers a calm, balanced environment with high-quality materials such as wood, crystal, metal and sophisticated Scandinavian design.

It can be said that designers have been successful everywhere – both at home and abroad. The SUV also offers plenty of space, and not just in the first two rows; Even in the third row, a maximum of two passengers travel very comfortably.

The top engine has the official name Recharge T8 AWD with a system power of 455 hp. “The car, which can be charged via a socket, combines strong performance, low emissions and high efficiency,” says the Swedish full-body car manufacturer.

In theory, up to 73 purely electric kilometers could be covered in the combined WLTP cycle, thus completely emissions-free locally. One-pedal driving allows you to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

Yes, if the noble Swedish car is plugged in regularly, it is logically possible to achieve a consumption of 1.4 liters according to the WLTP test. If the huge SUV – the luggage compartment has a capacity of 640 liters – is also used for long trips or family vacations, the consumption increases significantly. The 310-hp 2-liter four-cylinder is an avid fellow.

Overall, it must be said that the XC90 reveals its full splendor and power in the interaction between the two units. Even if the Swede accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.4 seconds, with the eight-speed automatic transmission engaged as quickly as possible, the 4.95-meter-long SUV does not become a racehorse.

The weight of almost 2.4 tons and high air resistance are especially noticeable at higher speeds. The XC90 is better suited for soaring gliding rather than fast scrambling.

If you accelerate quickly, you also have to grip the Swede’s handlebars tightly: the rear sways slightly – and the 1767m seven-seater generally responds to rapid changes in load with noticeable roll movements. What’s great is the adaptive air suspension, which costs an extra €2,400, but turns the car into a royal sedan.

Conclusion

Visually gorgeous, yet technically compelling, it’s a wonderfully hung gentleman’s Swede with the usual superior safety features and a luxurious array of space and equipment. However, you have to pay approximately 109,000 euros for this.