Volvo’s 7-seater XC90 is sublime, but costly

Volvo’s XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured by Volvo since 2002 when it marked the brand’s entry into the SUV market. Still in its second generation, the model received a facelift mid-last year.

Volvo has already sold 1,251 cars here this year, a 5.66% increase on 2024 sales, with the XC60 leading the way. The larger and more expensive XC90 is manufactured in multiple locations, including plants in Sweden and in China for vehicles sold on the Asian market. Volvo is owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China.

Changes for the MY 2025 XC90 include a redesigned front with new headlights and grille design, a more sculpted bonnet, updated tinted LED taillights, a more horizontal dashboard, more storage spaces, a repositioned wireless charging pad, redesigned air vents, and increased sound insulation. For 2025, the Ultimate trim level shortens to just ‘Ultra’.

This elegant and practical seven-seater family SUV delivers ample room for everyone and all the comforts of home. Big doors open wide. The redesigned interior has Scandinavian sophistication with premium details, ultra-comfy seats, and elegant materials. Front seats offer good support, minimise back and shoulder strain, have power adjustments including lumbar support and three memory settings. The first two rows of seats have three heating levels.

Centre dash is the newly updated free-standing 11.2-inch portrait-type touchscreen infotainment system that controls navigation, entertainment, and driver support functions. The fixed menu on the bottom allows quick access to the Home Screen, climate controls, and car settings. It also provides shortcuts to your most-used functions like the excellent 360-degree camera, recent apps, and Google Assistant. Say ‘Hey Google’ to adjust climate settings, to make a call and text, or play audio. You can connect your iPhone using the USB-C port in the centre console (there are two ports and a power socket) to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and your phone will charge while connected.

A large volume control knob on the dash and the remote audio on the steering wheel will come in handy with the powerful Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, which could raise the roof, so to speak. A stylish, centrally mounted Tweeter-on-Top speaker sits on the dashboard facing into the cabin. The Panoramic sunroof stretches from the big windscreen to behind the rear seats, and the front section can tilt open.

The customisable 12.3-inch driver display offers two views to suit your preference, including a detailed map.

Third-row seats can fit passengers up to 5'7" in height with plenty of head and legroom, but taller people won’t appreciate being seated here for long. All seats can be adjusted for personal preferences.

A power-operated tailgate opens up a spacious and flexible boot with a wide, flat floor with no lip to make loading and unloading easier. Boot space of 298 litres with all seats up, expands to 977 litres with just the second row of seats in use, and a big 1,941 litres with both middle and rear seats folded flush with the floor. There’s also a storage area under the boot floor.

Grades are Core, Plus, and Ultra. The entry-level model has a leatherette upholstery; Plus adds the panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound, active air suspension; while Ultra adds more luxury features like ventilated Nappa leather upholstery and massage functions, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, Head-Up display, blonde headlining, and Grey Ash interior decor.

The T8 AWD plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a petrol engine and electric motor (providing 455hp and a maximum torque of 709Nm), matched to a quick and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. It can provide over 70kms of fully electric driving with the backup petrol engine for longer journeys. You can switch between multiple drive modes of pure electric, hybrid, power, and all-wheel drive.

Petrol/Plug-in electric hybrid cars are seeing a big increase in 2024 sales as motorists recognise they offer emission-free driving in urban/suburban areas for most people’s daily commute, and a petrol engine to fall back on which extends the range by over 800km.

I found the T8 PHEV had effortless acceleration - from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds - is quieter and even more comfortable than before; it's also plenty agile for a car its size, and a lot easier to park courtesy of all those parking aids.

The XC90 T8 AWD, when tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015, received a maximum five-star safety rating. I appreciated the excellent blind spot information system, the 360-degree parking view with split screen that allows you to see cars around you as you park and exit your parking slot, and the Cross Traffic Alert that detects vehicles or pedestrians crossing behind your car when trying to exit in a busy car park.

Trailer maximum weight is 2,400kg.

PRICES: The T8 AWD PHEV is from €95,995 to €106,995. Road tax is €140.