A few years ago, the Volvo XC90 received a much-needed update that affected everything from the drivetrain to the infotainment system, as well as a slight refinement of the aesthetic impression.
Ten years is a long time for a modern car model, so we decided to see if the car is still the optimal companion for mountain trips and other family escapades.
Right at the end of winter, we therefore steered the cow towards the ski slopes of Dalarna.
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The Volvo XC90 has aged in style
Externally, it must be said that the Volvo XC90 has aged in style.
The shapes and character traits are fundamentally undeniably timeless, which is proven by the fact that they are also recognizable on the new, electric-powered successor EX90.
The Volvo XC90 is now 10 years old, but still looks good – Photo: Erik Punt
At launch, the XC90 was the result of Volvo’s biggest investment ever. It had invested over SEK 100 billion, which resulted in the brand’s SPA platform and the VEA family of engines.
Now Volvo no longer builds any cars on its older platforms, and the XC90 is thus the oldest car in the brand’s range.
Even so, it is still selling well, with 100,000 cars produced by 2023.
Bigger battery and longer range
The most important update for the plug-in hybrid versions of the Volvo XC90 is that the battery has grown to 18.8 kWh, providing an electric range of 71 kilometers.
The electric motor has also grown to 145 horsepower, and the charging speed has increased from 3.6 to 6.4 kW.
This is particularly relevant for the Swedish market, where plug-in hybrids are currently the only powertrains on offer.
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Google-based infotainment
Another important update is that Volvo has abandoned its proprietary Sensus infotainment system in favor of a Google-based system.
The solution has some weaknesses in that the submenus are a bit too plot-rich, and it is sometimes noticeable that the hardware is not really developed with this software in mind.
The infotainment system is now Google-based – Photo: Erik Punt
On the plus side, it can be mentioned that the voice control works unexpectedly well, and that the interaction between the phone and the Google Maps-based navigation is seamless.
The Google navigation also cooperates with the hybrid powertrain so that the electricity in the battery is used where it does the most good to achieve the lowest possible consumption.
When we rolled into Idre, the electricity just ran out, even though we had driven considerably further than the electric range of 71 kilometers.
Place for the whole family
Thanks to this, the fuel consumption landed at just under 0.8 liters per mile, which is a good bit above the 0.13 liters indicated according to the WLTP, but still approved for a large SUV with seven seats.
The fact that the car is a plug-in hybrid with seven seats also makes it quite unique in the segment, as only Audi offers a corresponding model.
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Four-wheel drive has been improved
On location in Idre, we had the opportunity to put the big Volvo in front of quite challenging conditions, as periods of thawing weather and freezing temperatures had turned the road into a veritable ice rink.
In the early versions of the XC90 plug-in hybrid, the drivetrain in these modes could give a rather unbalanced impression, as the gasoline engine on the front wheels was significantly more powerful than the electric motor on the rear wheels.
The updated version of the system works significantly better, with a more neutral feel thanks to the stronger electric motor.
The car climbs snowy slopes with ease – Photo: Erik Punt
With the driving mode “off-road” activated, a little more wheel spin is allowed than normal, which works great for forcing snow-covered uphills. Getting the last bit to the cabin after a snowstorm should therefore be no problem.
If you equip your XC90 with air suspension as on the test car, at a cost of SEK 26,900, the car can also be raised for better passability over logs and rocks. The air suspension also provides exemplary suspension comfort, and combined with some of the best seats on the market, the XC90 is therefore a fantastic car to drive long distances with.
Top level practicality
In terms of interior ergonomics, the update has led to a deterioration in some points, as some physical buttons have been removed in favor of digital replacements that are less intuitive to use.
One of the most important aspects for prospective Volvo XC90 speculators is practicality, and on that point the car still performs top notch.
The luggage compartment swallows packing with ease – Photo: Erik Punt
The trunk can be closely compared to the gap of a blue whale and easily swallows the entire family’s pick and pack. The fact that the second row of seats can be pushed forwards and backwards makes even more space available, while seats that can be individually folded ensure good flexibility.
If you don’t want to install a roof box, it is still possible to fit four passengers and a considerable amount of skis and luggage.
Luxury in the Scandinavian way
The interior of our test car was equipped with Volvo’s new-fashioned and very pleasant wool upholstery in light grey, combined with panels in dark, almost black, ash.
The overall impression feels luxurious and is undeniably characterized by Scandinavian minimalism.
Unfortunately, they have landed in the vegan trap regarding many of the leather details, which are actually imitation leather. This drags down an otherwise very premium experience. If you want to get all the details in real leather, you have to choose the bright nappa leather upholstery with ventilated seats.
The Volvo XC90 has a modern Scandinavian design language – Photo: Erik Punt
As a companion on a trip to Dalafjällen, the Volvo XC90 is an absolutely excellent choice.
The comfort is fantastic, and with stable road characteristics and countless safety systems, the car is security itself on the sometimes quite broken and icy winter roads.
Soon the all-electric replacement Volvo EX90 will make its entrance, and whether it succeeds in filling the big shoes left behind by the XC90 is a matter of fate for Volvo.
Fortunately, it looks like the XC90 will live on in parallel for a few years.’
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Overall impression Volvo XC90 T8 4.5/5
Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid (2024)
Engine: 2-liter R4, 310 horsepower + 145 horsepower electric motor. System power 455 horsepower, 710 newton meters
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Weight: 2,297 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4953/1958/1793 mm
Award: From SEK 935,000 (Test car SEK 1,085,000)