TEST DRIVE

Volvo XC90: road test of the electrified Plug-in and Mild-Hybrid flagship

The large Swedish SUV is characterised by high comfort and an electrified range of up to 455 hp.

by Giulia Paganoni

25 November 2024

3' min read

Key points

Volvo XC90: style and dimensions
Interior with new materials and more technology
Driving the two electrified versions: Phev and Mhev

3' min read

The third generation of the Volvo XC90 suv debuts with an engine range that includes the 455 hp T8 plug-in hybrid and the 250 hp B5 Mild-Hybrid alongside the 517 hp EX90 zero-emission version.

We tested the XC90 maxi suv on a mixed route that took us from Denmark to the Swedish hinterland covering around 400 kilometres, alternating between driving the two electrified versions.

Volvo XC90: tutte le foto della nuova generazione
Photogallery29 foto

Volvo XC90: style and dimensions

Volvo XC90 is built on the SPA1 platform in its latest update. The dimensions of the SUV are generous: 4,950 mm long, 1,923 mm wide, 1,950 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,984 mm.

The design is very similar to that of the previous generation, although the front end has been completely redesigned to appear more minimalist, the clamshell bonnet rests laterally on newly shaped mudguards, the grille is larger with an asymmetrical weave that connects with the new light signature, characterised by clusters still inspired by Thor's hammer but slimmer and sharper. Also new is the bumper shield traversed at the bottom by a long air intake that accentuates the width of the XC90 and at the sides by vertical air intakes. To the side and rear, the new features only concern details and, in practice, do not affect the XC90's appearance. Finally, road presence is emphasised by wide wheels up to 22 inches;

Interior with new materials and more technology

The substantial new features of the Volvo XC90 concern the interior and, above all, digitalisation.

Inside the cabin one is welcomed into a real travelling lounge with comfortable wide seats upholstered in sustainable materials (Nordic fabric and recycled materials). The dashboard is covered in soft touch material and there are wood inserts in both the dashboard and door panels showing good attention to detail.

There is a large 11.2-inch touch display in the centre of the dashboard from which you can access numerous submenus that are quite intuitive to reach. As a reminder, the infotainment system is the same as that already tested on the electric EX90.

The passenger compartment is ample and consequently also the boot has an important capacity: 356 litres in five-seat configuration and reaches over 2,000 litres by lowering the backrest of the rear seats, 2005 litres to be exact. In addition, it is worth mentioning that to load more easily, it is possible to lower the loading sill by a few centimetres by pressing a button in the luggage compartment.

Driving the two electrified versions: Phev and Mhev

There are two versions tested and available, both electrified and with between 250 and 455 hp.

In terms of on-board comfort there are no major differences between the two, both of which are well soundproofed and with suspension that cushions road bumps well. While as far as power is concerned, they differ: the rechargeable hybrid weighs almost 2300 kg but the power of the 2-litre petrol combined with the electric motor reaches 455 hp and allows a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds, unenviable compared to some electric cars whose sprinting you know glues your back to the seat. In fact, even when driving, one notices the readiness of the car on restarts or when deciding to overtake. For the plug-in version, consumption is between 1.2 and 1.6 l/100 km (Wltp homologation cycle) and declared emissions are between 30 and 36 g/km.

Instead, the Mild Hybrid version has a power output of 250 hp and boasts a 0-100 km/ sprint of 7.7 seconds, a little slower than the rechargeable hybrid but also with much less horsepower. Declared fuel consumption is between 8.5 and 9.2 l/100 km while emissions are between 191 and 208 g/km. For both versions, the top speed is limited to 180 km/h.

Overall, we found both versions to be very good value for money compared to their competitors, touching on the high quality of the materials as well as the solidity of the car.

There are three versions (Core, Plus and Ultra) and the price list starts at 81,200 euro for the Core Mild Hybrid version and reaches 101,000 euro for the top of the range, the Ultra with Plug-in hybrid engine.