Volvo isn't really known for making bold statements, but this SUV could prove an exception.
It's the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and if on-paper credentials are anything to go by, it's out
to give its rivals a bloody nose.
The XC90 is the oldest model in Volvo's current line up, first introduced in 2015.
However, it remains as fresh as ever, thanks to contemporary styling, a seven-seat layout,
excellent safety and technology, and a recent pricing trim which saw this T8 plug-in hybrid
reduced by $15,000.
Sitting at the top of the range, the T8 PHEV blends petrol power with an electric motor
for V8-like outputs.
A 0-100 time of 5.5 seconds, an EV range exceeding 40 kilometres, and a claimed fuel efficiency
average of 2.1 litres per 100 Ks.
They're all incredible figures, but what I like most about the T8 plug-in hybrid is that
it doesn't go advertising its green credentials.
In fact, the only visual clue is this recharge point here.
Inside, the seven-seat XC90 is massive, and if I'm honest, really well-suited to families.
The seats are comfortable and the design is really well thought out, practical and aesthetically
pleasing.
And what's best, it isn't till you twist the starter dial that you realise there's more
here than meets the eye.
The T8 pairs a four cylinder engine that is both turbo-charged and super-charged with
a 65 kilowatt electric motor.
On paper, you get up to 43 kilometres in pure electric driving range, but we found 30 kilometres
a more realistic number.
There's no real giveaway that you're in something so advanced, other than possibly the brake
pedal, which has a slightly wooden feeling and doesn't really have the same consistency
and modulation as a traditional brake pedal would.
That lack of break pedal feeling is made up for by regen braking, which recharges the
battery on long descents and under heavier braking applications.
On one long and steep highway descent, we managed to reclaim 8 kilometres worth of range.
Otherwise, you can recharge the XC90 using a fast charger or a conventional household
power point.
With such a large curb mass to consider, it means that when you do inevitably run out
of electric power, you're relying on a small displacement 2 litre petrol engine, which
is fine, except that on hills, overtaking, even highway runs, your fuel use is gonna
go closer to 10 litres per 100 Ks.
Elsewhere, the XC90 is really refined on the road, there's minimal road noise and the air
suspension does a really good job of suppressing the bumps underneath you.
With so much interior space on offer, The XC90 is a big car, but it's not really one
of those imposing SUVs.
It's easy to come to grips with its sheer size and there's a lot of technology on offer
to mitigate its proportions.
Those traits are cemented by air vents to all three rows, comfortable seats, adequate
storage and charging points.
Space is plentiful across the second and third rows, while the rear boot is enormous and
usable even with the rear bleachers in place.
Naturally, for a Volvo, the T8 comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise
control, lane departure warning, and self-parking.
For a vehicle that's so defined by its key numbers and figures, it's the recent $15,000
discount made to the T8 plug-in hybrid that really brings it back into prominence.
As far as green seven seat SUVs go, the XC90 is hard to look past.