Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 – Luxury and Efficiency Wrapped into One

The XC90 Recharge T8 is Volvo’s plug-in hybrid SUV offering which delivers on the brand’s signature combinations of luxury, safety and utility mixed into one premium vehicle. There’s a lot to say about this latest version of the XC90 --- the high-end of Volvo’s eclectic range and the top SUV they offer. Let’s look closer.

Lavishly Laid Out

You can get the XC90 Recharge T8 in either the R-Design trim, or the Inscription trim. Both of these offer impressive levels of comfort and technology. The standard set of equipment on both includes a flawless 12.3” digital instrument display, heated leather seats with memory function for when you adjust, a 9” infotainment touchscreen and superb vision provided by powerful (and stylish) LED headlights.

Technically, the Inscription trim is “top dog” and comes with a few extras like ambient lighting, available air suspension and a driver HUD, among other things. There’s an optional panoramic sunroof as well, which does really enhance the atmosphere and enjoyment for passengers.

Safety as Standard

The marque “Volvo” is almost synonymous with maximum safety. It carries a Euro NCAP score of 5 stars (that’s a top rating), and a safety assist rating of 100 percent. Protection features include autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, collision warning, a slew of airbags, blind spot warning system, cross-traffic alert and much more. You can add a 360-degree camera if you wish for that additional assistance when reversing and parking up.

Utility Without Question

It’s impossible to question the great practicality of the XC90 Recharge T8. The boot has 640 litres of space if you set up 5 seats, and 262 litres if you have 7 seats. The interior is also blessed with leg and head room and regular storage space.

With a plug-in hybrid, the other side of utility is in the recharging. The Recharge T8 can connect directly to all type 2 chargers at home or in public stations. The fastest charge time, however, is a somewhat disappointing 2.5 hours, and that’s because it cannot accept DC fast charging. That’s not unusual for a PHEV, though. For a home vehicle, however, it’s easy to keep charged up and drives smoothly and pleasingly in its electric mode.

Some Downside

It’s not all perfect, of course. I’d say the biggest letdown is the electric range. For so much PHEV, you only get a rather piffling 49km in electric range. The XC90 Recharge T8 is up against some pretty stiff competition out there from the likes of Range Rover, Audi and many others. Top-end fuel economy, however, is still fairly impressive at 2.8L/100km. If you’re taking longer journeys, you won’t likely attain that level of efficiency in the XC90 Recharge T8.

A Very Solid Family Hybrid SUV

For a family wanting an upmarket hybrid SUV, the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 makes a great choice. It’s not exactly “budget-friendly” in many ways, but is competitive in its class when looking at the overall package it offers. Another great offering from Volvo.