Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Review

Electrifying.com score

8/10

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Volvo’s luxury PHEV SUV has had a mild facelift – but is it still up there with the best of the best?


  • Battery size: 11.6 kWh
  • Company car tax: 13%
  • Emissions: 63-76 g/km
  • Range: 27-34 miles (electric only)
  • Fuel economy: 113 MPG

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  • Battery size: 11.6 kWh
  • Company car tax: 13%
  • Emissions: 63-76 g/km
  • Range: 27-34 miles (electric only)
  • Fuel economy: 113 MPG
  • Volvo XC90
  • Volvo XC90
  • Volvo XC90
  • Volvo XC90
  • Volvo XC90

Nicki Says

“You'd hardly think a Volvo could be exotic, but the XC90 has an electric motor plus a petrol engine with both a super and a turbo charger! That means the big Swede is fast and efficient. I love the way it looks too - the essence of Scandi-Cool.”

Tom Says

“I used to have an XC90 PHEV. It was a cracking do-it-all car, but the range on EV-only was only about 11 miles... More recent Volvo tech means that’s better now - but wait for the proper BeV if you want to be properly green.”

The T8 twin-engine set-up combines an electric motor, petrol engine, supercharger and turbo. As a result, it's definitely no slouch. 

  • 0-60mph:5.8 seconds
  • Top speed:112mph
Volvo XC90

Performance

The T8 combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine which is both supercharged and turbocharged with an electric motor and batteries. Together, you get 390bhp which is enough to send the big Volvo from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, though the top speed is limited to 112mph in order to meet emissions regulations. That’s plenty enough for the UK, though, as it’s substantially greater than our national speed limits. With the battery pack depleted, the twin charging system for the engine means that even with a fairly low capacity, it’s a lively thing. 

Drive

The T8 is a superb all-rounder; around town it’s quiet and refined as a result of the electrified powertrain, while on the motorway it settles down to a hushed cruise. 

The steering is relatively lifeless, but the ride quality is excellent and the driving position both commanding and exceptionally comfortable. It has a real feel-good factor about it, too – from the clinical interior styling to the cosseting ride, it feels more like a luxury saloon than an SUV. 

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