Almost a decade on the scene and still a gentleman in the front row. The Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 is facelifted, electrified and clearly in top form: quiet, fast and above all – calmly confident. After 1,250 km with it, I can say: I felt like a real gentleman.
I am old. 47 yearsWhich means that – like my colleague in the parking lot, Volvo XC90 – I am wearing some a wrinkle and habit, which is no longer in the catalog. But experience is a wonderful filter: it melts the mistake into calm reaction, rule in reflex, driving in rhythm. And that's why this Volvo suits me. It too has its edges, but it elegantly compensates for them with refinement, space and that Volvo-like reserve in situations where most cars start pretending to be athletes. He's not perfect – but he's mature. And maturity is exactly what I'm looking for in a large family SUV.
An icon that doesn't age – it just matures
The XC90 is not a trend, it's an institution. In its latest redesign, it retains clean, Swedish-style lines, a living room-like cabin, and a nicely measured amount of technology. The 2025 model year also brings refreshed infotainment with a larger 11.2-inch portrait screen (previously 9.0-inch), still with Google built-in and wireless phone charging. It's not a laser show, but it is exactly thatthat you want to use every day.
An eternally pleasing design.
There are no changes at the rear, but this car never needed them here.
Personally: elegance is not loud. The XC90 doesn't captivate you with pyrotechnics, but with the right proportions, with how the colors and materials match, and with that Volvo-like calm “vibe” that never gets old.
Drive: plug-in hybrid math (that works)
The heart of the system is a duo: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and a powerful electric motor on the rear axle. Together, they develop 335 kW (455 hp) and 709 Nm, which on the road translates into 0–100 km/h 5.3–5.4 sThe maximum speed is, according to Volvo's responsibility, limited to 180 km/h (112 mph). The result? A large seven-seater that, when asked “now!”, really goes. (Volvo Cars)
Personally: torque instead of noise. Overtaking is short, the gearbox shifts smoothly, AWD provides a sense of reserve. This is not an athlete, but it is extremely fast in real life.
Electricity: as much as is realistic, but not much
The battery has 18.8 kWh (nominal), with around 14.7–14.9 kWh usable energy. In practice this means 42–44 miles or approximately 68–71 km WLTP driving on electric power alone – enough for most everyday tasks, if you charge regularly. So a minimum of 50 kilometers of pure electricity. Charge up to 6.4kW (two-phase AC), which is about 3 hours up to 100 % at 16 A; on a single-phase socket, count 3.6 kW (approx 5–7 hoursThere is no DC “fast” charging – honestly, you don’t even need it with a PHEV.
“We used barely 3 liters in the first 100 kilometers, and drove 60 kilometers entirely on electricity.”
This is the essence of a plug-in hybrid: if you charge and drive smart, gas consumption is almost a side hobby.
Personally: my typical day brought about 60 km without petrol (city + suburbs). This means a quiet morning, fewer stops at the gas station and much lower costs per 100 km.
Dimensions, space, practicality: seven reasons “for”
On paper it is 4953 mm debt, 1923–1931 mm wide and about 1770 mm tall – true large. There is space for rent in the cabin, and in the trunk as well: at Recharge T8 to 640 l (5-seat configuration), about 262–316 l with the third row set up and up 1,816 liters to the ceiling when you knock down all the benches. This is versatility for weekends, holidays and a week of "anything goes with us" logic.
Personally: the second type is royal, the third is realistically usable for children or adults over shorter distances. Trunk doesn't require Excel spreadsheets – swallows equipment without drama.
Interior: quiet luxury and a bit of Swedish irony
Crystal gear lever Orrefors, real wood, Volvo-style comfortable seats and clear ergonomics. Digital gauges are 12.3-inch, and the interface is based on Google built-in (Assistant, Maps, Play). Dot on i? Bowers & Wilkins hi-fi with a “Concert Hall” profile that turns rain into the roar of an audience. What I really liked: imitation denim seat covers in a single combination of discreet colors in the interior.
Personally: in the cabin heart rate decreasesAfter long stages without any complaints from your back, with the right dose of silence and warm materials. I felt like a real gentleman in the XC90.
Peace of mind is the standard here
Volvo has already electronically limited all models to 2020 180 km/h – not because they can't, but because safety is their fetish. The package of assistance systems is suitable for this: from active cruise control and lane keeping to a 360-degree camera and projections on the windshield. Less drama, more oxygen to the brain.
Personally: systems are working for you, not instead of you. The warnings are sensible, the interventions gentle. What I call “peace of mind” is the factory setting here.
Consumption, tank and towing
Because it's about PHEV, consumption is a function of charging habits. WLTP indicates the electric range 64–70 km, which matches up nicely with the realistic 60-plus kilometers around the city and suburbs. For long distances it helps 71-liter tank, and the towing capacity is up to 2400 kg – a station wagon, a boat or a motorhome? Nothing special. (Volvo Car Club)
Personally: on longer trips you appreciate the large tank and the fact that it family pace (child, music, stops) with the XC90 is simply less tiring.
Short technical summary (for those who like numbers): Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
- Drive: T8 AWD, 2.0 petrol + electric motor (rear)
- Total power/torque: 335 kW (455 hp) / 709 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: 5.3–5.4 seconds, Vmax 180 km/h (112 mph)
- Battery: 18.8 kWh (approx. 14.7–14.9 kWh usable)
- Filling: AC up to 6.4 kW (≈ 3 hours at 16 A), without DC
- Dimensions: 4953 × 1923–1931 × ~1770 mm; wheelbase 2984 mm
- Trunk (T8): 640 l (5-seater), 262–316 liters (7-seater), up to 1,816 liters to the ceiling.
- Price of the test: 100,900 euros
My opinion – good and bad…
Good: smooth torque, serious electric autonomy for everyday use, royal comfort, he says Seven-seater, timeless design, top safety and quality. Less good: AC charging is “only” up to 6.4 kW, infotainment has certain challenges – which we hope Volvo will solve, there is no wireless Apple Carplay or Android Auto, the third row is still more for adults “as needed”. In principle, the car, on a really bad ground due to the 22″ tires, everything is “unsociably” transferred to the interior.
Verdict? The XC90 plays on intelligence. In a world that screams, this car whispers – and everyone hears it.
Test Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra Dark was anything but a “bare” base. In addition to the already extensive standard safety and multimedia equipment, it also had a few extras that made the journey to Munich much more pleasant. The cabin reigns supreme Orrefors crystal gear lever, elegant decorative wood Brown Ash and textiles Navy Herringbone Weave, and together they create a Scandinavian lounge feel. The soundscape is provided by top-notch Bowers & Wilkins system, and responds to touch 11.2-inch screen with built-in Google services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The front and rear seats are heated, the steering wheel is the same, the air conditioning is four-area and even reaches the third row of seats. It was also equipped with 360° camera, Head-up display, panoramic roof, option 22-inch rims and smart active air suspension, which eats up potholes like Swedish meatballs, although it sometimes shakes. Add to that a whole arsenal of assistance systems – from FLASH to adaptive cruise control – and you get an SUV that not only transports, but pampers.
As for the numbers: basic price XC90 T8 AWD Ultra Dark 7S starts at 89.990 €, the additional equipment on the test vehicle caused even 9.887 €, and a special color is added to this Silver Dawn for 1.041,61 €. Final price of the test car? 100.918,50 €.
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Conclusion: Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 is like good Swedish design: it doesn't shine, but it lasts. In practice, this is the most civilized way, how to transport seven people, have the power 335 kW (455 hp) in your pocket and at the same time drive on electricity every day. Anyone who charges at home and uses electric mode for short trips will see gasoline consumption become almost anecdotal. On the highway it helps 71-liter tank, on vacation 1,800-plus liters trunk, and the well-known Volvo peace in your head. If you're flirting with the new, all-electric EX90, the XC90 is still a rational, proven alternative – with less waiting, more space and performance that you can actually use today. And that's the trick: in the year of electrification, XC90 that calm general who leads the battle without shouting. Almost perfect? Yes. The mistakes are simply a result of his longevity – and at the same time, experience.
