Living with the Volvo XC90
Review by Jacob Lerklint
The second generation Volvo XC90 has been with us since the introduction in late 2014. Almost seven years later it’s on the end of its life-cycle. A new third generation is expected to be presented later next year with focus on an all electric version. For 2021 the updates to the XC90 are relatively minor, exterior-wise you get a new black grille for R-design versions, new rims, wireless smartphone charging and optional safety features now comes as standard.
The one we are driving is the range topping T8 plug in hybrid, in this case fitted with the R-Design trim which includes black exterior details, sport seats and a somewhat sportier suspension. T8 still means a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which is boosted by a supercharger and a turbocharger. On top of that you get additional boost by a 12kwh electric motor fitted between the front and rear axle. The rear axle is Volvos (ERAD) system which makes it 4WD by an electric motor, no driveshafts here. Combined power is a smidge under 400hp and 640nm.
With a curb weight of over 2.3 tons and the XC90 being a seven seater SUV the 0-100kmh in 5.8 seconds really impresses. However, the 4-cylinder engine makes one uninspiring noise. It definitely would benefit a bigger, smoother engine. The 8-speed automatic transmission can sometimes feel a bit dimwitted but for day to day use it's pretty good. Handling wise the car feels solid, yes it’s heavy but the roll is minimal and it’s so easy to drive quickly. You don’t get much much feel through the steering wheel but that’s the norm these days. The transition between the ICE and the electric motor is super smooth. Driving on electric only we managed a 35-40km range in winter conditions with a zero degree Celsius temperature. That would’ve been acceptable four years ago but cars have evolved and its competitors have far better range. No DC charging unfortunately but most people slow charge at home anyway. Running on the ICE only will get you a fuel consumption of around 0.95-1L/10km. Not great but it’s a heavy beast.
The specific car we had in for testing was specified with the optional ventilated nappa leather seats with a massage function. Volvo definitely know how to make comfortable seats, probably the best you can get in this class of a car.
Third row is decent too, for kids there’s more than enough room but works fine even for adults up to 175cm. In the boot you got plenty of space for luggage, 302L in fact, and that’s with the third row folded up. Interior quality is up there with the Germans, soft touch materials all around. The only real complain is the upfront armrest, it’s on the firm side and can’t be adjusted.
The XC90 feels well insulated and the ride is superb, but only if you opt for the smaller 20” wheels. I should note that this car had the optional active Four-C air-suspension to smoothen things out even more. When the second generation XC90 debuted there was a lot of talk about the 9.3 inch portrait infotainment touchscreen not being intuitive, but as touchscreens go I think it works well. A must have option is the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, such a step up from the standard Harman Kardon, yes it’s expensive but well worth it. As with Volvo’s, the safety systems you get is endless and which most works well. The pilot assist is a great feature and manages stop and go traffic excellent but only if road lines are highly visible, and it can’t change lanes which is a shame.
So, after a week in the updated 2021 model year XC90 it remains the premium SUV it was when it was first introduced in late 2014. It drives well, it looks good and comfortably fits seven people. I just think the complicated ICE and driveline is getting to age. I feel the XC90 would benefit an all electric platform as it drives so well in pure electric mode. Volvo knows this too and the electric XC90 is supposedly being presented later this year and launching next year. Bring it on!
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