Today we are behind the wheel of the Volvo XC90 for a review. The Volvo XC90 is a car that, more than many others, embodies the idea of relaxed and mindful travel. Roads stretch out beyond the windshield, the pace is just right to appreciate silence, space and details, and the feeling is that of being on board a vehicle designed first and foremost to make its occupants feel good.
The XC90 is one of those cars that hardly needs an introduction. It has been on the market for years, yet it remains one of the most credible – and desirable – alternatives in the premium seven-seat SUV segment. A model we had already tested in the past, including diesel versions that are no longer available today, and one that has evolved over time without ever betraying its identity: comfort, safety and a distinctly Scandinavian sense of elegance. The focus of our test is the Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid in Plus trim, a configuration that represents the true core of the range, offering everything needed to experience the XC90 in its most authentic form straight from the standard equipment list.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain remains one of its key strengths, combining strong performance, real-world electric range and attractive tax benefits, especially for those considering it as a company car. The XC90 also shows just how well its design has aged. Volvo’s work here is one of thoughtful evolution rather than forced revolution. The front end has been updated with a redesigned grille, wider and more expressive, converging toward the central logo. The LED headlights with the Thor’s Hammer light signature – here featuring Matrix technology already on the Plus trim – deliver outstanding illumination and play a decisive role in defining the car’s character. The side view highlights substantial yet well-balanced proportions, while the rear, with revised internal graphics for the taillights, maintains a solid and elegant look. Large alloy wheels fill the wheel arches nicely and, with the optional air suspension, the ride height and setup can adapt to different situations, improving comfort, accessibility and, when needed, performance on uneven surfaces.
Step inside and the XC90 plays its strongest cards, with the Plus trim already more than enough to understand why this model continues to be a benchmark. The cabin is airy, bright and finished with a level of craftsmanship that remains among the best in the segment. Leather, open-pore wood, aluminium accents and sustainable materials blend into a coherent and refined whole, never crossing into excess. The redesigned dashboard now features a floating 11.2-inch vertical touchscreen, running Android Automotive with Google services. The interface is fast, intuitive and continuously updated via OTA, making the user experience very similar to that of a smartphone. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read. Ambient lighting is also carefully executed, accompanying the cabin at night with a soft, well-calibrated glow. While not customizable in themes or colours, it is designed to enhance shapes and materials without ever being intrusive, contributing significantly to the premium atmosphere on board.
Even in Plus trim, the XC90 already comes with an extensive list of standard equipment, while those seeking the very best can opt for the Ultra version, which adds features such as the panoramic glass roof, head-up display and the 360-degree camera parking system. A package that costs around €5,000 extra, but further enhances an already very complete interior. Space on board is generous across all three rows. Front seats feel like armchairs, the second row offers sliding and adjustable seats, and the third row – while not designed for long journeys with adults – remains usable. The boot is large and versatile, making it ideal for family or professional use.
The Volvo XC90 is not an SUV that encourages aggressive driving, but rather a travel companion designed to cover long distances with ease. From behind the wheel, a strong sense of solidity is immediately apparent, enhanced by excellent sound insulation and a setup clearly focused on comfort. The steering is precise yet never tiring, ideal for relaxed driving along sweeping bends and long motorway stretches. The suspension remains compliant, with body roll always well controlled, helping to convey a reassuring sense of security to all occupants. In T8 plug-in hybrid form, the powertrain combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of over 450 hp. Performance is impressive – 0–100 km/h takes just over five seconds – but what really stands out is the smoothness with which the XC90 builds speed, never feeling abrupt.
In everyday use, the electric mode allows for around 50 km of real-world zero-emission driving, ideal for daily commuting. In the city, absolute silence is a highlight, while on extra-urban roads and motorways the hybrid system intelligently manages the interaction between electric and combustion power. Driving modes allow the car to adapt to every scenario, from maximum comfort to a more dynamic setup, all the way to a forced all-wheel-drive mode. Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Volvo brand, and in the XC90 this translates into an extremely comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. Automatic emergency braking, active lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with lane centring operate progressively and never intrusively, helping to make every journey more relaxed and predictable.
All systems work together coherently to form what Volvo calls Pilot Assist. Interventions are never abrupt and corrections always feel natural, reinforcing that sense of control and safety that is an integral part of the XC90 experience. The Volvo XC90 T8 in Plus trim is priced just below the €100,000 mark, depending on configuration. A significant figure, but one that is in line with the level of comfort, technology and build quality on offer. For those seeking an even richer specification, the Ultra trim is available for around €5,000 more, adding features such as the panoramic glass roof, head-up display and the 360-degree camera parking system. Overall, the Plus version is probably the most balanced choice in the range. It also becomes particularly appealing as a company car, thanks to favourable Italian taxation for plug-in hybrids. The XC90 thus continues to stand as a solid reference in the large premium SUV landscape: it does not follow trends or chase extremes, but instead offers a clear and coherent vision of modern luxury, built around comfort, safety and the quality of time spent on board.
Bonus images:
