In this article:
Volvo is a company that is charging ahead (no pun intended) with its electrification efforts. By the year 2030, they want their entire range to consist of full-electric cars, phasing out internal combustion vehicles (including hybrids) in order to make the switch. This is a bold move from a manufacturer that has given us impressive performance cars in the past, the likes of the 850 T-5R and V60 Polestar. However, there's no need to wave handbags in the air just yet, because Volvo still believes that performance is a key aspect of electric vehicles.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Volvo XC90
Before the hammer falls on this watershed moment, Volvo is getting consumers used to the idea of electrification by offering them a slice of the life without them having to eat the whole pie. The latest updates to the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge leaves the model feeling contemporary and fresh, despite the fact that the XC90 frame has been with us for the last 8-years.
Styling
The updates that the Volvo XC90 received late in 2021 are more evolutionary than revolutionary. No major changes have taken place to the exterior but the product offering has been streamlined and simplified, especially when it comes to the XC90 T8 Recharge. Volvo has updated the exterior colour palate and simplified the alloy wheel program so that selecting a wheel that best suits the XC90 is now even easier. Our test model was fitted with a sensible set of stylish 20-inch alloys but customers can choose from four different styles, ranging in size from 20-inches up to 22-inches on the T8 derivative.
It's easy to forget how attractive the XC90 truly is when you don't own one. It exudes an air of class and sophistication that is difficult to find in this day and age, the lines purposeful and strong, without being brash. The initial boxy design is softened by gentle curves in all the right places, akin to a well-tailored suit. It's an elegant affair and looks right at home outside of the red carpet as it does outside of the gym.
Top five accessories for your Volvo XC90
Space & Interior
The interior of the updated XC90 has seen a few subtle changes though. You'll only spot these at the time of ordering your XC90 as Volvo has simplified the upholstery selections, making it easier to get the right mix of materials and colour combinations that work harmoniously with the exterior. It remains a high-end offering, felt through the supply upholstery and raised stitching; it all carries with it the same air of grace that the exterior suggests.
Changes for the 2022 model year also include the addition of a parking ticket holder and a new particulate filter. Volvo's CleanZone system filters out tiny particles in the air for a cleaner, healthier cabin. It's capable of extracting particles as fine as PM2.5, helping ensure that you and your family breathe in cleaner air while driving in the XC90.
Comfort & Convenience
I was rather surprised to see that the updates hadn't extended as prolifically to the infotainment system. While an updated operating system is in play, it's not the same operating system that you will find in the latest XC60 models. Nevertheless, the XC90 is still a powerhouse when it comes to infotainment, offering up the large portrait-orientated screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The rest is as you'd expect from a range-topping model with automatic climate control, digital displays, a host of connectivity and entertainment options as well as heated, ventilated seats with massaging function. Spending time n the XC90 is by no means a chore. Long day at the office? Allow the XC90 to soothe you with warm seats, a tailored environment and a gentle massage. Feeling energised? Crank up the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system and enjoy the air outside as you open up the panoramic roof.
Performance
The T8 has the added advantage of being kinder to both your pocket and the environment. The T8 is a PHEV that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total power output of 340 kW. 233 kW of that power is provided by the internal combustion engine while 107 kW comes from the electric motor. Torque is listed as coming in at 709 Nm, split between the engine and motor 400 Nm and 30 Nm respectively. Sending power through an 8-speed Geartronic gearbox, the XC90 T8 will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in only 5.3-seconds while onto a top speed of 180 km/h. While this may seem low, it's part and parcel of the electrification and necessary for the longevity of the motor.
Top 3 things you need to know about the Volvo XC90.
Fuel Economy
It's in the fuel economy section where the T8 Recharge and its plug-in nature comes to the forefront. Volvo claims fuel consumption figures as low as 1.8 l/100km and while this seems unattainable, the general fuel consumption is rather low. It's best to leave the T8 in its automatic mode and let it figure out the best way to utilize the electric motor and when the petrol engine needs to come in.
Despite the fact that we rather enjoyed using the T8 as a full EV, charging it overnight and then going about our daily business, making the most of the 50 km full-electric range, our mixed cycle driving with the T8 in Auto mode saw us returning fuel consumption figures of 6.4 l/100 km. This will be the norm for those who don't want to worry about physically charging the XC90 T8 and would rather leave the recharging to the engine and regenerative braking system.
The best official Volvo XC90 offers AutoTrader found advertised in 2022.
Safety
Volvo is synonymous with safety so it goes without saying that the range-topping T8 Recharge model is as safe as houses. The standard safety equipment list is impressive, with the usual array of ABS, EBD, EBA, TCS and ESC with 6 airbags as standard. Should you wish, you can specify the Intellisafe Assist, you get pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection as well as front and rear collision warning with full auto braking function.
Lane Keeping Aid is another feature worth mentioning as the Volvo systems are not our favourite. They tend to favour the left-hand side of the lane and this is often frustrating when sitting in dense traffic where you would like a little more breathing room.
Top 5 safety features on a Volvo XC90
Price
Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD R-Design is R1 635 100 before you add extras onto the package and our extras list came to R116 400. Here's what the rest of the updated range will cost you.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Momentum | R1 305 000 |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD R-Design | R1 376 400 |
| Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription | R1 376 900 |
| Volvo XC90 B6 AWD R-Design | R1 433 000 |
| Volvo XC90 B6 AWD Inscription | R1 433 500 |
| Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD R-Design | R1 635 100 |
| Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD Inscription | R1 635 600 |
Competitors
When you consider the Volvo XC90 T8, you'll undoubtedly be interested in something hybrid. That narrows down the options in this section of the market and you're limited to the likes of the P300e models from Jaguar and Land Rover, namely the Evoque, Velar, Discovery Sport, Defender and F-Pace. Lexus joins the fray with the RX and BMW has the X5 in hybrid offering if you'd prefer something a little more German.
Volvo XC90 vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Lexus RX: here's our winner
Verdict
You can't help but feel good behind the wheel of the XC90 T8 Recharge. The full EV potential with the ability to still climb in and drive across the country is my favourite. If you're interested in the electric way of the future but still can't justify going with a full electric offering, the T8 Recharge will get you started down this road. You have the option of treating it like an EV and plugging it in, saving you more than 50% of your running costs, or you can set it and forget it and still reap the rewards of electrification.
Too many think that electrification mutes the experience and stunts the performance. This couldn't be further from the truth. Having this high-strung petrol engine assisted by an electric motor makes the T8 one of the more exciting models in the Volvo portfolio. And for when you're not in that racing mood, it does the opulent cruiser thing just as well.
