Volvo’s most powerful 2.0l engine spliced with a turbo and supercharger does duty here. The supercharger enhances the rush of air into the cylinders during the inlet strokes while the turbocharger helps with rapid expulsion of the exhaust gasses. Volvo marries an electric motor to the mix to allow pure electric propulsion of up to 50km at driving speeds up to 140km/h.
Total system output is 340kW and 709Nm distributed via a permanent all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo claims 1.8l/100km, which looks ambitious but perhaps possible if you live, work and play within a 50km radius. A home wall-charger would assist in this regard as seen through my real-world test.
Daily use of the office wallbox charger and driving on average 80km a day returned 5.8l/100km, which is nowhere near the claimed figure but also not bad. You can drive the XC90 fast and hard and the four-wheel drive system is capable of holding the car sturdy for moderately enthusiastic cornering, but like all modern Volvos performance is limited to 180km/h.
Most enjoyable is the comfy drive everywhere, including on bumps, and a general air of quietness in operation. The XC90 has the credibility, space and safety systems that remain assets for many, but the R1.8m asking price might be a bit high in the face of fresher seven-seat rivals.
These include the Audi Q7 45TDI quattro S, Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Dynamic HSE and Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Summit Reserve. The latter pair adds off-road prowess to the recipe but the XC90 remains a compelling mix of looks, practicality and frugality.
Savings of up to R500,000 can be had if buying down the XC90 range where there is less style and tech, but with a full suite of Volvo safety systems and usability.
Road Test
REVIEW | Volvo XC90 hybrid is a fuel-sipping family SUV
Able to run on electric power for brief periods, the luxury Swedish SUV blends lusty performance with low fuel thirst
Image: Supplied
Standing out in the competitive luxury car class is hard. Volvo’s unique selling point has always centred on passenger safety and of late its hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) technology.
The good news for those who do most of their driving in urban conditions is the XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD on test is a petrol-electric hybrid able to run on electric power alone.
The current XC90 model is in run-out phase. Now surrounded by newer oppositions, and with an electric version imminent, perhaps it’s best to review the vintage on test as a bargain buy, if not a future classic. The XC90 still has a few best bits to highlight. It’s one of the better-looking SUVs thanks to strong flanks and a bluff face made prettier by chrome in the grille and headlights with “Thor’s hammer” daytime running lights.
It is tested here in range-topping Ultimate Dark trim equipped with the best of Volvo safety and luxury systems. It would be fair to say the XC90 is now behind the curve in modern technology expectations, as attested to by the colourful but small and uncurved main display screens. But the innovative Google Automotive Services with a voice-activated artificial assistant remains one the best in the business in in-car information hubs.
The fit and finish of the cabin is high grade and features include Bluetooth connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate opening and a crisp sounding Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Space is excellent in the cabin, which accommodates seven passengers, and the boot is cavernous, especially with the rear seats folded.
Comfort and practicality are priorities in this middle-class SUV.
Image: Supplied
Volvo’s most powerful 2.0l engine spliced with a turbo and supercharger does duty here. The supercharger enhances the rush of air into the cylinders during the inlet strokes while the turbocharger helps with rapid expulsion of the exhaust gasses. Volvo marries an electric motor to the mix to allow pure electric propulsion of up to 50km at driving speeds up to 140km/h.
Total system output is 340kW and 709Nm distributed via a permanent all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo claims 1.8l/100km, which looks ambitious but perhaps possible if you live, work and play within a 50km radius. A home wall-charger would assist in this regard as seen through my real-world test.
Daily use of the office wallbox charger and driving on average 80km a day returned 5.8l/100km, which is nowhere near the claimed figure but also not bad. You can drive the XC90 fast and hard and the four-wheel drive system is capable of holding the car sturdy for moderately enthusiastic cornering, but like all modern Volvos performance is limited to 180km/h.
Most enjoyable is the comfy drive everywhere, including on bumps, and a general air of quietness in operation. The XC90 has the credibility, space and safety systems that remain assets for many, but the R1.8m asking price might be a bit high in the face of fresher seven-seat rivals.
These include the Audi Q7 45TDI quattro S, Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Dynamic HSE and Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Summit Reserve. The latter pair adds off-road prowess to the recipe but the XC90 remains a compelling mix of looks, practicality and frugality.
Savings of up to R500,000 can be had if buying down the XC90 range where there is less style and tech, but with a full suite of Volvo safety systems and usability.
Image: Phuti Mpyane
Tech specs
POWERTRAIN
TRANSMISSION
DRIVETRAIN
PERFORMANCE
STANDARD FEATURES
Electronic stability control, ABS brakes, seven airbags, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, head up display, tyre pressure sensor, electric tailgate, hill descent control, electric windows, LED daytime running lights, directional turning headlights, navigation, parking camera, keyless access, adaptive cruise control, infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB, climate control, panoramic sunroof, auto on/off lights, auto wipers, high beam assist, electric front seats
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Ultimate Dark
Motor News star rating
The competition
READ MORE:
Plug-in hybrid cars are 350% thirstier than claimed: European Commission
Carmakers admit electric vehicles aren’t the solution for everybody
Volvo says farewell to diesel engines
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