Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid review

Back at the beginning of 2017 we were lucky enough to road test a Volvo XC90 on holiday in Scotland and both my husband and I fell in love with this practical family car.

The Volvo XC90 is classed as an SUV and has the benefit of having 7 seats as well as a decent sized boot space when all the seats are in use, unlike most 7 seater vehicles, so was the perfect car for us to take on our recent holiday to North Wales.

Volvo XC90

We managed to squeeze 3 kids, the teen and all our luggage into the car for our 5 hour journey to North Wales and back again and although it was a bit of a squeeze, everyone was comfortable and happy during the journey.

Volvo XC90

Once the luggage had been unpacked, we had much more room to spread out, with the kids taking it in turn to sit in the rear two seats.

Volvo XC90

The difference between this model and the one we tested previously is that the T8 Twin Engine is a plug-in hybrid.

Volvo XC90

The only way you would know from the outside though is by the filler flap on the passenger side front wing, T8 badging on the back and the Volvo charging cable in the boot.

Volvo XC90

The car runs in Hybrid mode by default, which automatically manages the energy stored in the battery and recharges through engine and road braking, showing you what type of energy you are using on the dashboard.

Volvo XC90

You can also save the battery for later use, or recharge the pack on the move, however, doing this will see your fuel economy plummet so it is best to charge it using the charging point. Spare charging cables are available from evcableshop.co.uk

Volvo XC90

The infotainment system in the central front panel allows you to control the air temperature both on the driver and passenger side, has a digital radio and sat nav option and parking cameras which give a view from above the car, not just at the rear as I have seen before.

Volvo XC90

It is using this tablet like system that you can also change your Hybrid engine settings, activate the heated steering wheel and control the massage facility in the two front seats (perfect for when you have just climbed a mountain).

Volvo XC90

Driving a Hybrid doesn’t feel any different to driving another car, apart from the fact that it is much quieter – almost silent, however, the T8 performs exactly like any other XC90 when you need to accelerate and handled brilliantly on the Welsh mountain roads as it did on the motorway. For a big car, its steering is light and there’s lots of grip and traction thanks to its four-wheel-drive system.

Volvo XC90

Because the Hybrid system eats into the space normally taken up by the fuel tank in conventional XC90’s, this car has a smaller 50-litre capacity which meant we had to fill up more than we expected to, however, we didn’t charge it as had no access to a charging point during our holiday.

Volvo XC90

Another feature of the car we loved was the sunroof, which can either be tilted open or opened back to really let the fresh air in.

Volvo XC90 Peacock

The XC90 also has lots of clever technology fitted as standard to help avoid crashes, including IntelliSafe, a system that warns of hazards ahead and brakes for you if needed, it can brake and steer itself if it senses you’ve left the road and it can even drive itself with pilot assist technology, which is the most bizarre experience but great if you are sat in heavy traffic.

Volvo XC90

For those wanting to know if it passes the three car seat challenge – it doesn’t quite, however, with the children’s accessory pack, it has integrated booster cushion which conveniently folds up to provide safe and comfortable seating for children over 3 years on the middle seat, which would be perfect for us as Isaac only uses a booster now.

Volvo XC90

We are looking to replace our ageing cars and the Volvo XC90 is now top of the list as we have found some brilliant leasing offers on it.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 price start from Β£52,135 for an entry level model and prices rise depending on specs.

Disclaimer: We borrowed the Volvo XC90 T8 for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

46 thoughts on “Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid review”

  1. This looks like a great car and I love all the extra gadgets and tech it has too! We are currently looking for a new car that is both comfy and spacious (for all of our camping gear) and this one definitely ticks lots of those boxes!

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  2. I have always been a really big fan of Volvo and this car looks amazing! I am definitely going to test one out, as we’re in the marker for a new car. It looked like there was so much space in there!

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  3. That car is gorgeous. We are looking at a hybrid, we’ve owned one before and it was a great car. We are looking for something like this one, with a lot more class.

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  4. This is such a gorgeous looking car and great that it’s Hybrid too – I can see why it’s at the top of your list for a replacement family car because it really does seem fab!

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  5. I love the idea of a hybrid car but until they are quicker to charge and hold more charge I don’t want to invest, but definitely something for the future x

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  6. This car sounds like a dream! Can’t believe you can see the car from above!! Way above my price range though, has my current car is only worth Β£500. But I can dream.

    Oh, and I love the fact that you took some painted rocks on holiday with you! LOL

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  7. Looks like a perfect car for a family. I was never been a fan of vans… this car looks perfect! And it being a hybrid is even better!

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  8. What’s up with the bird? so unique! lol, about the car, looks super spacious and i love the exterior. Totally up to it

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  9. Wow what a beautiful car! I can’t get used to all the technology the new cars have these days…looks like a great ride though and perfect for the family.

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  10. This looks like an awesome car. My husband is planning to buy a new one and this is something that he would really love.

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  11. What a great family car! Not a huge fan of white, as it gets dirty so easily, but the design of the SUV is spot on! πŸ™‚

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  12. Ohhh I need this in my life!! With four children, a dog, and a mountain of luggage wherever we go we are fast outgrowing our car! I love how stylish this is!

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