Only as a plug-in hybrid
Volvo has a new large SUV in the starting blocks: the EX90. However, that car will have to wait a while and is only electric. The faithful XC90 has therefore received a contract extension and remains available. Only as a plug-in hybrid, by the way.
The Volvo XC90 of this generation has been around for some time and will therefore be a familiar face to many. Volvo actually already had the successor ready, but recently decided to continue with this model for a while. That successor is the EX90, which will be launched in 2024, a fully electric model. There is a lot of demand for hybrids worldwide, so that is why the old model can remain for a while next to the new EX90. The XC90 was slightly polished and updated for the occasion. We subject him to another test.
The Volvo XC90 is not electric, so what is it?
The XC90 is only available with one powertrain: the plug-in hybrid. So no more diesel and no more mild hybrid. That makes it nice and clear and there is only a choice at the equipment level. This drivetrain received extra power two years ago, but we had not tested it before, so we can call it ‘renewed’ in this article. The two-liter four-cylinder gained a handful of horsepower, so that it now has 310 hp instead of 303. The electric motor on the rear axle has become significantly more powerful: it went from 65 to 107 kW. Or better: from 88 hp to 145 hp. This brings the system power to 455 hp.
The official statement for the electric range is 70 km, but that turns out to be a bit on the positive side. We stuck to just under 60 km, but that will also be very workable for people to reduce fuel consumption in daily use. The two-liter four-cylinder in itself is not an economy miracle in this 2200 kg SUV.
How does the Volvo XC90 drive?
The drivetrain works nicely smoothly, although it seems a bit hesitant if you suddenly want to accelerate. You don’t actually feel when you switch between electric and petrol, but unfortunately it doesn’t always go unnoticed. The engine is quite noisy and a bit rough when it is still cold and has to work hard. You can switch between the different driving modes via the multimedia system, so that it is either more focused on economy or more on power. Speaking of power: it can tow 2,350 kg. Braking is initially done via the electric motor, and only when the pedal is pressed more firmly are the brakes applied, but here too you do not notice the transition from one to the other. Regenerative braking often feels a bit spongy, but Volvo has managed to neatly eliminate that.
The test car had the optional air suspension (€2,570) and although this certainly provides a nice comfortable character on highways, it is not so nice on short bumps such as bad road surfaces or cross ridges. Then the whole car shakes, much more than it would with conventional suspension and damping. The steering is light, but not numb.
Isn’t the multimedia system very outdated?
The most important change in the interior is in the multimedia technology. Volvo has put aside its own system – which was not much wrong with it – for a system with Google Maps and Google Assistant. The screen is still 9 inches in diameter, which is on the small side by today’s standards. Moreover, it is located relatively low in the dashboard. The EX90 will have a larger screen, which is also slightly higher, which has the advantage that you don’t have to take your attention as far away from the road. One of the advantages of the Google system is its excellent voice control. This is very useful for entering destinations, for example.
What is life like on board?
The seats are comfortable and are easily adjustable. In good Volvo tradition, the headrest is attached to the seat, but strangely enough that doesn’t seem to be a problem for anyone. The space on the back seat – or better the second of three rows – is good even for three adults. The ‘sofa’ consists of three individual seats. The XC90 is not particularly narrow, so the person in the middle also sits well. And there is a third row, with two places. Accessibility is good if you slide the seats of the middle row forward. It’s not the nicest of places back there, let’s be clear, but all in all it’s not bad and children certainly won’t complain easily.
When all seven seats are in use, the luggage compartment is of course the smallest and not very usable, especially because the battery of the hybrid drivetrain also had to be placed under the floor there. Those who use it as a five-seater have significantly more space, namely 640 liters.
Is the Volvo XC90 extra cheap?
Finally, we need to talk about finances. The This certainly does not make it an ultra-affordable discontinued model. The EX90 moves in exactly the same bandwidth. We have not yet driven that car and a comparison between the XC90 and EX90 is not yet possible, but it is clear in advance that the XC90 will really be there for those who want to drive a Volvo, but are not yet ready for electric driving. .
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl