2025 Volvo EX90 T8 Ultra PHEV

Volvo has recently granted its largest and most luxurious passenger vehicle a second facelift update. Incorporating more luxury features and elements from Norse mythology, the latest version of the XC90 is more stylish and appealing than ever.

Volvo says that demand remains strong for hybrids and that they provide a vital link to a fully electrified future. With the XC90’s electrified sister, the EX90, winning the World Luxury Car of the Year award, we should count ourselves lucky that Volvo has decided to continue with hybrids as the market slowly shifts towards fully electric power.

The seven-seater XC90 sets the benchmark for what a luxury SUV should be, combining premium quality with sensible Scandinavian design. The XC90 T8 Ultra PHEV we're reviewing is the top-tier plug-in hybrid model; unfortunately, the only option not included in our test model was the massage seats.

The update features a redesigned front end, including new angled main grille vents and slimmer headlights with an iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED pattern. New 22-inch black diamond-cut wheels add bonus bragging rights and stylish looks to the package. While the inside gets a larger and crisper infotainment screen with built-in Google software.

One of the first things you notice when you step inside is the crystal glass gear lever, reminding you that this car is designed for luxury. The 11.2-inch touchscreen display now features a higher pixel density, resulting in clearer visuals; the revamped interface is responsive and integrates with your Google account, allowing you to sync your account for improved synchronisation between home and car. Finally, the Bowers and Wilkins sound system is powerful and offers a crisp sound for whatever your genre of music. 

The interior features a blend of high-quality materials, with a wood grain finish that's better than Ikea. Volvo claims it's sourced sustainably from the woods of Scandinavia, while the rest of the interior makes heavy use of recycled materials and sustainably sourced faux-leather upholstery. The result is a cabin that is not only comfortable but also sensible and fashionable.

Volvo has placed the hybrid battery towards the centre of the car, which surprisingly does not compromise on floor space. There is ample legroom in the second row, with tonnes of space for full-grown adults to sit comfortably. While legroom in the third row is snug, the backrests provide sufficient support for proper seating, making it an excellent choice for when the children have friends over.

Additionally, both the third and second rows fold down, giving you a 668-litre storage area and an 1,874-litre flat storage floor respectively.

Volvo has been a leader in innovative vehicle safety systems for decades. For instance, Volvo were among the first to include features like side-impact protection and curtain airbags as standard in their vehicles. This commitment to safety is evident every time you buckle your seatbelt, which proudly displays the year 1959, marking the invention of the three-point seatbelt by Swedish engineers.

As with every Volvo, the XC90 continues to be equipped with the latest safety systems. This includes, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist, which utilise the radar and front camera to monitor the road ahead and keep you in your lane.

In practice, the safety features are subtle and refined. For the most part, the car lets you drive without audible warnings every time you go too fast or get too close to the white line. Though from time to time it gently takes over, reminding you that it silently functions in the background.

The T8 PHEV option features a 2.0-litre twin-charged petrol engine (i.e., a turbocharger and supercharger on the same engine) that produces 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque. A separate electric motor generates 107 kW of electric power and 309 Nm of torque. When combined, they produce a total power output of 335 kW and 709 Nm of torque, launching the nearly 2.3-tonne SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

The optional air suspension monitors the road ahead 500 times a second to counteract unevenness and bumps, providing a subliminally smooth ride. Although the steering has a weightless and soft feel, you can adjust the steering responsiveness using the touchscreen for a more customised driving experience.

Additionally, Volvo has added extra noise insulation effectively minimises outside road noise within the cabin, adding to the XC90’s already luxurious and exceptionally smooth ride.

The XC90 also has a sporty side to it. Choosing Active mode through the touchscreen tightens the steering and lowers the car by 20mm, allowing it to hunker down on the road. In Active mode the car feels more responsive and grippier in the corners, while the combined power output from the petrol and electric motors produces an impressive amount of grunt, launching the car forward.

With an EV range of 62km of driving with zero tailpipe emissions, it's enough to get you to and from work each day on a single charge. However, we found that with the heater and lights on, the range dropped dramatically due to the relatively small 14.7kWh battery for the size of the car; but on the plus side, the supplied 6.4kW 2-phase onboard charger does provide a full recharge in three hours.

Pricing starts at $161,990 for the high-end T8 PHEV. While this price may seem steep, it is the premium model, and costs less than the top spec option from competitors like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Land Rover Discovery.

The facelifted XC90 is an update that delivers everything it promises, with a very understated approach. It effectively combines elegance and luxury without bragging about it. With its contemporary and timeless Scandinavian design, it's as if Odin himself crafted the car.