W L
VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE PLUG-IN HYBRID T8 AWD INSCRIPTION by Tony Yates
When I first got a glimpse of the new updated XC90 Recharge – I was jumping for joy because Volvo had made good on all its promises of producing something bold and new and what you now see before you is something that I can only describe as a thing of beauty which will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up for some time to come .
Another little secret : I now own a Volvo XC40 Recharge its smaller brother as to say , so I am now finally classed as being cool and hip according to my children - and like a Cruise Missile , many of my friends are now locked onto the path of their nearest Volvo dealership to take ownership of such a wonderful machine .
Power and Efficiency : Power & Performance is a key part of the XC90 Recharge Inscription Pro . Volvo claims a 5.4sec 0-62mph time and I would agree with that because it feels immense when you push the big pedal and when you think about that for a second , that ’ s sports car beating territory . Also , if you own a Porsche , think twice about a race from the lights against the Volvo for sure .
So , what does the T8 stand for ? T8 = ( petrol and electric ) 310hp + 145hp . The XC90 Recharge also has loads of torque which means it ’ s no slouch either . There are also selectable drive modes such as : Pure , Hybrid , Individual , Power & Off-Road . I prefer the power of the engine and the electric motor – so I would keep it in either ‘ Hybrid or ‘ Power Mode ’ most of the time . If you do opt for ‘ Pure Mode ’ then the electric range is 42 mi .
On the road : The XC90 is comfortable and is agile enough to keep up with the demands of most of what you throw at it – but to be honest , you don ’ t drive around in a luxury XC90 with your hair on fire – you simply glide . If you do decide to push the car a bit ‘ gung-ho ’ down a smooth country lane or even around some twisty curves you will find it ’ s very smooth and very controlled .
Interior & Technology : The XC90 is a car that stands out from what everybody else is driving around you . It is very futuristic looking , but it does keep some of the standard Volvo appearances that I loved so much about the older models – such as being Big & Bold .
Inside is a real pleasure to behold . It ’ s well equipped and has some very nice touches around the centre console . To be honest , sitting in here is like sitting in the Royal Suite at The Goring , where everything you will ever need is just a button push or arm ’ s reach away . Volvo has done a brilliant job of making you feel like it was made just for you .
Space : Inside the cabin is a big plus point for the XC90 , it has plenty of room for everyone . Boot space is brilliant and even better with its split-folding seats . There is more than enough space in here for your entire family , even with the use of the seven seats , there is still enough room for a few bags etc ... not like some seven-seat cars I have come across in the past , where you see the third-row passengers faces being contorted against the glass in the rear window due to lack of rear seating space .
Some of the equipment on the XC90 starts with ; 4-Zone Electronic Climate Control , CleanZone with advanced air cleaner PM 2.5 - CleanZone lets you and your passengers enjoy clean , healthy cabin air . It monitors incoming air and can shut the cabin ’ s air intakes if harmful substances are detected . A multifilter helps reduce levels of dust , pollen , particles and chemical odours . Premium Sound by Harman Kardon - This high-class audio system delivers a beautifully balanced , powerful sound . Whiplash injury protection system - WHIPS™ is a Volvo safety innovation that efficiently helps reduce the risk of whiplash injury if your car is hit from behind . At an impact , the entire front backrest and head restraint moves with the occupant to support the neck . There is so much tech inside the XC90 that I have ran out of writing space . All I can say is the list is long , refined and one of the best I have even seen .
Safety : Well , let ’ s just say it ’ s a Volvo and it has you and your family fully covered . No worries there then .
To sum up : Would I buy one ?
A big fat YES , but I can ’ t afford one , which is why I opted for its smaller brother , the brilliant XC40 Recharge – but as a bloke - I , really , really do want to own an XC90 eventually , when I actually grow up ( like all of us ). Will we ever ?......?
I ‘ d have one in a heartbeat . Price : ( from ) £ 73,175
80 wirrallife . com