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2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid Review

The Swedes Nail the Big SUV Formula in Style

By: Amos Kwon

Web2Carz Editor-In-Chief

Published: July 5th, 2016

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Thirteen years for any car model is an interminably long period to stay on the market virtually unchanged, but that was the first-generation Volvo XC90. It was a pretty good SUV that just went way too long and pretty much became irrelevant on the automotive landscape. But it seemed that Volvo was waiting to do something truly big as evidenced by the SUV that's finally replaced it. The 2016 XC90 is a bold statement for Volvo, and it comes at just the right time for the now Chinese-owned Volvo.

The big three-row SUV is eons ahead of the first-generation car, and it shows in virtually every way. Volvo had to do something significant since the new Audi Q7 also recently bowed after a long wait, and it's a damned fine SUV in its own right. We drove the top trim XC90 in T8 Twin Engine Hybrid form this spring, and we can easily say Volvo's come a long way.

Driving Impressions

The two powertrains give the big Volvo oomph, not just a small added range. The T8 boots the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder to a whopping 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Hammer the throttle and feel the XC90 move with alacrity. But the added cost of the system isn't enough to make us want to pony up the extra funds. You only get 20 added miles of range in EV mode, and it takes over two hours to charge up. Not worth it in our books.

But none of that means the XC90 isn't an utter pleasure to helm. The car is about as comfortable as it gets, short of a Bentley or a Rolls. The car isn't light by any means, but body roll is very controlled, and the overall ride experience is spectacular. You can drive it all day and not grow tired of the Volvo's smoothness, power and comfort.
- Ride Quality: Creamy smooth. The suspension adapts to all road surfaces with ease.
- Steering: The XC90's steering isn't what we'd call precise, but it's pretty good for something this cushy and large.
- Acceleration: When both motors are engaged, this sucker is fast. Even without the electric motor running, this heavy beast gets going with ease. Throttle response is decent.
- Braking: Great brakes bring the XC90 to a stop very well, indeed, and there's no grabbiness to speak of. Pedal feel is good.
- Handling: The hybrid system adds 450 pounds to an already large SUV, but it manages turns decently with some body roll. We don't see drivers pushing it hard into turns, nor should they.
Technology and Safety

The XC90 T8 has just about everything, and it seems that the Swedes didn't hold back on their big SUV. Even the base model, which we didn't test, comes packed with standad features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and start, rearview camera, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The fact that there's a single USB port is both strange and painful since your kids will forever complain about it.

The big touchscreen is reminiscent of the Tesla Model S's big tablet-style screen, and on the Volvo, it's pretty amazing. Once you learn how everything is laid out, using it is a breeze and actually pretty fun. The graphics are stellar, and it's actually pretty intuitive for a large piece of technology. Volvo thought this part through, and it works wonderfully. The big instrument cluster is the best one we've seen this year. Crystal clear and easy to read.
- Infotainment Screen Size/Quality: The big 9-inch vertical touchscreen is awesome. Once you get used to the layout and navigation, it's one of the best. Too bad it gathers dust and fingerprints like mad.
- Bluetooth Phone Pairing: Seamless pairing for Android and iPhone. Recognizing and re-pairing upon re-entry was a breeze.
- Voice/Sound Quality: The voice calls were clear on both sides with good volume control. The optional Bowers and Wilkins sound system is one of the best we've heard in a long time. Excellent.
- Controls: The combination of touchscreen controls and knobs is just about the perfect combination. Everything works well and feels good to the touch. Note the artfulness of the knurled drive mode selector and the Orrefors crystal shift knob. Brilliant.
- Safety: It continues to be Volvo's strong suit. It nails the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for crash testing. The XC90 comes standard with lane departure warning and automatic forward emergency braking. Our vehicle also came with the robust Vision package and Convenience package, which together add blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Exterior Design & Styling

There's nothing revolutionary about big SUV design since designers find it challenging to create a vehicle that both looks attractive and can house seven people in comfort. Volvo doesn't exactly break new ground in this department, but the XC90 is a good-looking SUV from virtually every angle. Volvo showcases their newest design language in the XC90, and it marks a new chapter in the way Volvos look in a good way.

None of the current big SUVs look this good, with the exception of the new Mazda CX-9, and that model doesn't even compete with this one. The XC90 is fluid from front to back and the dramatic details set it apart from the German competition.
- Front: The Thor's Hammer headlights are gorgeous and stand out on the fascia, flanking a big signature Volvo grille. Nothing looks busy or overdone.
- Rear: Volvo's signature bracket taillights look beautiful here, and Volvo exercises proper restraint in keeping things simple and handsome./li>
- Profile: A plain but not unattractive side view provides big glass and some very nice 21-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels. Speaking of which, the wheels fill the fender wells perfectly.
Driver and Passenger Comfort

This is one SUV that actually looks better inside than it does on the outside, and that takes some doing. Plant yourself in the XC90 T8's cabin, and your suddenly awash in opulence that's not overstyled. Materials are rich both visually and to the touch. It doesn't copy the Germans but does premium grade in a fresh new way by adding details the others didn't think of.

High grade plastics, rich leather, textured metal and matte wood abound in perfect harmony. Nothing feels cheap. Driver and passengers enjoy great seats (except for the small third row), and visibility is virtually peerless. It's one interior you won't want to get out of.
- Front Seats: Again, Volvo delivers some of the best seats we've ever planted our butts in. The leather is soft (but looked prematurely worn, and the support and cushion are remarkably good.
- Rear Seats: Great rear seats for second-row passengers with the same supple leather. Third row occupants should be children or very short friends.
- Visibility: Excellent visibility all around thanks to large glass in all directions.
Storage and Cargo Room

The XC90 has ample room for gear and small items and innovative ways of making everything look good. From the shapely center armrest binnacle to the accordian-style retractable cupholder door, storage is both utilitarian and beautiful.

We would've liked to have seen bigger rear door pockets and a small binnacle just aft of the shifter, but you can't have it all. Volvo does a more than respectable job of making an SUV that's every day usable and remarkably good to look at even inside.
- Storage: Matte wood covers the cupholder, and you'll want to play with it all day. The center armrest has plenty of room for daily gear and is readily accessible.
- Trunk/Cargo Room:41.8 cubic feet of rear cargo space with all seats in place is more than substantial, and the 85.7 with the second and third row folded flat is downright cavernous. Long trips are not out of the question.
Final Impressions

We loved the XC90, and we're thrilled to see Volvo head in this direction. They ditched their purely square image years ago, but the execution of the XC90 is the biggest departure for Volvo yet. It's as if they took a look at BMW, Audi and Mercedes and purposefully decided to do something that's worthy of fine art tastes. Everything looks and feels substantial while remaining beautiful to behold.

The big SUV also drives incredibly well. It's fast, comfortable and very easy to use. We'd ditch the T8 powertrain since it adds a substantial premium over the T6, which is a spectacular trim level that provides more than enough power and luxury for most people. The added range and power of the T8 just isn't enough to justify its serious price increase. Nevertheless, Volvo has done something great with the XC90, and we hope it's a sign of even more excellence from the Swedish automaker.
Price & Specifications

Engine: 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged direct inject Engine with electric motor

Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission with Start-Stop

Drivetrain/Layout: all-wheel drive, front engine

Power Output: 400 combined hp (313 hp gas / 87 hp electric)

Fuel Economy (mpg): 40 mpg (gas) / 53 MPGe (electric + gas)

Base Price: $68,100

As Tested: $84,005 (incl. $995 destination)

Standard Features: eAWD with instant traction and DSTC, adjustable drive-mode settings, anti-lock braking system with hill start assist, electric power assisted steering, 20" alloy wheels, Sensus with Integrated 9" touchscreen, Sensus Connect with 6-month complimentary subscription, volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscription, Sensus Navigation, HD Radio, USB & AUX inputs, Bluetooth Hands Free with audio streaming, SIRIUS Radio with 6-month complimentary subscription, 12.3" digital instrument display, City Safety collision avoidance system, pedestrian and cyclist detection and avoidance, Run-off Road Protection, roll stability control, road sign information, lane departure warning & driver alert control, unibody high strength steel cage, seven 3-point safety belts with pretensioners, side impact protection system with driver and front passenger dual stage supplemental restrain system including driver knee airbag, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) front seats, child safety locks in rear doors, tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with high pressure cleaning.

Options on our test vehicle: silver matte front grille, lower door molding with "Inscription" logo, integrated aluminum roof rails, Inscription alloy wheels, nappa leather upholstery, nappa leather dash and upper door panels, ventilated front seating, power side support front seats, linear walnut wood inlays, rear sun curtains rear side doors, nappa leather key fob, "Inscription" badge, Vision Package: blind spot info system and cross traffic alert, 360 surround view camera, automatically dimmed inner and outer mirrors, retractable rearview mirrors; Climate Package with HUD: heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, graphical head-up display (HUD); Convenience Package: Park Pilot Assist, front park assist, adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist, lane keeping aid, HomeLink, compass (interior rearview mirror), grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet cargo area, metallic paint, 2nd row center booster seat, 21" 8-spoke alloy wheels, B/W Premium Sound, 4-corner air suspension.

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