Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid (2026) review: The flagship impresses

The Volvo XC90 has stood for Swedish premium values ​​in the SUV segment for over two decades. With its comprehensive facelift for the 2025 model year, however, the seven-seater proves that it's far from obsolete. We have the plug-in hybrid variant Extensively tested with 455 hp system output and seven seats.

The Volvo XC90 is more than just a large SUV; it's an icon. It premiered in 2002 and definitively established Volvo in the premium SUV segment. With the second generation debuting in 2015, the Swedes ushered in a new era. The XC90 was the first model based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and marked the beginning of a consistent electrification strategy. Now, in the 2026 model year, the premium SUV, following its initial facelift in 2019, presents itself with a comprehensive second facelift. This update not only visually but also technologically bridges the gap to Volvo's all-electric models.

We extensively tested the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD in the "Ultra" trim level during the cold winter months and compared it to the competition in this test report: the BMW X5 xDrive50e, the Chinese GWM Wey 05 Luxury and the Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI e. In a market that is increasingly focused on electrification, the Swede has to prove himself – against established German premium rivals as well as new challengers from the Far East.

Conclusion (tl;dr) on the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: Flagship status well-deserved.

The Volvo XC90 T8 Ultra AWD is an impressive overall package, combining Scandinavian design, the highest safety standards, luxurious comfort, and modern drive technology. The facelift breathes new life into the now ten-year-old model generation and bridges the gap to the brand's electric models. Particularly compelling are its distinctive appearance, the spacious and high-quality interior, the exemplary amount of room with seven full-size seats, the comprehensive safety features, and the successful plug-in hybrid technology. The intuitive Android infotainment system and the outstanding Bowers & Wilkins sound system further underscore its premium aspirations.

Less appealing are the lack of DC charging capability, the limited all-electric range, and the somewhat sluggish heating in sub-zero temperatures. In comparison to its competitors, the XC90 excels in safety, spaciousness, and comfort. The BMW X5 xDrive50e offers more dynamic driving characteristics and a sportier feel, the Audi Q7 TFSI e impresses with its technical sophistication, and the BMW Wey 05 stands out with its electric range and low price.

The Swedish flagship scores points overall with its balanced design, Scandinavian charm, and a philosophy that puts people first. Anyone looking for a large, comfortable, and safe premium SUV with a plug-in hybrid drive and seven seats, and who values ​​minimalist yet elegant design, will find the Volvo XC90 a compelling companion.

Strengths and weaknesses of the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid:

✅ Strengths:

• Distinctive, timeless design
• Spacious, high-quality interior with excellent workmanship
• Seven seats with good variability
• Exemplary, comprehensive safety equipment
• Powerful 455 hp plug-in hybrid drive with superior driving performance
• One-pedal driving possible
• Excellent Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 1.410 watts
• Intuitive Android infotainment system with Google integration
• High comfort thanks to air suspension and excellent noise insulation

❌ Weaknesses:

• No DC fast charging capability
• Only 180 km/h top speed
• Higher fuel consumption when the battery is discharged (9,5-11 liters)
• Steering could offer more direct feedback

Image: Volvo Germany

Design and exterior of the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid:

The new XC90 presents itself with more confidence than ever. The redesigned front end is particularly striking, clearly drawing inspiration from the design language of Volvo's all-electric models like the EX90. The grille features a more graphic pattern, with diagonally opposing inserts replacing the classic waterfall design. In the Ultra trim level tested, the frame and inserts are chrome-plated, lending the 4,95-meter-long Swedish SUV a particularly luxurious touch. The characteristic “Thor’s Hammer” light motif The LED daytime running lights have been retained and combined with new matrix LED headlights consisting of 15 individual segments. The headlights now extend more slenderly into the grille, giving the XC90 a bright, modern look. The matrix LED technology is particularly impressive: individual segments can be selectively deactivated to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic while ensuring optimal illumination of the road.

Our test vehicle was finished in the exclusive Mulberry Red paint. This new color, inspired by the autumnal hues of Scandinavia, gives the XC90 an exceptional presence. Depending on the light, the color shifts between a deep red and a warm burgundy tone, perfectly accentuating the sculpted lines of the body. Compared to its competitors, the XC90 appears less muscular, yet undeniably confident. It doesn't have the futuristic look of some other new SUVs, but it scores points with its elegance and timeless design. The distinctive line spanning the entire side, the generous window area, and the integrated aluminum roof rails emphasize the SUV character in the Bright trim level, without compromising its sporty appeal. proto appear stylish. The harmonious overall look is rounded off by the 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Space: First-class

This is where the XC90 demonstrates one of its greatest strengths. The premium SUV offers seven seats in three rows as standard, which is not a given in this class. The front axle, positioned far forward on the SPA architecture Based on this platform, it allows for a long wheelbase of 2,98 meters. This translates directly into generous interior space. Even people over two meters tall will find comfortable seating in the front row. The seats offer a wide range of adjustment in both length and depth, as well as numerous electric adjustment options. The second row is also extremely spacious. The three individual seats can be moved independently lengthwise to customize legroom. A clever detail is the electrically folding headrests in the second row, controlled via touchscreen, which expand the rearward field of vision when the seats are unoccupied.

With approximately 94 centimeters of legroom, the XC90 is on par with the BMW X5 and slightly surpasses the Audi Q7. The third row of seats is more generously sized than in many competitors. Passengers up to 170 centimeters tall will find genuinely usable space here. The seats are staggered and slope upwards towards the rear, allowing for a comfortable seating position. The footwell under the second-row seats provides additional comfort. By comparison, the BMW X5 also offers seven seats as an option, but the third row is really only suitable for children. The Audi Q7 offers similar legroom in the third row to the Volvo, while the BMW X05 does not offer a seven-seat option.

Trunk: Practical volume

The typical characteristics of the car are evident in the boot capacity.proThe cargo space of a plug-in hybrid with a seven-seater configuration is measured. With all seats in place, there are 262 liters of cargo volume, which is sufficient for shopping but not particularly generous. Folding down the third row of seats increases the volume to Practical 640 liters. Folding down the second row of seats creates a nearly flat loading area with an impressive 1.816 liters of capacity. For comparison, the BMW X5 xDrive50e and the GWM Wey 05 offer only 500 liters in their five-seater configuration, while the Audi Q7 TFSI e manages 563 liters.

The load compartment width between the wheel arches is 113 centimeters. The electrically operated tailgate with sensor-controlled opening function also makes loading and unloading considerably easier. The additional 145-liter compartment in the trunk floor is also practical, providing storage for valuables or the Type 2 charging cable. With the optional air suspension, the rear can be lowered by four centimeters. This is very helpful when loading or hitching a trailer (maximum 2.400 kg for the plug-in hybrid).

Driver assistance systems of the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid:

Volvo has traditionally been a pioneer in safety and driver assistance systems. The XC90 impressively underlines this claim. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)A sensor platform with a front camera, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors forms the basis for a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. The automatic emergency braking system detects vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians, and even large animals such as deer or wild boar, day and night, and operates at speeds as low as 4 km/h. If a collision is imminent and the driver fails to react, the system initiates emergency braking. The intersection braking assistant prevents collisions with oncoming traffic when turning left. Another function mitigates collisions with oncoming vehicles that veer into the driver's lane while overtaking.

The "Oncoming Lane Mitigation" intervenes between 60 and 140 km/h when the vehicle crosses the center line and oncoming traffic is imminent: Active steering input guides the XC90 back into the correct lane. "Road Edge Detection" prevents unintentional lane departures through gentle steering and braking interventions. The Run-off Road Protection is particularly innovative: If the vehicle leaves the road, it proactively tightens the seatbelts and activates energy-absorbing elements in the seats to prevent spinal injuries. The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Lane Change Merge Aid also monitors up to 70 meters behind the vehicle and warns of vehicles in the blind spot. If the warning is ignored, active steering intervention occurs. The Cross Traffic Alert with emergency braking function reliably detects cross traffic within a radius of up to 30 meters when reversing.

Cloud-based systems also warn of slippery roads and hazards by exchanging information with other nearby Volvo vehicles. Traffic sign recognition additionally uses Google Maps navigation data to improve accuracy. Compared to its German competitors, Volvo is at least on par and in some areas, such as animal detection and run-off-road protection, even superior. The GWM Wey 05 also offers comprehensive driver assistance systems, but it cannot quite match their level of sophistication.

Autonomous driving: Pilot Assist impresses

Pilot Assist enables semi-autonomous driving at a speed of up to 130 km / hEven without a vehicle ahead, the system combines adaptive cruise control with active steering assistance to reliably keep the XC90 in its lane. It utilizes not only camera and radar data, but also map data from Google Maps, including road layouts, curves, and gradients. Emergency Stop Assist activates if the system detects no steering, braking, or acceleration activity from the driver for an extended period and the driver fails to respond to warnings. In this case, the vehicle is automatically braked to a standstill, and the hazard warning lights are activated.

In practice, Pilot Assist performs convincingly: On highways and multi-lane expressways, the system precisely centers the vehicle in its lane, smoothly adjusts the speed to the flow of traffic, and confidently handles even moderate curves. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel, as this is continuously monitored by a sensor. Compared to BMW's Driving Assistant Professional or Audi's Adaptive Cruise Control, the Volvo delivers a similarly sophisticated experience, although the German systems are marginally more precise in very tight bends.

Safety: The DNA of Volvo

Safety is and always will be in Volvo's DNA. The XC90 features a safety cage made of hot-formed boron steel, one of the toughest steels available. This extremely rigid passenger cell protects occupants in all types of collisions, while front and rear crumple zones effectively dissipate impact energy. The comprehensive airbag system includes front and side airbags, head and shoulder airbags for all three rows of seats, and a driver's knee airbag.

All seats are equipped with three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. The patented Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) in the front seats also reduces the risk of whiplash in rear-end collisions. Child safety is particularly exemplary. Volvo recommends rear-facing car seats until the age of four and offers specially designed child car seats with a slimmer profile and breathable wool padding. The standard emergency call system, "Volvo on Call," automatically contacts emergency services and transmits the GPS location when the airbags are deployed.

Interior of the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid:

Upon opening the door, one is greeted by an interior that... Scandinavian design philosophy Perfectly embodied: clean lines, high-quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail. The redesigned, horizontally oriented dashboard enhances the feeling of spaciousness. It's covered in grained, anthracite-colored vinyl, conveying an exclusive look. The illuminated decorative inlays in "Grey Ash" real wood in our test vehicle are particularly impressive. The slightly concave inlays are subtly illuminated in the dark, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The extended ambient lighting bathes the dashboard and door panels in warm light.

The seats deserve praise: they are ergonomically designed and, with their shape resembling the human spine, offer excellent long-distance comfort. In the Ultra trim level, they are also upholstered in ventilated Nappa leather and feature a massage function with various programs. The massage function works very effectively. and noticeably contributes to relaxation. The electrically adjustable leg rests and the four-way lumbar support also enhance comfort. The redesigned center console now offers more storage space. The new 2+1 cup holder accommodates not only standard cups but also narrower cans. The workmanship is of the highest standard, and the look and feel of the materials are consistently impressive.

Comfort: Very quiet interior

The Volvo XC90 T8 Ultra redefines premium comfort. The optional adaptive air suspension with active Four-C technology (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) ensures exceptionally smooth handling. Up to 500 times pro Sensors analyze the driving conditions every second and adjust the damper settings accordingly, effectively minimizing pitch, dive, and roll movements. The new FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology allows the 2,2-ton SUV to glide smoothly over bumps in our test. Longitudinal waves are absorbed gently without the vehicle feeling spongy. The air suspension maintains a constant ground clearance and automatically lowers the vehicle by one centimeter at speeds above 110 km/h to improve aerodynamics.

The interior noise level is remarkably low. Acoustic foam in the pillars, sound-absorbing material in the firewall, and standard acoustic glazing in the side windows effectively block out wind, engine, and road noise. At highway speeds, the atmosphere is like a library. An optional head-up display (standard in the Ultra trim level) further enhances the experience. proIt projects speed and navigation instructions directly into the driver's field of vision. It appears as if the information is floating two meters in front of the vehicle. Over-the-air updates keep the system and software up-to-date and install new features without requiring a visit to a workshop.