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Volvo V90 Recharge T8 review: PHEV station wagon with good sound

Volvo V90 featured image
Picture: TechnikNews
(Post picture: © 2022 TechnikNews)

Volvo has with that V90 Recharge T8 launched a PHEV station wagon that does a lot of things right. But is it worth the very high price? We found this out for you in our test!

We already had that in August Volvo C40 Recharge as well as the Volvo XC40 Recharge review. So we are already familiar with Volvo's design and quality. There is also full points for the V90 Recharge. In this respect, it is practically in no way inferior to its all-electric brothers. When it comes to electric range, it's rather mediocre, being a plug-in hybrid after all.

Design: Typical Volvo

Yes, what can one say about the design of the V90 Recharge? It looks like a modern station wagon, but you can tell from afar that it is a Volvo.

On the outside as well as on the inside, the V90 Recharge abounds with many premium and luxury details. From the chrome grille to the Orrefors crystal gear knob. Yes really, the shift knob is made of a crystal glass, which looks very chic. Of course, this is an extra feature that costs 2.500 euros. To be fair, it has to be said that this package also includes the seats made from imitation nappa leather. The crystal glass shift knob looks very chic. But if you don't want to spend that much extra, you will also be satisfied with the normal Volvo gear knob.

The rear lights show the modern Volvo LED design, of course the daytime running lights "Thor's Hammer" and the Active High Beam Matrix headlights are also on board.

Interior: Lots of space and very comfortable

In the V90 Recharge there is enough space and legroom on all seats. With the massage seats in the front and an optional seat heater for the rear row of seats, the comfort is really first class.

As is typical for Volvo, the steering wheel has a very good grip and the heated steering wheel feels good on the hands, even on cold days. The driver information display, which has a classic design but is completely digital in the series, is minimalistic, as is known from Volvo. On the left the speed and traffic sign recognition and on the right the current gear and recuperation or the power display.

Infotainment: Android Automotive as we know it

Android Automotive is once again running on the infotainment system. In our Volvo C40 Recharge Review you can read more details about the operating system, which Volvo is the second manufacturer to install in series after the subsidiary Polestar.

All in all, there is really nothing to complain about. The system runs smoothly, has many multimedia apps and full Google Assistant support. Apple Carplay is then supported via cable as an alternative. The massage seats are also controlled via the display.

There is also an indoor and outdoor air quality index. Volvo still installed a few haptic buttons. But you can tell that Volvo is going for a more minimalistic and simple style, which works very well and looks nice too.

There is permanent LTE reception for the infotainment in all current Volvo models with Android Automotive. OTAs are supposed to be lifelong. Let's see how long life is at Volvo in the end. Of course, that doesn't change the fact that Volvo offers some of the best infotainment currently on the market. My new colleague Alexander, you probably already know him from our car photos, will take care of the next two points.

Driving impression: Driving comfortably is not everything!

Due to the air suspension on the rear axle, the Four-C shock absorbers on the front axle and the length of the V90, the car has a very pleasant driving experience, which is particularly noticeable on uneven roads. The car glides along on country roads and motorways, with a maximum speed of 180 kilometers pro Hour. Unfortunately, the "Sporty steering feel" function made hardly any difference, just like in the Volvo C40 that we were allowed to test. The Volvo also has a lane guidance assistant, which is ideal for motorways and country roads. Unfortunately this one has Probleme with sharper curves. Some manufacturers do it much better.

The V90 has four different driving modes. Pure (priority to using the electric motor), hybrid and the power mode for the full 450 hp. The car can also be switched to "Constant AWD" mode, which can be used, for example, for towing a trailer. In addition, the Volvo has a creep mode, which is very suitable for parking lots or traffic jams. – Alexander Karwig (editorial trainee)

Sound system made by B&W: This is what the upper class sounds like!

The built-in Continuum speakers from the brand let you completely immerse yourself in the music. The highs are present but not too strong, the basses are pleasantly soft and direct.

Thanks to the various setting options offered by the Volvo system software, the sound can be individually adjusted to your own preferences. Together with the well-insulated interior of the V90 and the double-glazed windows, every little note of the music can be heard. – Alexander Karwig (editorial trainee)

Conclusion: station wagon PHEV as a luxury car

The Volvo V90 Recharge T8 delivers many premium features, but this is also to be expected for a list price starting at 72.000 euros. Our test car cost 97.000 euros. This is definitely not affordable for everyone. Nevertheless, the long luxury station wagon offers many advantages that you simply cannot expect in low price ranges. Nevertheless, we missed, for example, a decent Lane Assistant, which does not steer the steering wheel roughly back and forth. Unfortunately, this is currently standard on all Volvo vehicles, hopefully this will improve in the future.

There is also a digital driver information display, unfortunately, minimalism is used here, because there are not many personalization options. But if you like this, you will get your money's worth with Volvo. The sound system is among the best on the market. The chassis is very comfortable, the seats are great with the massage, ventilation and heating functionality. Volvo states the purely electric range as 98 kilometers, realistically we managed a maximum of 66 kilometers. There should be more in here for newer facelifts. But at least that's more than the average PHEV.

We really liked the V90 Recharge. But what do you think of what is offered for the price? Of course, the best thing to do is to try him out yourselfprobeer But we would still like to know whether a Volvo or a plug-in hybrid in general is an option for you?

Thanks to Volvo Germany for providing the V90 Recharge T8 for two weeks!

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Dominic Lux

Dominik is 21 years old and very interested in new hardware for smartphones, as well as in the VR and AR area. He enjoys writing articles on these subjects. He has a fable for smartphones and gadgets, as well as electromobility. So he is currently busy writing in the new mobility department here TechnikNews.

Dominik has already written 117 articles and left 7 comments.

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Laurent

Good review and great pics!

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