Five Things We're Loving About The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge

Two weeks into our month with Volvo’s flagship SUV, patterns are emerging. The initial honeymoon phase has settled into a more nuanced appreciation, with certain features standing out from the pack. Here are five aspects of the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge that continue to impress after the novelty has worn off.

1. The Seamless Hybrid Powertrain

When a car promises both performance and efficiency, skepticism is natural. Remarkably, the XC90’s T8 powertrain delivers on both counts without feeling like it’s compromising either.

The transition between electric and combustion power is almost imperceptible in normal driving. Unlike some plug-in hybrids that shudder or hesitate during this handover, the Volvo manages the switch with such refinement that passengers remain oblivious.

In Pure mode (full electric when charged), the XC90 offers around 40km of silent, emission-free driving – enough for most daily commutes. But it’s the Hybrid mode that truly shines, intelligently blending both power sources to maximize efficiency without driver intervention.

What’s most impressive is how the car uses its electric motor not just for efficiency but also for performance. The instant torque fills in gaps in the power delivery, making the two-ton-plus SUV feel surprisingly nimble off the line. When you need serious acceleration, both power sources work together to deliver genuinely impressive thrust.

2. Those Perfect Seats

Few things matter more in a car you’re spending significant time with than the quality of its seats. Here, Volvo has absolutely nailed it.

The front chairs in the XC90 deserve special recognition. With just the right balance of support and cushioning, they manage to remain comfortable whether you’re taking a quick trip to the shops or embarking on a four-hour highway journey.

The multi-way power adjustment makes finding your ideal position effortless, while both heating and ventilation functions have proven invaluable during December’s unpredictable weather. The massage function – which I initially dismissed as a gimmick – has become a genuine pleasure on longer drives.

What truly sets these seats apart is their orthopaedic design. Volvo worked with spinal specialists to create seats that properly support your lower back and promote good posture. After two weeks and roughly 1,200km, I can report that they’ve eliminated the back fatigue I typically experience in other vehicles after long stints behind the wheel.

3. The Bowers & Wilkins Sound System

Optional extras can be hit or miss, but the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in our test car is unquestionably worth every cent.

With 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of output, it transforms the XC90’s cabin into a concert hall. The clarity is startling – you’ll notice details in familiar songs that you’ve never heard before. Bass response is tight and controlled rather than boomy, while high frequencies sound crisp without becoming harsh.

The system’s party trick is its Concert Hall mode, which recreates the acoustic properties of the Gothenburg Concert Hall. It sounds gimmicky, but the spacious, three-dimensional soundstage it creates is genuinely impressive, especially with classical music or live recordings.

Even at highway speeds with road noise to contend with, the audio quality remains exceptional, requiring less volume adjustment than most premium systems. For music lovers, this upgrade alone might justify choosing the XC90 over its competitors.

4. Thoughtful Practicality

Luxury vehicles sometimes prioritize style over substance, but the XC90 excels at the practical details that make daily living easier.

Take the power-folding third-row seats, which can be lowered or raised via buttons in the cargo area. This seemingly small touch saves awkward reaching and struggling when you need to reconfigure the space. Similarly, the hands-free boot lid has worked flawlessly, recognizing a simple foot movement under the bumper every time.

Storage solutions throughout the cabin show careful consideration. The center console is deep enough for larger items, door pockets can accommodate water bottles, and there are clever cubbies that don’t compromise the clean design aesthetic.

Perhaps most impressively, the XC90 maintains useful cargo space even with all seven seats in use – something many three-row SUVs struggle with. A family trip to the airport demonstrated this perfectly, as we managed to fit four medium suitcases behind the third row without Tetris-like maneuvering.

5. Refined Road Manners

South African roads present unique challenges, from poorly maintained surfaces to extreme temperature variations. The XC90’s air suspension (optional, but fitted to our test car) has proven itself exceptionally capable across these diverse conditions.

The system maintains composure over broken surfaces that would unsettle many competitors, absorbing initial impacts and controlling secondary motions beautifully. In Comfort mode, there’s a suppleness to the ride that belies the large wheels and the vehicle’s substantial weight.

Yet this comfort doesn’t come at the expense of control. Switch to Dynamic mode and the suspension firms up noticeably, reducing body roll and improving responsiveness. While never sports-car sharp, the XC90 handles with surprising agility for its size, inspiring confidence on winding roads.

What’s most impressive is the refinement at highway speeds. Wind and road noise are remarkably well suppressed, creating a serene environment for long-distance travel. After several extended journeys, I’ve come to appreciate how this calm atmosphere reduces fatigue.

Not Quite Perfect

For balance, I should mention that not everything has been flawless. The infotainment system, while generally intuitive, occasionally exhibits slight lag when switching between functions. And while the four-cylinder engine sounds refined most of the time, it lacks the silky-smooth character of six-cylinder units found in some competitors when pushed hard.

These minor quibbles aside, the XC90 T8 Recharge has integrated into daily life with remarkable ease. As we enter the final stretch of our time together, it’s clear that Volvo’s flagship continues to carve out its own unique space in the luxury SUV segment – prioritizing thoughtful design and genuine usability alongside the expected premium trappings.

Next week, we’ll take a deeper dive into the technology that makes this one of the most advanced vehicles on South African roads.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.