5 Reasons Why The Volvo XC90 Recharge Should Be Your Next Luxury SUV

In the day-and-age of compact SUV crossovers, bigger SUVs, especially the luxurious kind, are slowly becoming a dying breed. Fortunately, there are several ‘survivors’ left, offering those who not only seek the extra real estate, but want equal levels of luxury to indulge themselves in.

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 AWD Ultimate

Amongst these survivors is the Volvo XC90 Recharge – a mid-size SUV of Scandinavian origin, but with a Malaysian birth certificate. Against other Euro contemporaries, the XC90 is the oldest, having debuted back in 2015 – almost a decade ago. Despite this, we’d argue that the XC90, in its latest form, still packs enough to make it a top consideration for anyone looking for a new luxury SUV as such.

With a recent weekend spent driving the XC90 Recharge in range-topping T8 AWD Ultimate form, it’s safe to say that this ‘ageing’ SUV still has lots to offer. Here are five reasons why this is still a standout choice, even when pitted against newer, pricier  rivals.

1. Timeless styling that lasts

Though the XC90 is somewhat entering its twilight, it’s hard to ignore how it still looks ‘fresh’ – a testament to Volvo’s timeless design, perhaps? Alongside current contemporaries, the XC90 doesn’t look out of the place.

The addition of chrome bits truly adds class to the XC90

This rings true especially in the range-topping Ultimate guise tested, where the XC90 gets a bevy of chrome exterior bits in its massive front grille, lower front bumper intakes, door trims and handles, window surrounds, roof rails, as well as the rear bumper trim.

Brightworks aside, this big SUV also rides on equally-sized yet stylish 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

What rejuvenates this Swede’s stance is the new Bright Dusk hue, which blends well with the aforementioned chrome parts. Simply put, this ‘timeless’ silhouette, plus the new trims mentioned, truly allow the XC90 Recharge to stand the test of time as far styling goes.

2. Very posh and equally high-tech cabin

This is where older models usually falter, but not the case in the XC90 Recharge. Predictably, it’s endowed with a cabin that’s both richly-equipped with tech and plush luxuries.

Google-powered central infotainment display, featuring a slew of Google apps

Sitting front and centre in the dash is a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s Google-powered, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant and other related services. Apple users, fret not, said infotainment suite also supports Apple CarPlay, albeit wired. As for charging, there are four USB-C ports (two at front, two at rear) present, plus a wireless charging pad in the central console, for driver and passengers alike to utilise.

The digital instrument cluster incorporates real-live navigation view

Drivers also get a bevy of dedicated tech, prime example being the 12-inch digital instrumentation that’s supplemented by the head-up display (HUD) – both featuring real-time navigation and ADAS-related displays.

The Scandinavian, minimalist design ethos is apparent here, but Volvo went the extra mile by lacing the XC90’s innards with premium materials. Amongst them are real wood veneers, plush leather upholstery, as well as a novel Orrefors crystals gear knob.

Furthermore, the XC90 Recharge’s multi-zone air conditioning system grants passengers in the second row with their own climate control panel that sits above the rear  central A/C vents. These are bolstered by a pair of B-pillar-mounted A/C vents, whereas third-row occupants get a further two dedicated vents positioned in the C-pillars.

Topping off the XC90’s cabin kit list is a pitch-perfect 1,410-watt 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

To sum things up, the XC90 Recharge really lives up to the Swedish marque’s renowned reputation for understated luxury.

3. A drive that’s refined by electrification

The XC90 Recharge’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup truly masks this SUV’s heft. Despite that and its overall size, this two-tonne-plus behemoth accelerates like something half its size.

This 2.0-litre 4-cyl block can trace its root all the way back to Ford!

Much of this stems from the familiar 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill, rated at 315 HP and 400 NM, that drives the front wheels. This is then assisted with additional traction at the rear by the electric motor said mill works in tandem with, which adds another 143 HP and 309 NM into the mix.

Don't let its bulky facade fool you, the XC90 Recharge is a rapid vehicle!

Managing all that is an 8-speed Geartronic automatic box and trick all-wheel drive (AWD) setup. Altogether, it grants the XC90 with segment-leading total system outputs of 455 HP and 709 NM, allowing nought to 100 KM/H sprints in just 5.3 seconds.

Type 2 AC connector grants the XC90 Recharge access to many public chargers, like this ChargeSini's AC 11 kW public charging station

Juicing said electric drive is an 18.8-kWh (14.9-kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack that also grants the XC90 T8 Recharge with up to 77 KM of all electric-only driving. Recharging via 3.6 kW AC inputs will take about 3 hours or so, but you can also recharge using the 4-cup mentioned by simply toggling the ‘Charge’ driving mode.

Aside from peppy performance, partial electrification also grants the XC90 T8 Recharge with an astoundingly frugal fuel economy - as low as 1.3-litre/100 KM, in fact, which is almost unheard of in this segment.

When cornering, however, there’s no hiding the XC90’s heft. Thankfully, Volvo did lace the XC90’s relatively rigid chassis with a trick the air suspension setup to mitigate swaying in corners. For the most parts though, this SUV feels planted and smooth, even when at high speeds.

To simplify, electrification not only elevates the XC90 T8 Recharge’s driving experience and performance, it also makes it both frugal and comfortable, too. Speaking of which…

4. On board space is abundant!

Being a mid-size SUV, space is definitely not an issue for the XC90 Recharge. With a wheelbase measuring almost three metres (2,984 MM), second-row passengers can sit comfortably with almost a metre-long leg room, as well as ample headroom and shoulder room.

Space is a bit of a premium at the XC90's third-row

Third-row seats, however, do seem a tad cramped compared to the second-row’s. Certainly, ‘fluffier’ adults like this writer could barely fit here. At least Volvo tried to make this space livable by fitting them with proper individual seats with full-sized headrests, as well as the aforementioned A/C vents. However, we reckon this space is best left to either children or fun-sized grown-ups.

The presence of air suspension enables you to adjust the car's height level with a switch (right)

Keep said third-row seats folded down and the XC90 T8 Recharge instead delivers a massive 640-litre cargo space, which can expand to a whopping 1,816-litre when the second-row seats are also folded down. Accessing this space is made easier thanks to the powered tailgate with kick sensor, while the aforementioned air suspension system also grants the ability to adjust the car’s height level for easier loading and unloading.

I’m short, the XC90 T8 Recharge allows for exceptionally high space utilisation, and this applies both ways in respect to providing ample luggage space or passenger comforts.

5. Not just the peppiest, this is also the most affordable in segment

Though presented as a three-row, seven-seat SUV, the XC90 T8 Recharge still is still classed as a mid-size SUV that belongs to the E-segment, which largely sees  five-seat offerings.

This, in turn, makes its on-the-road price of RM432,888 seem very reasonable. This is especially true when you consider both of its closest competitors – the BMW X5 PHEV and Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 – command much steeper RM456,620 and RM 515,888 figures respectively. Boosting this reasonable claim is the fact that this XC90 also stands as the peppiest and most spacious choice against said Germans.

Would you prefer this Swedish behemoth over the usual German suspects?

Though some argue that the rivalling Bimmer has a more engaging drive dynamics, and the Merc GLE 450 stands as a slightly more premium offering, the XC90 T8 Recharge still manages to strike the right balance between the two whilst being a somewhat refreshing alternative against both predictable German contemporaries.

To wrap things up, the XC90 T8 Recharge has enough specs and kit to stand toe-to-toe against its European rivals. Its accessible pricing plus uniquely Scandinavian style appeal only fuels its cause of being arguably the best in segment too.

Do you agree?

Well-endowed and reasonably-priced, we reckon these reasons make the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 AWD Ultimate earn a place closer to the top of most prospect’s  list for a mid-size luxury SUV.

Should those reasons not be enough for you, then this promotion by Volvo Car Malaysia will surely further entice you towards the XC90. When purchasing a new Volvo hybrid electric vehicle (including the XC90 Recharge) from July 1 to September 30, 2023, customers are entitled a complimentary car insurance for the first year and VSP (5-year Volvo Service Plan) worth almost RM20,000.

VSP is a comprehensive car service package that covers your first five car services including wear-and-tear items and labour costs, free software updates and vehicle health checks. For more information on this promotion, you can visit Volvo Car Malaysia’s promotional website by clicking here. 

Surely, we’ve done enough to sway you away from popular, ‘reputable’ rivals hailing from Germany? Could this Swedish behemoth entice you enough to adopt it as a daily that’s stylishly posh and high tech?

As always, leave your thoughts in the comments down below, as well as any of our official social media platforms…

SPECIFICATIONS

VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE T8 AWD ULTIMATE PHEV