Tested: 2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 PHEV Facelift – 10 Years On, Still Setting the Standards?

Behold, The ‘New’ Volvo XC90…

It has been a decade since Volvo unveiled the second-gen Volvo XC90 back in 2015, and this beloved three-row SUV is still soldiering on with a second facelift version unveiled globally back in 2024.

Having made its local debut back in 2025 alongside its fully electric twin, the updated XC90 carries a host of minor changes that further enhance this already stellar SUV. 

This includes some minor exterior design changes, such as the redesigned Thor’s hammer matrix LED headlights, a new front grille design with diagonal inserts, updated bumpers, new 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, plus the new Aurora Silver hue replacing the Pebble grey of the previous model.

That said, most of its design remains unchanged from the previous version, as the new XC90 retains its simple yet timeless SUV silhouette, although previous model owners will notice that the new version doesn’t get the sporty exhaust pipes anymore.

What also remains unchanged is its dimensions, as the three-row SUV still spans 4,950 mm long, 1,958 mm wide, and 1,776 mm tall with a 2,984 mm wheelbase.

All in all, despite the minor design changes, the updated XC90 still looks as fresh as it did ten years ago—a testament to the timeless design of this Swedish behemoth.

Old Dog, New Tricks

The facelift treatment continues inside the new XC90, where Volvo has further enhanced its cabin with one important upgrade to this SUV—the infotainment suite.

The new 11.2-inch portrait-oriented display now supports a more enhanced version of the Google software, which features support for Google services such as Google Maps, YouTube, Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and more.

Also changed here is the central console design, where it gets two larger cup holders and a more easily accessible wireless charger tray, while most of the physical controls are being kept for easier access.

What remains unchanged is the luxury level on this Swedish behemoth, where buyers will get the same posh amenities, such as the Orrefors crystal gear knob, grey ash wood veneers, a new grey fabric dashboard trim, a blonde headliner, and black Nappa leather upholstery for all the seats.

Other premium amenities are also more or less the same as the previous model, including the powered and ventilated front seats, ambient lights, illuminated door sills, a large panoramic sunroof, multiple USB-C ports, dedicated A/C vents for all three seating rows, window shutter blinds, and the signature 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Hi-fi audio system.

Given its same dimensions as the previous model, the practicality level also remains unchanged for the new XC90, as its cargo space still measures 316 litres as standard and can be expanded to 967 litres with the third-row seats folded down. There’s also a removable tonneau cover, a 12-volt socket, and a switch to adjust the ride height of the car for easier cargo bay access—the latter enabled by the car’s air suspension system.

Granted, the changes given to its cabin might be minor for a facelift’s standard, but just like its exterior, the XC90 was already near-perfect in its previous form, so there are not really many changes that need to be made. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Same Electrified Performance, Segment-Leading Comfort

The slight changes theme goes on to the mechanical bits for the new XC90, but Volvo engineers did tackle the update to the most important aspect of the car—comfort.

For the updated version, Volvo has upgraded the air suspension system for the XC90 while improving the overall insulation level on this SUV. As a result, the new XC90 is noticeably quieter and more comfortable than the previous model, so much so that we confidently think this is the most comfortable model within its segment.

What remains unchanged is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) primed on this top-spec Ultra T8 AWD variant. It still carries the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol engine as before, which is still mated to an 8-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels (AWD).

While the single, 107 kW-rated e-motor setup remains unchanged, Volvo has improved the overall efficiency of the T8 PHEV system, where its 19 kWh battery pack is now good for up to 77 km of WLTP range. That said, it still can’t accept the DC fast charging method like many other modern PHEVs, with the current 6.4 kW AC charger enabling a 0-100% charge to be completed in three hours.

Combined, the whole system delivers 456 hp and 709 Nm, which is enough to push this behemoth from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds before hitting the limiter at 180 km/h. Not to forget, its towing capacity is also upgraded to 2,400 kg now, not that anybody would use this premium SUV as a workhorse, at least not here in Malaysia.

While other more powerful premium midsize SUVs like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 may deliver a more exhilarating driving experience, the new XC90 Ultra T8 PHEV is still the best of both worlds in this segment—a high-performance electrified SUV with a decent space and premium cabin for seven occupants. And even in this ageing platform, the updated XC90 is a living testimony to the sheer work done by Volvo engineers in designing this behemoth in the first place.

The Most ‘Selamat’ Premium SUV?

With Volvo Malaysia’s latest ‘Selamat’ campaign focusing on the safety of their vehicles, we’re happy to report that despite pre-dating said initiative, the new XC90 is still one of the safest SUVs you can buy today.

As standard, this three-row SUV comes with a series of passive safety features, including seven airbags, seven three-point seat belts for all seats, and a slew of traction and stability control systems.

As for the active safety features, this ageing SUV still gets a slew of modern ADAS functions, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Front- (FCTA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and more.

Having said that, some of the ADAS functions, like ACC and LKA, may not be on par with other more modern SUVs out there, but we still find them to be quite usable and not too sensitive, like other systems found in more affordable cars out there.

Not to mention, the intricate PHEV system does hinder the XC90 from having a spare wheel, where buyers will instead get a simple tyre repair kit—which has now become an industry standard, even for the premium brands. But hey, at least the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is there to warn you ahead of time, and there’s also the 5-year 24-hour roadside assistance with complimentary towing to keep you covered during unfortunate situations.

Should You Buy One?

As timeless as a car can be, it is getting harder and harder to recommend a decade-old vehicle for one, especially in this day and age where Chinese automakers have stormed the local automotive scene with incredibly valued models.

However, we still think there’s an exception that can be made for the new 2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 PHEV AWD, where the stellar foundation built by Volvo a decade ago has served this nameplate very well, so much so that even the slight changes are already enough to make this Swedish behemoth look and feel like any other modern car in this decade.

Still locally assembled (CKD) at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam, which is one of the country’s oldest vehicle assembly plants that is still operational, the new XC90 in this top-spec Ultra T8 PHEV AWD guise tested still comes with a very premium price tag of RM434,888.

Mind you, said price is inclusive of a 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, a separate 8-year warranty for the high-voltage battery system, 5 years of complimentary Google services and data connectivity, plus the aforementioned 5 years of 24-hour roadside assistance with complimentary towing.

Sure, the seven-seater scene has changed dramatically since the arrival of premium Chinese electrified people movers, but we still think that the XC90 still has its own place in this now crowded space, albeit it is undeniably harder to justify the hefty price tag for one.

SPECIFICATIONS

2025 VOLVO XC90 ULTRA T8 PHEV AWD (CKD)