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2021 Volvo XC90 – First Test

This is What We Call Modern Luxury

Volvo’s lineup offers a refreshing departure from the norm with elegance and finesse, and the 3-row cross-over XC90 makes for a perfect example. Safety also remains as one of Volvo’s primary focus in which the XC90 comes equipped with plenty of standard driver-assist and tech features. Three four-cylinder engine variants are available including a plug-in hybrid under test. While its EV range of 21 miles isn’t staggering, we ultimately enjoyed the fashionista-inspired interior and supreme build quality.

Only minor changes have been introduced for 2021 that now comes with more standard features including adaptive LED headlamps, parking sensor LEDs, wireless charging, headlight wipers, and Volvo’s in-house Care-Key remote key fob that allows you to set the top speed limitation conveniently. Additional paint colors are also available including a Saville Gray paint trim.

Powertrain

Three engine variants based on a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine are available for the XC90. Base models get a a T5 turbocharged engine making 250 horsepower in front-wheel drive configuration. Upgrading to the Momentum trim offers the more powerful T6 engine that a duo supercharger and turbocharger in its powertrain, boosting the horsepower up to 316. The T6 engine is also exclusive to all-wheel drive configuration. Volvo’s T8 plug-in hybrid engine integrates two electric motors in the rear with an onboard 11.6 kWh lithium ion battery pack and battery charger, boosting its power output to 400hp and 472 lb.ft of torque. Only the Recharge trim is offered with the T8 plug-in hybrid engine that gets 21 miles of EV range. Charge time for the T8 plugin hybrid powertrain takes 4 hours on Level 1 (3 kW) or 3 hours on Level 2 (6kW) charge station.

All trims receive a fluid 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in either FWD or AWD depending on trim.

Interior and Tech Features

One of the high-points of Volvos are its clean, simple and contemporary interior that offers both a bright, spacious and comfortable feel. Volvo has done an exceptional job in striking a perfect balance of build quality and aesthetics from its perforated leather seats, carefully crafted wooden and brushed aluminum trimmings black lacquered finishing.

Other premium features include a large panoramic sunroof that floods the interior cabin space with natural light and the light color scheme helps create an overall clean and upscaled look. Available for upgrade is also a $3200 premium Bower and Wilkins 19-speaker 1400 watt sound system that delivers a crisp and high-fidelity listening experience.

A 12.3″ all-digital instrument cluster elegantly renders the conventional speedometer/tachometer while reserving the center of the screen for maps and navigation. A heads-up display also comes standard with the Recharge trim that also displays navigation directly displayed onto the driver’s windshield

A portrait tablet-like 9″ infotainment display handles all multi-media and navigation access. Climate controls are also integrated as part of the infotainment screen, which aesthetically cleans up the center console with minimal clutter.

Test Drive and Final Thoughts

Volvo’s exceptional build quality is immediately noticed with its trademark tank-like feel. On EV range, the onboard duo electric-motors provide smooth and seamless acceleration while keeping the cabin space whisper quiet throughout its 21 miles of EV range before its internal gas engine kicks in.

Although the XC90 doesn’t match the driving enthusiasm of its German rivals alike the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7, the three-row passenger still offers plenty of premium features, unique interior and exceptional build quality. Its EV range also falls short of some of its competitors, which may not warrant spending extra for the plugin-hybrid for some buyers.

Our XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid trim comes priced in at $64,545 while the non-plug-in hybrid R-Design trim with the T6 engine will be cheaper at $56,749. The lowest Momentum trim with a T4 engine in FWD configuration comes in at $50,105.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2021 Volvo XC90
  • Model : Recharge
  • Vehicle Type : Full-Size Cross-over
  • Seating Capacity : 2+2+3
  • Engine : T8 Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : 8-Speed Automatic
  • Price as tested: $64,545

Pros

  • Exceptional design and build quality
  • Plug-in hybrid offers 21 miles of EV range (Recharge Trim)
  • Standard Driver Safety Tech Features
  • Quick and Simple portrait infotainment system

Cons

  • EV range falls short of its competitor
  • Lack of driving enthusiasm despite 400 horsepower capability.