Embarking on a 3,000-mile journey from Anglesey to Amalfi is no small feat, but doing it in a plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90? That’s a story worth telling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this aging SUV still the ultimate long-distance cruiser, or has its time in the spotlight passed? Let’s dive in.
Sometimes, you need a vehicle that’s less about making a statement and more about effortless comfort—a car that whispers rather than shouts. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a luxury liner: smooth, spacious, and unapologetically indulgent. While a sleek 5.0-litre Jaguar XJ might turn heads in your driveway, the true measure of such a vehicle lies in its ability to glide effortlessly over miles, cocooning you in serene isolation. And that’s exactly what I was after.
At Autocar HQ in London, the options were plentiful. Electric vehicles like the Polestar 3 tempted me with their silky ride, but the thought of daily charging on a 3,000-mile trip felt like a logistical headache. Enter the Volvo XC90, a gleaming plug-in hybrid that promised the best of both worlds. Thirteen days and 3,000 miles later, I returned it with a mix of admiration and a few fingerprints on its massive touchscreen.
Averaging 230 miles a day for nearly two weeks is the ultimate test of any car’s mettle. This near-£90k Volvo has its quirks, no doubt, but it also shines in ways that deserve attention. And this is the part most people miss: Despite its age, the XC90 still looks stunning—a design that holds its own even next to newer models like the Volvo ES90.
My journey began at Anglesey Circuit, where the XC90 played a supporting role in testing the Maserati MCXtrema. Photographer Jack Harrison, who could probably capture a sharp shot from the back of a donkey cart, was strapped to the XC90’s wide boot for tracking shots. The result? Frames so crisp they could rival a porcelain poppadom. From there, it was off to Italy for a mix of work and leisure, including a detour to Monaco for the launch of the Volvo ES90. The sight of a dirt-streaked UK-registered XC90 parked next to Volvo’s sleek new EV fastback raised a few eyebrows, but it only highlighted the XC90’s enduring appeal.
What won me over? The raw power of its 400bhp-plus T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which effortlessly tackled Piedmontese hillsides, and the airy, spacious cockpit that made even the Great St Bernard Pass feel like a cinematic experience. Spotting a late-1980s Volvo 240 Estate at the mountain’s peak was a nostalgic highlight—a reminder of how Volvo has evolved its design language while staying true to its roots. The XC90’s modern luxury aesthetic is a masterclass in blending the old with the new.
But it’s not all rosy. For a 2.3-tonne SUV, long-range fuel economy leaves something to be desired. Volvo’s modular engine approach, while commercially successful, struggles with a 2.0-litre displacement for a vehicle of this size. With a depleted battery, you’re looking at around 25mpg on a swift cruise—a limitation I’ve seen in other PHEVs like the Range Rover. And while the XC90’s ride is generally smooth, the 21-inch wheels don’t do it any favors on rough roads. I’d recommend opting for the Plus trim with 20-inch wheels for a more balanced experience.
Despite these quirks, the XC90’s sense of wellbeing is undeniable, especially with the Cardamom interior. It’s a car that shrinks distances, provided the roads are kind and you’re okay with refueling every 390 miles. But when parked next to the ES90, with its sublime ride and even more luxurious seats, the XC90 felt like a relic of a bygone era. Here’s the question I’ll leave you with: Can an aging design still compete in a world of cutting-edge EVs, or is it time for the XC90 to pass the torch? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
