By James Stinson
Volvo has given its flagship XC90 another useful update, introducing a new long-range plug-in hybrid capable of travelling up to 101 miles on electric power.
Available to order now, the new XC90 T8 Long Range more than doubles the electric range of the previous plug-in hybrid, potentially making this large seven-seat SUV much more practical for owners who want to conduct most everyday journeys without using petrol.
More electric miles
The T8 combines petrol and electric power to produce approximately 455bhp, making it comfortably the performance choice in the range. Despite the XC90’s considerable size, 0-62mph takes just 5.2 seconds.
More significant for most buyers will be that 101-mile claimed electric range. It puts the XC90 into territory where owners with access to regular charging could conceivably complete several days of commuting and school runs without the engine firing up.
Volvo hasn’t provided charging-speed information in the supplied announcement, so that is one detail worth checking before ordering, particularly given the much larger battery capacity required to deliver the increased range.
Those who don’t need plug-in capability can choose the B5 petrol mild hybrid, producing around 247bhp. Both versions get an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, and both can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2,400kg.
Five trim levels
Core, Plus, Plus Pro, Ultra and Ultra Pro specifications are offered, alongside more aggressively styled Black Edition models.
Even the entry-level Core comes with a substantial safety package. Standard equipment highlighted by Volvo includes Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, City Safety automatic braking and Matrix LED headlights with adaptive shadow technology.
Inside, the XC90 remains a seven-seater and gets an 11.2-inch centre touchscreen running Volvo’s latest interface. Google Gemini is integrated into the car, allowing drivers to use conversational voice commands for functions such as journey planning and messages.
More expensive versions offer upgrades including quilted Nordico and ventilated Nappa leather, while Black Edition cars get gloss-black detailing, 21-inch black alloy wheels and Onyx Black paint.
Tough premium competition
A 101-mile electric range gives the Volvo a particularly strong card against more conventional plug-in hybrid versions of premium SUVs such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Range Rover Sport.
The XC90 also continues to offer seven proper seats, understated styling and an extensive standard safety package. On the other hand, it is an ageing model underneath despite successive updates, while some competitors offer newer cabin architecture, faster infotainment systems and stronger outright performance.
That makes the new powertrain important. Rather than completely reinventing the XC90, Volvo has addressed one of the major limitations of a large plug-in hybrid by making electric-only driving viable for considerably longer journeys.
Company-car appeal
Company-car drivers may also find the new T8 particularly attractive. Its 101-mile electric range puts it within the 70-to-129-mile plug-in hybrid bracket, which attracts a 7% Benefit-in-Kind rate in the 2026/27 tax year, provided its homologated CO₂ emissions remain at or below 50g/km.
Prices start at £66,270 for the B5 mild hybrid in Core specification, while the new T8 Long Range starts at £75,765.
Black Edition versions are considerably dearer, starting at £74,270 for the B5 Plus Pro Black Edition and £83,765 with the T8 powertrain.
The T8 therefore remains an expensive family SUV, but its much longer electric range makes the plug-in hybrid argument considerably more convincing than before.