New Volvo XC90 T8 2024 review: popular plug-in hybrid is better than ever

The timing of these changes is certainly interesting. As previously mentioned, Volvo now has the all-electric EX90, and although it’s the same size and offers seven seats (a rarity in the market), electric SUV type), this car currently costs under £100,000. XC90 starts from £63,790 mild hybrid Prices start from £72,650 in guise or as a plug-in hybrid. Considering the price disparity, Volvo says the two cars should attract different buyers and that the XC90 will continue as long as there is demand. Considering it’s still the third best-selling Volvo worldwide, this may take some time.

So what’s actually changed in the new XC90? Well, let’s start with what you can see. There’s a new front-end look with a new take on Volvo’s now-ubiquitous ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlightsa reshaped front bumper and a new grille insert – these will also be seen on other combustion-engined Volvos in the future. At the rear there are only minor changes to the bumper and darker taillights, but overall the car remains quite recognizable.

The interior showcases some new designs on the dashboard, doors and center console, but the biggest change is the new infotainment screen. It’s an 11.2-inch screen (instead of the 14.5-inch screen on the EX90) but still gets Volvo’s latest software. Fortunately, the touchscreen is easier to navigate than before and looks better, with a 21 percent increase in pixel count. Functions like maps, media, phone and apps are better laid out on the home screen, with fewer taps between menus.

The XC90’s cabin remains a simply wonderful place to spend time and, in its own way, feels different to its German rivals. We counted five different materials on the dashboard alone, which often gives it a cluttered, cluttered feel. But Volvo’s interior design team managed to combine them seamlessly. The old car’s interior had aged gracefully, so only slight adjustments to the air vents and center console were needed to maintain the XC90’s stylish feel inside.