Anglesey to Amalfi: 3000 Miles in a Plug-in Hybrid Volvo XC90
Sometimes, the job demands a vehicle that's both spacious and comfortable, a car that excels at being unassuming. In other words, a wafter.
While a sleek design is always a plus, especially when compared to a 5.0-liter Jaguar XJ, the true essence of a wafter lies in its ability to glide effortlessly and provide exceptional isolation from the outside world.
I recently found myself in need of such a vehicle. Among the test cars at Autocar HQ in London, several contenders caught my eye. Some were electric, including the Polestar 3, renowned for its smooth ride. However, the sheer distance I planned to cover made daily charging less appealing. Ultimately, I opted for a gleaming Volvo XC90, returning 13 days later with 3000 miles on the odometer and a touchscreen covered in fingerprints.
Driving an average of 230 miles daily for nearly two weeks is a surefire way to uncover a car's weaknesses. And the Volvo XC90, priced at nearly ÂŁ90,000, certainly had its fair share, along with some notable strengths.
The journey began at Anglesey Circuit, where the XC90 played a supporting role for the Maserati MCXtrema test. With photographer Jack Harrison's ability to capture sharp tracking shots, even from the back of a donkey cart, the prospect of him hanging from the wide boot of an air-sprung premium SUV on a smooth circuit promised crystal-clear images. And so it proved.
Next, I headed to Italy for a brief getaway, attending the launch of the Volvo ES90 in Monaco. The event techies were initially perplexed by a filthy UK-registered XC90 appearing on the hotel forecourt, but eventually, they allowed me to park it next to Volvo's sleek new EV fastback, providing some much-needed photos.
Despite the XC90's undeniable charm, it didn't quite match the allure of the ES90. The aging SUV still exudes superb aesthetics, a testament to the XC90's enduring appeal.
I was particularly impressed by the raw performance of the 400bhp-plus T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, effortlessly navigating a Panda-filled Piedmontese hillside. The spacious cockpit, with its sense of light and airiness, made the Great St Bernard Pass feel immersive and captivating.
A nostalgic encounter with an old 240 Estate from the late 1980s atop the mountain sparked fond memories of my childhood. The XC90's designers have masterfully blended an urbane, modern luxury aesthetic while maintaining recognition alongside the brick-like 240.
However, the XC90's drivability, while impressive, didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of refinement. The spec sheet hinted at potential ride quality issues, a common challenge with top-spec PHEVs. I've noticed that these vehicles often struggle with potholes and expansion joints, and the XC90 was no exception, despite its 21-inch wheels.
Long-range fuel economy, a given for a 2.3-tonne SUV, was also less than ideal. Volvo's innovative modular engine approach, while successful commercially, falls short in terms of displacement. When the battery is depleted, expect fuel economy of around 25mpg at a moderate cruise speed.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the XC90's sense of wellbeing, especially with the Cardamom interior, remains captivating. Its ability to cover vast distances, provided the motorway is in good condition and refueling is frequent, is undeniable.
However, when placed alongside the ES90, with its exceptional seats and sublime ride, the XC90 feels like a retiree. The ES90 is a true wafter, leaving the XC90 in the dust.
