Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid gains improved electric range

Volvo has introduced a new long-range plug-in hybrid version of its XC90 SUV, more than doubling the seven-seater’s electric driving range to a claimed 101 miles.

The updated XC90 T8 Long Range is now available to order in the UK, joining the existing B5 mild-hybrid petrol model in Volvo’s large SUV line-up.

The new plug-in hybrid powertrain represents a significant improvement over the previous T8, which offered less than half the electric-only travel range. This should allow drivers to complete longer journeys without using the petrol engine, provided the battery is regularly charged.

More electric range and power

The XC90 T8 Long Range combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 461hp. Volvo quotes a 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, making it considerably more powerful than the 250hp B5 mild hybrid.

The new T8’s headline figure of 101 miles is an official maximum electric range claim. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, temperature and vehicle specification.

Both versions feature an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,400kg. Volvo has not provided battery capacity or charging time figures in its UK announcement.

Updated technology and equipment

The latest XC90 retains its seven-seat layout and recently updated exterior styling, alongside an 11-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system now incorporates Google’s Gemini AI assistant, allowing drivers to use conversational voice commands for tasks such as planning journeys, finding destinations and managing messages.

Other standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assistance and automatic emergency braking. Matrix LED headlights are also standard, automatically adjusting their beam pattern to avoid dazzling other road users.

The XC90 is available in Core, Plus, Plus Pro, Ultra and Ultra Pro specifications, with additional Black Edition versions featuring dark exterior detailing, black alloy wheels and Onyx Black paint.

UK pricing and availability

The updated Volvo XC90 is available to order now in the UK. Prices start at £66k on the road for the 250hp B5 mild hybrid in Core specification. The new 461hp T8 Long Range plug-in hybrid starts at around £76k.

Black Edition models start at £74,270 for the B5 Plus Pro and £83,765 for the equivalent T8 Long Range plug-in hybrid.

The Volvo XC90 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. It still achieves top marks for its media review scores, some ten years after it first went on sale, but its safety rating and CO₂ emissions are now only average, while its reliability record and Volvo’s new car warranty offering are both poor, and its running costs are very high.