2023 VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE

A Scandinavian masterpiece of style

BY JIM PRUETER

VITAL STATS:

2023 Volvo XC90

Recharge AWD

Ultimate

When it comes to the Swedish Scandinavian style notes, Volvo splurged on impeccably opulent materials in the new XC90 Recharge luxury SUV. Seating material is Volvo’s “tailored wool blend,” a no-cost option that, according to the brand, is warmer in winter and cooler than leather in the summer.

The overall look of the interior is smart, debonair and impeccably Scandinavian. The instrument panel, along with everything across the front cabin, is completely swathed in topstitched Nappa leather. There’s a sensual cadence of book-matched, natural-finish wood trim about the door trim and center console. Pencil-thin polished brightwork outlines the instrument panel air vents, steering wheel, door and center console trim, and the infotainment screen. The car tested here included the Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound ($3,200), fluent and didactic with serene sophisticated graphics that was somewhat complicated to use.

The XC90 isn’t new to the market but there’s new names for its trim levels this year, with the two formerly Inscription and Momentum models now offered as three choices: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Volvo has eliminated its gas-only T5 and T6 engines, opting for four-cylinder-turbocharged mild-hybrid engines in its pursuit of ending internal combustion engines by 2030. Half of all Volvos will be fully electric by 2025.

The Recharge Ultimate tested here was powered by the 455-hp T8 plug-in-hybrid, the most powerful and fuel-efficient Volvo with an EPA-rated 66 MPGe. Volvo promises 36 miles of all-electric driving before the gas engine kicks in. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. It was decidedly potent with powerful acceleration for passing and it got up to highway speeds quickly. The Ultimate was equipped with four-corner air suspension ($1,800) and handling was nimble, poised and generally free of body roll. It’s easy to drive with good forward visibility and cameras galore.

Overall, the XC90 delivers a comfortable driving experience with some of the best seats in the industry and the vehicle tested came with a handy built-in second-row booster seat for kids. It handles well with a mostly smooth ride, but sportiness handling, like models from BMW, Genesis and Mercedes, isn’t part of its offering.

Base Price: $79,400

Price as Tested: $85,495

Engine:

Turbocharged 2.0-L four-cylinder; AC motor with 14.9 kWh battery pack

Horsepower: 455

Seating: 5

Fab features:

Superb Scandinavian styling

Fuel-efficient plug-in electric hybrid

Speed wow factor

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