PHEV Road Test Review 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Momentum

• Refreshed Styling: Coming in as the largest offering in Volvo’s SUV range, the 2020 XC90 has been redesigned with new concave grille slats, updated fasciae and a new alloy wheel design. The back seats have been revised to include Captain seats in place of bench seating for easier access to the third row.
• New Standard Features: ‘Thor’s Hammer’ Full LED headlights are now offered as standard, with standard wheels at 19” and available options up to 22”. This particular model features 20” 5 Multi-Spoke Matte Graphite Alloy Wheels. While the changes are subtle, the refreshed XC90 conveys a noticeably modern and refined design language to ring in 2020, along with standard AWD.
• Graceful Braking System: A revised braking system delivers smooth and natural braking paired with light, quick acceleration (0-60mph in 5.1 seconds), especially when already in motion for a graceful driver experience for tentative and heavy-footed drivers alike. The speedometer is conveniently located on the highly informative digital display to monitor this speed, along with important Road Sign updates.
• Updated Battery Pack: The electric portion of the powertrain comes with an updated battery pack, gifting an extra 29km of electric-only range. The estimated EPA is 11 l/100km City and 11.5 l/100km Highway when driving in the system’s default hybrid mode. According to B.C. government news, there are more than 1,700 charging stations around the province. As Clean Energy Vehicles transform the market, the XC90 T8 is a sound investment.
• Adjustable Air Suspension: the 2020 XC90 is equipped with an upgraded air suspension for better overall ride quality, one that auto-adjusts in Power Mode for more acute aerodynamics. Volvo’s 5068lbs of 2020 XC90 is easily managed.

To delve further into the heart of the XC90, the 2.0-litre T8 system is a triple threat - supercharged, turbocharged, and electrified, each function contributing to the effortless power available to you at the press of a button. The 2020 XC90 is equipped with an 8-speed clutch and standard all-wheel-drive. These systems collaborate to produce a combined horsepower of 400 and 472 lb-ft of torque, highly competitive stats in the hybrid SUV range, with competitors like BMW’s X5 xDrive45e iPerformance coming in at only 394hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

• Default Hybrid Mode: electric motor and fuel engine combine for optimal efficiency and performance.
• Pure Mode: full-electric, zero-emissions with automatic ECO Climate Control.
• Off-Road Mode: higher ground clearance, better traction.
• AWD: locks AWD for enhanced road-holding and balanced torque distribution.
• Power Mode: sportier performance, quick acceleration.

A market leader in sophisticated interiors, Volvo’s celebrated Scandinavian design comes through in the clean, refined aesthetics of the interior cabin. Bright and spacious, this specific model is wrapped in premium Charcoal Leather complemented by premium Driftwood Inlay, my personal favourites next to the available Iron Ore Aluminium. Volvo creates a relaxed, ambient atmosphere with soft, natural light streaming through the panoramic sunroof..

The 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 offers unparalleled comfort and is by far one of the coziest cars I have had the pleasure of driving. Highly adjustable power seating includes efficient lumbar support and leaves a generous amount of legroom. While heated front seats are included and are one of life’s simplest pleasures, the heated leather steering wheel is a very welcome addition, as if you needed further encouragement to get your hands on the wheel of a Volvo.

As a Canadian, sometimes the measure of a car is how quickly it heats up at 6 am on a winter morning, and the XC90 T8 is an elegant and capable refuge from the elements. While the spa-like atmosphere adds to the appeal, the available Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System features a powerful subwoofer, highly recommended if you enjoy powerful bass and an immersive surround-sound experience not typically offered at a Scandinavian Spa.

The next noteworthy impression is the calculated convenience in every feature; it makes the whole driver experience feel luxurious. As one who struggles to produce my keys, access to your XC90 T8 is simple. Unlock the door by placing your hand behind the handle to unlock, and press your thumb on the front sensor of the handle to securely lock the door. With the Power Tailgate feature, your driving experience is effortless before you’ve entered your XC90.

The convenience only starts there, with an easy Engine Start knob module that lives on the center console along with a leather gear shift lever. The Parking gear is a thoughtful haptic button and compliments the silent shift between gears, ensuring you’re not left on Drive or Reverse, and feels highly secure when parking on an incline. The quiet ignition produces immediate power as simple as flipping the switch on any piece of modern tech. Futuristic, the whole car is a feat of technological convenience, all while housing a powerful hybrid-electric system.

After you’ve settled into the XC90, exploring all of the comfort and entertainment options amidst that fresh, premium leather scent, the next feature to draw your interest is Volvo’s renowned safety and driver aids. The Volvo brand is known for keeping families safe, and inherently offers the latest in modern safety technologies. Alongside Volvo’s standard Advanced Driver Assist Systems, my favourite features include:

• 360-Degree Surround View Camera: New to the area, I rely heavily on navigation to drive five blocks away. The very polite Sensus Navigation voice gives detailed instruction and follow-up direction at complicated intersections and even says please. This feature is much appreciated when navigating unknown areas and complicated intersections and highways.
• Sensus GPS Navigation: displays high-definition rendering of your surroundings, ideal for parking or reversing down a muddy hill - I’ve tried and executed with absolute ease.
• Informative Digital Display: Shares Road Sign Information, outdoor temperature, Speed, GPS location, distance alert, and remaining fuel and electric range.
• Modern Infotainment Screen: geared towards both driver and passenger functionality, the standard 9” infotainment touchscreen is easy to use and hosts auto dual-climate controls, AppleCarplay and numerous other connectivity features. The user experience is seamless and informative.

Poise and elegance aside, the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 is a versatile SUV. It offers competitive utility within its segment through generous storage capacity. Up to 85.7 cubic feet are available with the back seats folded down, which are easily adjustable with a small lever, so there is no battle with the seats required to access all of that space. Privacy covers are available for the trunk and side windows. The versatile storage extends to the centre console as well, with multiple compartments that can be opened for utility or closed for a refined look to display premium inlay materials.