As young as the technology of the plug-in hybrid is, it is already back on the sidelines. Nevertheless, there are vehicles like the Volvo XC90 Recharge, which the interaction of electric and combustion engine can not only make economical, but also a real power SUV not only on long distances.
Not quite ten years ago, the manufacturers of the plug-in hybrids had a lot of promises. Not only were they planned as a transitional technology, they were also supposed to be extremely economical in combination with the battery, electric motor and combustion engine propellant. In the end, however, the calculation does not add up if the user is not willing to charge his battery regularly. In this case, only one car drives here, which has to carry additional weight with green technology on board, which the combustion engine alone moves.
This also applies to the Volvo XC90 Recharge, which was tested at ntv.de. The big Swede practically belongs to a young but already doomed generation of plug-in hybrids. The judgment made by politicians is actually a little unfair, because the double hearts have now become the top models in terms of performance. The XC90, for example, impresses with a system output of 455 hp and a maximum torque of 709 Newton meters, which the electronics, in conjunction with a superbly working eight-speed automatic transmission, passes on to all four wheels as required.
Under these conditions, it is of course not surprising that the 2.3-ton Swede sprints from a standing start to country road speed in 5.4 seconds under the pleasantly sporty growl of the in-line four with Roots compressor, supported by the electric motor at the rear. In view of this fact, it is really a pity that the Swedes' self-imposition prohibits the XC90 Recharge, like all Volvo models, from driving faster than 180 km/h. Especially since the Swede, who is 4.95 meters long, has a driving mode that lives up to its name: Power.
Selected via the central display in the center console, the air suspension lowers the boulder by one centimetre, tightens the dampers and reduces the tendency to pitch, dive and roll under strong acceleration, sharp braking or an abrupt steering movement. All right, the system does all of that from a speed of 110, even if you go on the long haul in hybrid mode in a relaxed manner. Because that has always been the favorite discipline of an XC90. Fitted into the unbeatably comfortable sports seats, you don't want to get out at all. However, it is worth considering whether to order them as tailored wool for 1250 euros extra. The gray wool cover is quite sensitive to stains.
You also have to be aware that the 18.8 kWh high-voltage battery does not cover the entire distance of 730 kilometers shown on the display. The Swedes promise 88 kilometers purely electrically, in the test it was 63 and on the motorway or country roads the electric drive takes the lead depending on the charge level and speed. If it is then empty, the necessary power is returned to the battery via the charge function and recuperation, so that there is always enough energy for a powerful boost. However, the main work has to be done by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is also reflected in the consumption. 9.5 liters of Super are burned over 100 kilometers of slopes from the 70 liter tank.
Of course, if you drive in the city and diligently charge the battery, you will cover the distance with 1.3 liters of fuel and CO₂ emissions of 30 grams/kilometer. Speaking of the store. It is important to take your time here. In the best case, it is five hours on the 22 kW socket; If you use the household socket, you have to reckon with at least 13 hours before the battery is full. So just for lunch at the motorway rest area at the column is not then.
Otherwise, the XC90 is and remains a space giant, which can also be ordered with a third row of seats. If it is made flat, the trunk holds 640 liters, in the upright position there are still 262. If the backrest of the lavish fund is folded down, the luggage compartment swallows 1816 liters. Either way, complaints about a lack of space should only come if the two seats in the third row are occupied, preferably by children.
Of course, since the space available calls for travel rather than city traffic, Volvo has of course packed a Sensus 3D navigation system on board as standard. In fact, this will probably be the last of the Swedes' own routing system, because in the future, Google will also find its way into an XC90, if there is a next generation. Which is certainly convenient, but still a bit of a shame, because the Sensus system proved to be precise in the test.
Real-time navigation worked, there is access to weather data, fuel prices or local information. But the most important thing was that it was much more stable than the Android connections used in the XC40 or a Polestar, which tended to hang up and literally left the driver in the dark. Especially if you want to mirror your smartphone, you can of course do this via Apple CarPlay or Google Auto. Unfortunately only via a USB cable.
Otherwise, the XC90 not only shone with intuitive operation, some of which works via rotary controls and buttons, but also with a whole range of safety systems. These include distance warning, cornering assistant, speed limiter, blind spot warning, cross traffic warning, rear impact mitigation and collision warning. Of course, this also works in combination as a traffic jam assistant, which relieves the driver in annoying stop-and-go traffic. All this is also included in the basic equipment of the XC90 Recharge T8 AWD Inscription and makes the Swede a premium SUV, which is also reflected in the price of at least 77,300 euros.
The test car even brought it to 95,000 euros including alarm system, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, adaptive air suspension, head-up display, semi-electric trailer hitch and panoramic glass sunroof. A proud price for a real luxury car that not only guarantees comfort, but also a lot of driving fun and, as a pity as it is, is unfortunately also a discontinued model as a plug-in hybrid.
Conclusion: With the XC 90 Recharge, Volvo is where it belongs: in the premium segment. This is reflected not only in comfort, performance, safety and equipment, but also in the price. You have to have a lot and be very in love with the Swede to spend at least 77,300 euros here for a technology that has already been buried.
