Volvo XC90: An Expert Review

In the luxury SUV market, one name stands apart. The Volvo XC90 isn’t about flashy ads or bold features. It’s known for its quiet confidence, timeless style, and strong focus on safety.

Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have ruled this segment for a long time. Still, the XC90 stands out with its own unique identity. It’s more than an SUV; it’s a way of life. It’s built on Scandinavian values— minimalism, sustainability, and prioritizing people.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about the 2025 Volvo XC90—from specifications, variants, and features to on-road experience, safety tech, fuel efficiency, pricing, and why it continues to be one of the smartest luxury SUV choices globally.

Design Philosophy: Understated Luxury with Swedish Soul

Where other SUVs seek to dazzle, the XC90 speaks in calm authority. Volvo’s design language is refreshingly distinct—think clean surfaces, crisp character lines, and Thor’s Hammer LED DRLs that serve as both a signature and a salute to Norse mythology.

Exterior Dimensions (India/Global Version):

Length: 4,953 mm
Width: 2,008 mm
Height: 1,776 mm
Wheelbase: 2,984 mm
Ground Clearance: 238 mm (unladen)

From the 18–21-inch alloys to the slim LED taillights and dual exhausts, every element feels purposeful. There’s no visual clutter—just a design that will look good for decades.

Interior: The Art of Scandinavian Serenity

Step inside the XC90, and you’ll feel the difference almost instantly. This is not just a cabin—it’s a sanctuary.

Interior Highlights:

Materials: Nappa leather, open-pore wood, aluminum trim, Orrefors crystal gear shifter
Infotainment: 9-inch vertical touchscreen (Google Built-in)
Instrument Cluster: 12.3-inch digital display
Sound System: Optional 1,400W Bowers & Wilkins with 19 speakers
Seating: 7 adults (configurable layout)
Boot Space: 302L (all seats up), 640L (third row down), 1856L (fully flat)

You can feel the Scandinavian vibe in this space. Natural light pours in from the panoramic sunroof. The controls are simple and easy to operate. Every detail, from the stitching to the wood grain, shows great craftsmanship.

Performance: Engine Options & Driving Dynamics

1. Mild-Hybrid Petrol (B6 AWD)

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged + supercharged inline-4
Power: 300 hp
Torque: 420 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic
0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h (electronically limited)

This variant balances performance and economy, making it a great pick for everyday luxury driving.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (XC90 Recharge T8)

Engine: 2.0L turbo + electric motor
Combined Output: 455 hp
Torque: 709 Nm
Battery: 18.8 kWh Lithium-ion
Electric-only Range: ~77 km (WLTP)
0-100 km/h: 5.4 seconds

With regenerative braking and multiple driving modes (Hybrid, Pure EV, Power, AWD), the Recharge variant is a powerhouse that also offers zero-emission driving for city commutes.

Technology: Intuitive, Not Intrusive

Volvo’s approach to tech is refreshingly human-centric. You won’t find bloated interfaces or cluttered dashboards here—just clean, fast, and smart systems.

Key Tech Features:

Google Built-In: Maps, Assistant, Play Store
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Over-the-air updates
360° camera with front/rear parking assist
4-zone climate control
Air suspension (optional in some variants)
Wireless charging pad

Despite its minimalist look, the XC90 is a tech marvel underneath.

Safety: The Unrivaled Legacy Continues

This is Volvo’s strongest suit. The XC90 has consistently scored 5 stars in global NCAP safety ratings and remains one of the safest vehicles ever made.

Top Safety Features:

Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
City Safety (autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and animal detection)
Run-off Road Protection
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Rear Collision Mitigation
Lane Keeping Aid
Adaptive Cruise Control
Whiplash Protection System

These aren’t just optional add-ons—many of them come standard, underlining Volvo’s safety-first commitment.

Driving Impressions: What’s It Like Behind the Wheel?

Driving the XC90 feels effortless. The steering is precise, and it handles city traffic well for its size. While it isn’t as sporty as a Porsche Cayenne, its smooth ride and quiet interior make it perfect for long trips.

The air suspension adjusts as needed. It keeps the ride smooth, even on bumpy roads. The noise insulation is excellent. Even at 100 km/h, the cabin stays quiet.

Fuel Efficiency & Range (Real-World Tested)

Fuel economy depends on driving mode and variant:

XC90 B6 Petrol (Mild-Hybrid):

City: ~9–10 km/l
Highway: ~12–13 km/l
Combined: ~11 km/l

XC90 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid:

Electric-Only Range: ~70–77 km
Combined Range: 800–900 km (with full battery and tank)
Fuel Economy: Equivalent of 40+ km/l in hybrid mode

If you charge the T8 daily and keep trips within 60–70 km, you might rarely use the petrol engine—massively reducing fuel costs.

Price (India & Global Comparison)

India – Ex-showroom Prices (April 2025):

XC90 B6 Ultimate Bright: ₹98.50 lakh
XC90 Recharge T8 AWD: ₹1.20 crore (approx.)

USA – MSRP:

Core B5 AWD: $56,000
Plus B6 AWD: $62,000
Ultimate T8 Recharge: $79,000+

While pricier than some rivals, Volvo justifies the tag with more standard features, superior safety, and environmental consciousness.

Comparison: XC90 vs Rivals

Feature	Volvo XC90	BMW X5	Audi Q7	Mercedes GLE
Base Price (India)	₹98.50 lakh	₹96 lakh	₹94.5 lakh	₹96.5 lakh
Engine Output	300–455 hp	265–530 hp	340–500 hp	270–435 hp
Plug-in Hybrid Option	✅	✅	✅	✅
Third-Row Seating	✅	✅	✅	✅
Safety Features (standard)	Extensive	Good	Very Good	Good
Interior Quality	Premium + Minimal	Sporty + Lux	Modern + Techy	Plush + Classic

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Segment-leading safety features
Electric-only driving in T8 variant
Exceptionally crafted interior
Silent and comfortable ride quality
High resale value and brand trust

Cons:

No diesel option
Infotainment may feel minimal to tech-savvy buyers
Third row ideal only for short trips/adults under 5’8”
Slightly underwhelming performance for enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Volvo XC90

Q1: What are the engine options available in the 2025 Volvo XC90?

A: The 2025 Volvo XC90 comes with two major powertrain options:

B6 Mild-Hybrid Petrol (2.0L turbo + supercharger) producing 300 hp and 420 Nm torque.
T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2.0L turbo + electric motor) with a combined output of 455 hp and 709 Nm torque.
The PHEV variant offers an electric-only range of up to 77 km (WLTP cycle).

Q2: Is the Volvo XC90 available in diesel in India or globally?

A: No, Volvo has phased out diesel engines from its entire global portfolio as part of its sustainability mission. The XC90 is now only available with petrol and plug-in hybrid petrol powertrains.

Q3: What is the price of the Volvo XC90 in India?

A: As of April 2025, the ex-showroom prices in India are:

XC90 B6 Ultimate (Mild Hybrid): ₹98.50 lakh
XC90 Recharge T8 Plug-in Hybrid: ₹1.20 crore (approx.)

These prices may vary slightly based on location, dealer offers, and optional features.

Q4: How many people can the Volvo XC90 seat comfortably?

A: The XC90 is a 7-seater luxury SUV. It offers two seats in the front, three in the second row, and two in the third row. The third row is ideal for kids or short adult trips. The first two rows, however, give adults plenty of space and comfort.

Q5: What is the real-world mileage of the Volvo XC90?

B6 Mild-Hybrid Petrol: Around 9–13 km/l, depending on traffic and driving style.
T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: Equivalent to 40+ km/l with daily charging and short city commutes in electric mode. It also has a real-world electric-only range of ~70 km.

Q6: Is the Volvo XC90 a good SUV for Indian roads?

A: Yes, the XC90 is very well-suited for Indian roads:

It has a ground clearance of 238 mm, which handles rough roads and speed bumps easily.
Air suspension (in higher trims) smoothens out potholes.
The safety and visibility features make city and highway driving easier and safer.

Q7: How safe is the Volvo XC90?

A: The XC90 is widely considered one of the safest luxury SUVs in the world. It comes with advanced driver assistance features like:

Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
Blind Spot Detection
Adaptive Cruise Control
Run-off Road Protection
Collision Mitigation Support It consistently scores 5 stars in global crash tests.

Q8: Can the XC90 run purely on electric power?

A: Only the XC90 Recharge (T8) variant can run on pure electric mode, offering up to 77 km of EV range. It’s ideal for daily commutes without using any petrol. You can also switch between Hybrid, Pure, Power, and AWD modes as needed.

Q9: What is the warranty and service cost of the Volvo XC90?

Standard warranty: 2 years/unlimited km
Extended warranty: Available up to 5 years
Service packages: Volvo offers service plans that cover maintenance costs for 3–5 years at a discounted rate.

Service costs are slightly higher than mainstream brands but lower than BMW or Mercedes in the long run, especially for the hybrid model due to reduced wear on the engine.

Q10: How long does it take to charge the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid?

With a 3.7 kW home charger: ~5–6 hours for a full charge
With a 7.2 kW wall box charger: ~3–4 hours
Fast charging is not typically available since it’s a plug-in hybrid, not a full EV.

Q11: Which is better – the B6 Mild Hybrid or the T8 Recharge?

A: It depends on your needs:

Choose B6 if you want lower upfront cost, simpler petrol tech, and are okay with fuel expenses.
Choose T8 Recharge if you want the best performance, luxury, low fuel cost, and often drive short distances in the city (to maximize electric mode benefits).

Q12: Is Volvo XC90 worth buying in 2025 compared to rivals like BMW X5, Audi Q7, or Mercedes GLE?

A: Absolutely. The XC90 stands out for:

Better standard safety features
Scandinavian interior quality
Plug-in hybrid tech with actual electric-only driving
Timeless design and Volvo’s ethical brand values

If you value comfort, safety, and a clean aesthetic over flashy performance, the XC90 is arguably the smartest buy in the segment.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Volvo XC90?

If you’re someone who values safety, sustainability, comfort, and unpretentious luxury, the Volvo XC90 makes a compelling case.

It’s not about showing off—it’s about showing up in a car that prioritizes your well-being, your family’s safety, and the planet’s future. It blends tech, tranquility, and trust in a way few others can match.

In short, the XC90 isn’t trying to be the loudest SUV in the room—it’s just quietly the smartest.

What Do You Think?

Would you choose the Volvo XC90 over its German rivals? Is the Recharge variant worth the premium? Let us know in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!

Volvo XC90: All Specifications, Price & Review