Perhaps the most remarkable things about this updated XC90 is how clearly it shows Volvo got it right all those years ago.

Without wanting to make anyone feel old, it nevertheless bears reminding that this current iteration of the Volvo XC90 has actually been around with us for nearly a decade now. And while the Swedish automaker has just recently given it a(nother) nip and tuck, some out there might reasonably be asking whether this Scandi 7-seat SUV can still keep up against its current competition.

Well, to find out, this writer recently packed the whole family into this newly-updated behemoth for a weekend in Fraser’s Hill. And cutting straight to the point here: yes, the XC90 is still somehow one of the best options out there for those who want a large and luxurious SUV.

(In fact, between you and me, it’s still one of the best all-round vehicles that money can buy.)

Exterior 

Kicking off this review with a quick word on its exterior, this most recent facelift is headlined by the fresh new face the XC90 now wears. A redesigned grille and slimmer headlights give this Scandi SUV a sleeker snout, bringing its front end firmly into the modern day.

As for the rest of the car meanwhile, it is pretty much unchanged bar a set of new alloys and some smoked taillights.  Though that really isn’t a bad thing, as no one would actually say that this Volvo’s design is from a decade ago.

If anything, it just goes to show how forward-looking — and timeless — the XC90’s design was (and still is).

Infotainment and Interior 

Moving inside the XC90, things are unfortunately a little less successful when it comes to tech rejuvenation — particularly with the newly enlarged central screen. Beyond looking like an aftermarket add-on from not sitting flush in its housing, this brand-new infotainment system still occasionally suffers from noticeable lag during its operation.

And in line with the current trend of eliminating physical controls, the ever-practical Volvo has also done away with the tactile home button, which only makes the system more frustrating to use. In what may be the most first-world nitpick too, the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system didn’t sound quite as sublime as it once did.

Still, those are little flies in the ointment of an otherwise still-amazing cabin. This facelift still retains the XC90’s signature lovely mixture of pale wood trim and supple (synthetic) leather, with everything still also exuding that sense of Scandinavian solidness in how it is all securely screwed together.

And when it comes to practicality, the XC90 naturally offers acres of space, complemented by typically thoughtful Volvo touches like the integrated middle-row booster seat. Let’s also not forget this Volvo’s party piece over most rivals: two extra seats in the back, which from personal experience can actually accommodate a medium-sized adult in decent comfort for a reasonably long trip.

Driving Dynamics 

As with all electrified Volvos these days, this XC90 expectedly has the ability to haul ass while hauling the kitchen sink. With its PHEV powertrain producing a whopping 462 PS and 709 Nm, this big behemoth really could (and did) put one over on a half-decent pocket rocket in a traffic-light grand prix.

For those who don’t seek out every opportunity to stomp on the go pedal meanwhile, this massive Volvo also springs a pleasant surprise by returning genuinely decent fuel consumption. Over a 400+ km weekend drive (including a spirited run up and down Fraser’s Hill) this writer somehow managed to eke out nearly 17 km/l from this gargantuan SUV. 

Better yet, for those with daily access to a plug point, the 70+ km EV-only range from its 18.8 kWh battery means one could realistically keep the car’s original tank of petrol untouched for years.

Now when it comes to the luxury side of this premium SUV, refinement is also very much what you’d expect from a Volvo. The engine may sound a little gruff under load, but thanks to the added soundproofing in this facelift, the cabin does generally feel like a sensory-deprivation chamber. The air suspension in turn does lean towards a firmer European tune (especially when compared to the softly-sprung Chinese contenders), yet it remains composed and confident. In fact, even the warning chimes play their part in the calm, coming across as gentle nudges rather than harsh orders.

This easygoing sense of serenity carries over to the steering. Light and numb it may be, but it makes the XC90 effortless to guide one-handed after a long day, with even the endless arm-twirling up Fraser’s Hill feeling less of a chore. The brakes on the other hand however can occasionally feel like they’re working overtime to rein in this two-tonne SUV, though Volvo deserves praise for nailing the seamless transition between regenerative and conventional braking.

And of course, the XC90’s sheer size is impossible to ignore. Manoeuvring this tower block isn’t the simplest of tasks, but the trade-off is that you truly feel like lord of the land, towering over everyone else on the highway.

Conclusion

So, back to the original question: should a well-to-do family man still put this decade-old SUV at the top of their list? The answer is a resounding yes. Simply put, the XC90 continues to do everything just so well:

• It has all the space and practicality you’ll ever need
• Its PHEV powertrain offers fully-electric comfort and efficiency when you want it, while also having petrol power when you need it
• It is comfortable enough to cruise home after a long day, yet quick enough to rekindle that boy racer spark when the red mist descends
• It has a Volvo badge that exudes both premium and sensible, in equal measure

Best of all, it doesn’t feel like a product that’s been around for ten years… though that does beg another slightly more uncomfortable question: why would you spend RM400k+ on a brand-new one, when virtually the same car from 10 years ago can be had today for a third of the price?

Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate Technical Specifications

Engine: Inline-4, 16-Valve, DOHC, Turbocharged petrol PHEV

Engine Capacity: 1,969 cc

Gearbox: 8-speed Automatic

Max Engine Power: 462 hp

Max Engine Torque: 709 Nm

0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds

Top Speed: 180 km/h

Price: RM 434,888