What the updated Volvo XC90 T8 surprised with

Volvo XC90 T8 remains one of the last Swedish crossovers that has not dissolved in Chinese globalization. Since Volvo came under the control of Geely, the company has not lost its identity: engineers still rely on simplicity, safety and cold rationality. The updated XC90 proves this - without loud words and without fuss.

A decade on the assembly line has not been in vain: the body has been slightly tightened, the headlights have become narrower, the rear lights have darkened, wireless charging and a new media system with a Google interface have appeared in the cabin. The touch screen now protrudes from the panel, like a "plasma" in an old mansion - it may seem alien to someone, but the graphics and responsiveness are noticeably better than before.

From the outside, the XC90 is still recognizable. Classic lines, signature grille, massive proportions. Neither pretentious forms, nor the desire to imitate young crossovers. Volvo seems to be saying: "I'm not trying to seem modern, I remain so".

Inside there is a different world - silence and order. Mechanical buttons, a round steering wheel, a physical "emergency gang", familiar adjustment knobs. Without touch excesses and constant beeps, which many competitors are guilty of. Everything is concise and logical. And this is exactly what Volvo fascinates with: in the cabin they do not fight with the driver for attention - on the contrary, they give you a rest.

The finishing materials are impeccable, the ergonomics are almost perfect. The seats are typically "Volvo": with ventilation, massage, retractable cushion and memory settings. But there is no ideal: USB ports are now only in C format, the driving mode controller has disappeared, and the sunroof control has become strange and unintuitive.

The rear row pleases with space and adjustments. The second sofa moves back and forth, there are curtains and tinting, and you can get to the third row from both sides. At the same time, the top configuration does not have an electric steering column and folding gallery, there is no windshield heating, and the surround view cameras work limitedly.

Under the hood is a T8 hybrid installation: a 310 hp gasoline engine drives the front wheels, an electric motor drives the rear wheels. Together, they develop 455 hp, providing all-wheel drive and acceleration, which feels perky, but without aggression. The Aisin gearbox with 8 gears works smoothly, although not instantly.

Eight modes are available in the menu. Power makes the XC90 more responsive, Pure allows you to drive only on electric traction, Hybrid is a universal option for every day. In Offroad mode, the body rises, the descent assistance system is activated. The air suspension is capable of changing the ground clearance by ±40 mm from the standard 205 mm, but there is no manual stiffness adjustment in the menu.

Smooth running is one of the strengths. Even on 22-inch wheels, the crossover easily swallows bumps without losing its composure. The steering wheel is moderately light, with good feedback. In corners, you can feel the margin of stability, and on the highway - complete calm. Wheel noise is only heard on grainy asphalt, the rest is muffled.

Fuel consumption on a mixed route amounted to 15.4 l/100 km without external recharging. Taking into account the 455-horsepower installation, weight and experiments with modes, the indicator is decent. With regular charging from the mains, you can reduce consumption to 3–4 liters per 100 km.

Volvo is not trying to surprise with numbers or records. He simply does what he has to: he carries with comfort, does not irritate and does not tire. And although Chinese partners have already fully integrated their technologies into new models, the XC90 T8 remains the same Swede who adheres to traditions.

The price of 14.5 million rubles with a one-year warranty (extendable to three upon request) makes the XC90 an offer not for everyone. But this is the case when emotions and rationality coincide. In the era of sensory overloads and glossy shine, it is like a reminder of a time when comfort was measured not by the number of screens, but by the silence in the cabin.