By Sala Masindane

The Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid AWD Ultra Dark remains one of the most recognisable luxury SUVs on South African roads. Rather than completely reinventing its flagship seven-seater, Volvo has focused on subtle refinements, ensuring the latest XC90 continues to feel fresh while retaining the understated elegance that has defined it for almost a decade.

The updates are modest but effective. A refreshed front grille and new alloy wheel designs give the XC90 a more contemporary appearance without altering its timeless silhouette. While some rivals rely on bold styling to stand out, the XC90 continues to let its clean Scandinavian design do the talking.

Inside, the changes are equally restrained. The biggest upgrade is the new 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen, which replaces the previous 9.0-inch display and integrates more neatly into the dashboard. Running Volvo’s Android Automotive infotainment system with built-in Google services, it is intuitive to use and responds quickly to inputs. The crystal gear selector remains one of the cabin’s standout features, while the Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers an outstanding listening experience. At R1,936,500, however, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should really be standard.

Comfort has always been one of the XC90’s greatest strengths, and that remains the case here. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, creating a premium environment for all occupants. The third row ensures this flagship SUV can comfortably accommodate the whole family, making it just as suited to long-distance holidays as it is to the daily school run.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 340kW and 709Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels, allowing the XC90 T8 to complete the 0 to 100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.3 seconds. It is effortless rather than dramatic, delivering strong performance with the refinement expected of a luxury SUV. Ride quality is excellent, while the plug-in hybrid system feels particularly well suited to city driving, where the electric motor does much of the work.

Volvo claims fuel consumption of just 1.8L/100km and an electric driving range of up to 70km. During our time with the XC90, which included a mix of city and highway driving, we achieved an electric-only range of between 45km and 48km. While that falls short of Volvo’s claim, it is still enough to cover many daily commutes without using the petrol engine.

The XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid AWD Ultra Dark may not be the newest luxury SUV on the block, but it continues to prove that good design and solid engineering age well. It delivers exceptional comfort, effortless performance, and the versatility of seven seats, while the plug-in hybrid system makes everyday driving even more efficient. At R1,936,500, it faces stiff competition, but if understated luxury is what you’re after, the XC90 still deserves a place near the top of your shortlist.