If nothing less than the creme de la creme will suffice, the 2021 Volv XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription premium mid-size crossover vehicle is call your name.
Volvo’s luxurious flagship sports utility delivers high levels of luxury, style, and all-around refinement in a petite, urban-friendly package. An elegant and spacious cabin rooted in Scandinavian design allows an entire family to travel in abject comfort.
My XC90 tester came wit a 2.0-liter super and turbo-charged direct inject engine, 87 horsepower electric motor, and an electric charging cable, enabling the vehicle to run in both hybrid and electric modes.
Mated to an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, both engines combine to deliver 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 seats up to seven adults and delivered almost 30 miles fuel economy in a week’s worth of driving that skewed toward highway miles.
With a fully charged battery, the plug-in hybrid operates with zero tailpipe emissions and allows short daily commutes using only the vehicle’s electric motor. In electric mode, the XC90 provides an 18-mile range, with the hybrid at the ready when needed.
The centerpiece of the Volvo interior is a glass artisan crafted, genuine Orrefors Swedish crystal gear shifter. Talk about making a statement. Of course, that’s just an appetizer as Nappa leather seats, wood deco inlays, bright chrome accents and a tailored dashboard swamp one’s senses.
All passengers are bathed in natural light from a laminated power moonroof with power sunshade. Other interior comforts include heated and ventilated seats (the front with massage function), pitch perfect Bowers and Wilkins premium sound, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless cell phone charging, top-of-the-line navigation system, and heads up display that allows the driver to comprehend data with eyes never leaving the road.
Other amenities include heated windshield and wiper blades, heated steering whee, 360-degree surround view camera, and Pilot Assist, that gives the driver a helping hand in heavy traffic by
providing gentle steering support to keep the car centered in its lane, and at a set speed and distance to vehicles in front.
Adding to the list is a four-zone climate control, advanced air cleaner, integrated roof rails, 21-inch, eight multi-spoke wheels, keyless entry, sun curtain rear windows, and more.
The hallmark of Volvo is safety, and that is delivered in abundance.
A lengthy list includes a blind spot information system with steer assist and cross-traffic alert, low and high speed collision mitigation, pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection, driver alert control, run-off road protection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, whiplash protection, and front, side and air curtain protection.
The Recharge T8 Inscription is driver-friendly across the board. Four-corner air suspension delivers a smooth ride, integrated bolster cushions add stability when cornering, and the XC90 revs to life when asked, providing sure and swift power for passing and staying out of harm’s
way.
But don’t take my word for it. The XC90 was recently named by Consumer Guide Automotive as the “best in category” for the sixth consecutive year.
Base Price: $70,700
Price As Delivered: $81,690
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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