Being a Scandinavian by way of ancestry and DNA, I suppose it’s not a surprise to being drawn to – at least at a subliminal level – to the Swedish made, 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge AWD Ultimate mid-size sports utility vehicle.
The hybrid model combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-inject engine with 143 horsepower electric motor and an electric charging cable mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque.
Customers looking for other powertrain options are in luck. A compact and energy-efficient V8, and in-line 3.2-liter V6, are making their first appearance in North America this year.
XC90 Recharge hybrid seats seven adults in three-rows, garnering almost 33 miles per gallon fuel economy in a week’s worth of city/highway driving.
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 model has been completely refreshed, inside and out, elevating the SUV with luxurious, passenger-car comfort.
“The changes we have made to the new Volvo XC90 can be regarded as precision tuning designed to increase the vehicle’s appeal still further,” says Hans Wikman. “We are aiming at a highly discerning group of car buyers and we want to give them an even better premium experience.
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 wheel, 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.
The hallmark of Volvo is safety, and that is delivered in abundance.
A lengthy list of technology 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.
Also included are Active Bi-Xenon Light – tracking headlight beams that follow the curvature of the road, front and rear park assist, plus front and side-curtain airbags.
The XC90 Recharge Ultimate is driver-friendly across the board. Four-corner air suspension delivers a smooth ride, integrated bolster cushions add stability when cornering, and the vehicle revs to life when asked, providing sure and swift power for passing and staying out of harm’s way.
Base Price: $80,495
Price As Driven: $85,495
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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