Volvo XC90

Facelifted combustion-powered seven-seat SUV gains refinement tweaks and updated infotainment On sale Now Price from £63,790

- OLIVER YOUN

AS PART OF its drive to become an electric-only car brand by 2030, Volvo launched the EX90 in 2024; it's a fully electric seven-seat SUV that deposed the combustion-engined XC90 as the brand's flagship. It hasn't, though, replaced it; there's still demand for posh family holdalls with petrol or plug-in hybrid power.

That means the XC90 gets to continue, and with the third-generation model now nine years old, measures have been taken to try to ensure it isn't left behind by the competition. Yes, it's facelift time, and - distinguished by a new, diagonally slatted grille and slinkier new LED headlights - the updated XC90 now looks more like its younger EX90 sister.

The engine line-up has been slimmed down to the B5 petrol and T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Both are unchanged; the B5 still allows for 0-62mph in 7.7sec and feels more than swift enough for everyday driving, although the T8 is noticeably gruntier (0-62mph takes just 5.4sec). Also unchanged is the T8's electric range of 44 miles; that might be enough to cover your daily commute, but some rivals - such as the Audi Q7 TFSIE (52 miles) and Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e (66 miles) - take you farther on a charge.

In entry-level Core trim, the XC90 has conventional steel suspension that brings a generally comfy ride, with the B5 feeling plusher than the heavier T8. Neither version masks road imperfections as well as the Q7 and Land Rover Defender, though. If you upgrade to mid-range Plus or range-topping Ultra trim, you'll get air suspension that brings a more cushioned ride, but the Q7 is still comfier. We'd also avoid the 22in wheels (optional with range-topping Ultra trim), because they make potholes and sharp bumps more noticeable.