Luxe WHEELS
2021 VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE Volvo’s flagship SUV delivers luxury, class and efficiency BY JIM PRUETER
VITAL STATS: Base price: $63,450
The XC90 Recharge (last year’s T8) is an all-wheel drive luxury SUV with seating for six or seven. The Inscription Expression variation, tested here, includes a 400-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that’s both supercharged and turbocharged, plus an 87-horsepower electric motor in back, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A full charge allows for 18 EPA-rated miles of electric-only driving, topping out at 78 mph before hybrid mode engages. While testing, the car averaged at 29 mpg equivalent in more than 500 miles of mixed driving. Inside, the cabin is banded with a sensual rhythm of book-matched laser-shaved linear matte finish walnut wood inlays and a topstitched leather instrument panel. It’s smart and debonair, flush with top-shelf materials and honed with skilled craftmanship. The elegance and attention to detail continues with a raised, knurled ignition knob, and an Orrefors crystal gearshift. Midnight zinc tailored wool seat coverings uphold Volvo’s reputation for having the industry’s most comfortable seats. Apart from being big and luxurious, there’s a wowing list of tech, starting with a 12.3-inch
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digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch iPad-like touchscreen housing most operational controls. Buttons are small and the system is not intuitive. XC90 also comes with an extensive suite of standard safety features and received the highest possible rating of Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Additionally, there’s a standard pilot assist system, and an optional built-in second-row child booster seat. The big Volvo is pleasing to drive, with responsive and predictable handling, restrained body lean and ample power for acceleration. It’s neither sporty nor spirited, but luxurious and balanced. The ride is on the firm side but comfortable nonetheless. Visibility is excellent, helped by large mirrors and a 360-degree surround view camera. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, even at highway speeds and over rough pavement. While it is equipped with all-wheel drive, XC90 is not intended for off-road duty. With restrained luxury, bank vaultlike safety, impeccable Scandinavian design and pleasing driving characteristics, XC90 is well worth a place on luxury shoppers’ “must test drive” list.
Price as tested: $84,440 Engine: 2.0-L inline four-cylinder Horsepower: 400 Fuel economy: 55 mpg equivalent electricity/gasoline; 27 mpg gasoline only Seating: Up to 7 Fab features: Serene, spacious cabin Safety features galore Excellent fuel economy