Extraordinary Rides

The T8 boasts optional LED headlights, air suspension, 21-inch wheels, metallic paint, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and other goods. The tested vehicle’s tab was $84,440.

Volvo XC90 T8 SUV has frustrating controls Story and photos by C.A. Haire 400 horsepower and a healthy 472 pounds

Volvo is a top-tier European brand, and per foot of torque for stronger pulling ability. the XC90 is the fl agship of its SUV With a total weight of about 5,000 pounds, lineup. Th ere are three fl avors from this rig needs it. which to pick. Another T8 feature is the electric plug-in

First up is the T5, with a 2.0-liter engine system. You take the vehicle’s power cord, that puts out 250 horsepower. Th e T6 has the plug it into a household outlet and, when same 2.0 motor, but, by adding a turbocharger charged, this Volvo can move up to 14 miles and a supercharger, horsepower climbs to 316. on electric output alone. Once this energy is

Th e one we tested is the T8. It combines depleted, the gasoline/hybrid system kicks the same T6 engine setup but adds an electric in. Th e EPA claims average fuel economy of motor on the rear wheels for a total output of 27 mpg in this mode. But if you ran 14 miles

electric one way, then gasoline power 14 miles on the way home, that could compute to 52 mpg combined. Th is can work out great for drivers who take lots of short trips.

Without using the electric-only method, our hybrid driving showed 26 mpg on the highway and 23 in mixed commuting. Th is XC also has the optional air suspension. Th is can raise the ground clearance for going on those off -pavement desert trails. But tread lightly, as this hybrid doesn’t come with a spare tire, so getting a fl at can ruin your day.

Th e XC90 has one of the industry’s nicest cabins. Th ere’s no cost cutting here. It’s very plush, and the seats are comfortable for long trips. Th e stereo units off ered are fi rst rate. We did not care for many of the controls, which are unusual and frustrating to operate. Examples include a transmission shift er that requires you push twice to place in gear, rather than once; a starter switch on the console; and other oddball items that require a learning curve.

Th e base T5 starts at $49,000. Th is T8 draws you in at $67,000. With options like LED headlights, air suspension, 21-inch wheels, metallic paint, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and many smaller goodies, the total tab was $84,440. Th is is not cheap, but with an electric drive range of 14 miles, look at the money you can save on gas.