Launched in 2002, Volvo’s XC90 garnered immediate acclaim, securing the North American Car of the Year Award. However, it was the second-generation model introduced in 2015 that truly transformed the luxury SUV segment with its contemporary Scandinavian design, striking lines, sophisticated interiors, and cutting-edge technology—elements that appealed to families seeking both luxury and practicality. As Volvo’s best-selling model in the U.S. with nearly one million units sold globally, this seven-seater has not undergone a complete redesign in ten years. To remain competitive in its segment and maintain hybrid and PHEV options, Volvo implemented a “2025.5” midcycle refresh, featuring updated exterior aesthetics and an overhauled interior among other enhancements. During a recent excursion to Scandinavia, I had the chance to drive both the T8 Ultra plug-in hybrid and B5 Ultra mild hybrid.
The B5 AWD
Following a delightful briefing by the Volvo team accompanied by ‘fika’—a beloved Swedish tradition featuring coffee and pastries—I embarked on my journey from Copenhagen Airport under a blanket of grey skies in a B5 Ultra with an elegant Denim Blue exterior and matching interior, mounted on 21-inch 5-multi spoke diamond cut winter tires. The morning drive took us over the 10-mile Øresund Bridge, the longest road- and rail-bridge in Europe, connecting Denmark to Southern Sweden, before we continued to the coastal town of Skanör and back to the Volvo Landscape in Limhamn, a quaint beach neighborhood outside of Malmö.
With light traffic, the two-lane roads allowed me to familiarize myself with the new 11.2-inch center display, which incorporates Google built-in technologies, offering a more streamlined user interface for Media, Navigation, and Climate Settings that remain visible on the home screen. The array of aesthetically pleasing design elements, including chrome accents and high-quality materials, stood out—particularly the light ash trim paired with charcoal grey textiles on the dashboard and seats, which feature navy herringbone weave upholstery crafted from 100% recycled polyester. The cabin also included practical enhancements, such as a redesigned tunnel console with an always-convenient wireless phone charger and air vents boasting a stylish vertical blade design.
During a stop in Skanör, I marveled at various modernized exterior design features, which include sculpted hoods, front fenders, and air intakes with counteracting slats. The trademark Thor’s hammer headlights have also been streamlined and now utilize matrix-design LED technology that allows for high beams without blinding oncoming drivers during nighttime driving.
The B5 AWD mild hybrid combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 247 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds. With speed limits ranging from 70 km/h (43 mph) on rural roads to 40 km/h (24 mph) in smaller towns and villages, the heads-up display frequently reminded me of my (unintentional) speeding. Remarkably, the cabin remained whisper quiet, and the acceleration was so smooth it was nearly imperceptible, thanks in part to Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), a component of Volvo’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that encompasses collision avoidance, mitigation, and driver support features. Sound alerts provided a gentle reminder to ease off the accelerator, while an automatic adaptive pedal response was available as an option.
Despite my occasional speeding, I arrived safely at the Volvo Landscape in Limhamn just in time for lunch, where I was immersed in other facets of the XC90’s redesign, including its stunning sustainably sourced materials and a cabin inspired by ‘Scandinavian living room’ concepts, guided by Head of Interior Design Lisa Reeves. The Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, featuring an impressive 19 speakers, including the brand’s iconic Tweeter-on-top center speaker, offers a three-dimensional audio experience that mirrors the acoustics of a recording studio, concert hall, or jazz club. Although I consider myself more of a casual music admirer than an audiophile, the audio quality was absolutely breathtaking.
After exploring the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, I attempted a timed trunk packing challenge using various Tetris-shaped cushions (which I embarrassingly failed). Nevertheless, this highlighted the XC90’s intelligent space use and storage versatility, boasting an impressive 85.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity for the 7-seater, before I switched vehicles for the afternoon.
The T8 eAWD
From the Volvo Landscape, I transitioned to the T8 eAWD Ultra for a scenic 45-minute drive into the countryside, ostensibly heading to the Österlenchoklad café and shop located in the small area of Skåne-Tranås. Dressed in a light yet warm silver high-metallic hue with delicate rosé undertones, the exterior of the Bright Dusk model stood out strikingly against the overcast backdrop. Inside, the Bright theme was equally eye-catching, featuring seats upholstered in Cardamom quilted Nordico (a leather alternative), with a subtly contrasting charcoal headliner alongside cardamom textile door panel inserts and Brown Ash accents. A personal favorite was the chic crystal gear shifter crafted by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.
Despite relying on Google Maps, a series of navigational errors led me to a horse farm and then a gravel quarry, where I had the opportunity to make several multi-point turns thanks to the 360° camera. After nearly an hour of following picturesque rural roads without spotting the chocolate shop and with daylight waning, I decided to turn back to Malmö. Throughout the journey, I appreciated how the air suspension enhanced the driving experience, offering an even smoother ride. The sound insulation was remarkable, effectively minimizing road noise. While standard Full Self-Driving (FSD)…
The damper technology in the B5 provides an impressive driving experience, while the T8’s electronically regulated active chassis continuously assesses the car, the road, and the driver’s behavior at a remarkable rate of 500 times per second. This leads to enhanced cornering agility and effectively minimizes body roll.
With comfortable seating, an efficient climate control system, and an air quality feature that filters out dust, pollen, and particulates—a significant benefit for those with allergies—alongside seamless connectivity for a smooth digital experience, I arrived in front of the hotel at Malmö’s Hyllie Station after driving for more than four hours, including a brief detour. Surprisingly, I felt quite refreshed by the time I parked. Some may still cling to outdated stereotypes of cars being “Volvos” or their drivers as modest individuals focused solely on safety rather than style. However, when performance, comfort, and advanced safety features converge in a visually appealing package that radiates Scandinavian sophistication and genuine eco-credentials, I’m all in.
A Zero-Emissions Automotive Future
For those still reluctant to completely switch to electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids offer a practical solution bridging traditional internal combustion engines and fully electric options. The new XC90 adeptly addresses the increasing demand for eco-conscious vehicles that provide robust performance and versatile range. This strategic move also allows Volvo to fulfill market demands while expanding its all-electric range, aiming for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to represent 90 to 100% of sales by 2030—thereby establishing the brand as a key player in a zero-emissions automotive landscape.
Available in three trim levels (Core, Plus, and Ultra) with seven exterior colors—including the new 2025 “Mulberry Red,” a sophisticated blackish-red shade inspired by Scandinavian autumn—and three new diamond-cut alloy wheel designs in sizes of 20”, 21”, and 22”, the pricing for the “2025.5” Volvo XC90 B5 AWD mild hybrid (Core) begins at $58,450 and escalates to $80,700 for the premium T8 plug-in hybrid (Ultra). For more information, visit volvocars.usa.com.
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