The improved volume version of Volvo's second generation XC90 includes a mild dose of electrification. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the B5 model.

Ten Second Review

Volvo's second generation XC90 is a seven-seat luxury SUV that's already given key rivals like Audi's Q7 and the Land Rover Discovery a lot to think about. Safe, efficient, clever, practical and stylish, this car continues to position the Swedish maker as a credibly prestigious automotive brand. Here, we look at the mild hybrid B5 petrol version.

Background

Here's the car that began Volvo's modern era, the second generation XC90. This large luxury SUV established new standards for the brand when this model was originally announced back in 2014 and the company's recent move towards full electrification will re-set those standards once again. The improved XC90 model we're going to look at here, a range announced in the Autumn of 2025, has reflected that trend with a fresh look. Plus the line-up's got a light cabin update. Time to take a fresh look at this car. The engines are as before though, a mild hybrid B5 petrol unit and a fiery T8 PHEV. And all XC90s continue to provide the sort of proper full-sized seven-seat versatility that few rivals can credibly offer and a cool, authentic brand of Scandinavian charm that's really quite appealing. It all sounds promising doesn't it? Time to put this car to the test.

Driving Experience

With the demise of diesel, there's only a petrol-powered B5 XC90 model these days, but you might want it because it's substantially cheaper than the alternative T8 PHEV version. The mild hybrid drivetrain set-up is the same as when we first saw it in this car back in 2019, based around a 48-volt battery, a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system and an 'ISG' integrated starter-generator. Every time you brake or take your foot from the throttle, the 'KERS' set-up captures surplus energy and stores it as electricity in an extra battery provided in the boot. That additional electricity can be used to boost acceleration, help the stop/start system or power ancillary functions. The objective here wasn't to provide Prius-like periods of electric-only driving but instead make the engine more efficient via smoother transitions between driving, cruising and resting. That's all been aided by revisions to the automatic gearbox and the implementation of the brand's first brake-by-wire system. The engine puts out 250bhp and 62mph from rest occupies 7.7s en route to 112mph. As before, if you avoid base trim, you get the brand's 'Active Four-C Chassis' package, which gives you four-corner adaptive dampers and electronic air suspension. Handling strikes a good balance between comfort and agility; cruising refinement meets the required executive standard; and there's the potential for a mild amount of off road prowess. A standard 'Pilot Assist' system offers a degree of highway-orientated autonomous driving technology. And you might be interested to know this car can tow up to 2,400kgs.

Design and Build

If you're familiar with this second generation XC90 design, you'll immediately spot the revised front end of this updated model, which features a smarter grille flanked by redesigned 'Thor's hammer' LED headlights. In addition, there's a more sculpted bonnet, revised front wings and a cleaner, simpler lower front bumper. There are smarter wheel designs too (sizes between 20 and 22-inches), plus darkened rear tail lights and a fresh look for the charging port. Inside, the biggest change you'll notice will be the more horizontal design to a totally redesigned dash which now incorporates a new central touchscreen. This has grown from 9 to 11.2-inches in size, is more responsive, higher-resolution and borrows its Google software from the system used in the EX90, enabling over-the-air updates. There's an easier-to-access screen operating system too. In addition, the centre console has been redesigned and now features a '2+1' cup holder (with room for an extra slim drinks can), plus there's a new wireless smartphone charger which is more conveniently accessible. The ambient lighting system and 360-degree camera system have both been enhanced, but the 12.3-inch digital driver's display remains as before. As before, this genuine seven seater features innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers in both the second and third seat rows. Even the third row can seat an adult up to 170cm tall. As for the boot space on offer, well that's inevitably going to be a little restricted with all seven seats in place, though even in this configuration, you still get 302-litres of luggage space. Fold the 3rd row and you can load up to 680-litres - or 1,102-litres, if you pack to the roof.

Market and Model

Sales of this car in our market are split 50:50 between fleet and retail and prices start at around £64,000 for the base B5 petrol model. There are three trim levels - 'Core', 'Plus' and 'Ultra'. Whatever XC90 derivative you select, all models have seven seats and come with AWD, with that drive provided through an eight-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox from a four cylinder 2.0-litre engine. Standard kit across the range includes Matrix LED headlamps, a heated windscreen and an anti-theft alarm. Inside all XC90s, the tablet-like 11.2-inch touchscreen in the centre console drives the minor controls and a whole host of Internet-based products and services. And there's a 12.3-inch 'Progressive Drivers Display' for the instruments. Plus heat for the front seats and steering wheel and a rear view camera. Many customers will choose mid-range 'Plus' trim, which includes the brand's 'Active Four-C Chassis' (adaptive damping and air suspension); plus a panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera system and a 13-speaker 600-watt Harmon Kardon sound system. Top 'Ultra'-spec gets you larger 21-inch wheels, a Head-up display, front seat massaging, nappa leather perforated upholstery, integrated rear side blinds and an 18-speaker 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Across the range, XC90 safety gear includes a run off-road protection package which tightens seatbelts and activates energy-absorbing technology in the seats when the car detects challenging terrain ahead. Another system is the auto-braking feature, which cuts in if a driver pulls out in front of oncoming traffic. This safety provision is industry leading. No one's ever been killed in the UK in an XC90 and it's unlikely that will change.

Cost of Ownership

The vast majority of XC90 buyers will opt for the B5 mild hybrid version of this car. As you'll know if you've read our 'Driving Experience' section, the B5 models use powertrains electrified via brake-by-wire energy recovery and enhanced by Volvo's advanced kinetic energy-recovery braking system. This set-up claims to offer drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real-world driving. Sounds promising; let's get to the figures, all of which assume activation of the Drive Mode system's most frugal 'Eco' setting. Here, an 'Eco-Coast' function will automatically be activated for highway use, disconnecting the engine so that you're merely travelling on your car's kinetic energy: a prod on the throttle is all that's necessary to restore normal powered motion. Anyway, to the stats: an XC90 B5 manages a combined cycle fuel figure of up to 32.8mpg and CO2 return of up to 193g/km. That's a very class-competitive showing.

Summary

The volume B5 XC90 variant will easily out-sell all the other variants combined and we can see why. There are no driving downsides for its mild hybrid tech and the electrification makes a decent difference to cleanliness and frugality. Of course, this Volvo's not perfect. There are still sharper-handling choices and more capable off roaders in this sector. In balancing its own blend of virtues though, this XC90 sets its own class standard and in doing so, establishes a family benchmark amongst luxury SUVs that rivals struggle to match. Company founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson would have liked this car. More importantly though, if you're shopping in this segment, we think you will too.