Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid Test Drive Review – Future Is Hybrid?

Interiors – The XC90 Excellence’s cabin is as inviting as ever. The interiors feel rich and very well put together. Quality all round is fantastic and there is a lot to like about how minimalistic the dash is. The large infotainment screen controls most of the car’s stuff and it is a great unit. However, we wish Volvo had provided more physical buttons. This touch-screen dependent layout makes you take your eyes off the road frequently.

The large vertical touch-screen infotainment screen takes centre stage, replacing most of the physical buttons

The change on this variant is the Orrefors glass gear lever that looks truly special and very exquisite, especially when lit up. Other controls on the console like the starter switch and the knurled controller for the drive modes look and feel quite upmarket. We are huge fans of the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system which sounds nothing short of amazing. You can even match the audio settings to match that of the Gothenberg concert hall in Sweden. How cool is that!

The front seats offer fantastic support with great legroom and headroom. But the Excellence’s party trick lies in the back seat. Gone is the three-row layout replaced by the opulent looking twin chairs with generous use of wood in between. The individual seats are one of the best we have experienced in an SUV offering unrivalled levels of support and comfort. Space is immense and so is the equipment on offer.

The XC90 has one of the best rear seat experiences in the car industry

The seats are electrically adjustable, heated, cooled and have a massaging function. There is a pop-up display that controls the positioning of the passenger seat and various functions of the rear seats. The highlight, however, are the gorgeous Orrefors champagne flutes. They are baseless for they fit well in the cupholder and buy one individually, it can cost up to $300. They look expensive and form a part of the decor when the ambient lighting is turned on. You also have a massive refrigerator for your drinks. The conspicuous looking glass partition between the boot and the rear seats is done to eliminate any road noise. It may look a bit strange at first but adds up to the luxury quotient of the car.

Overall, the interiors of the Excellence feel a step up from the regular XC90 and deliver the luxury experience that no other SUV at this price point can. We are more than pleased.