Wrongs rectified as facelift ups plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90’s appeal

XC90 has received its second and most prominent updates in its now 11-year production run. Picture: Charl Bosch The current second generation Volvo XC90 has been around since 2015, which makes its 11 years old this year. On the market a year less than the original which lasted from 2002 to 2015, the XC90 has received two facelifts since its introduction, the most recent being last year.

Representing the biggest, though, the latest tweaks forms part of Volvo’s future u-turn on only making electric vehicles by 2030 Instead, a dual propulsion methood has been settled upon focusing not only on EVs, but also mild-and plug-in hybrids. Havingtaken leave of diesel powertwo years ago, the XC90 now spans four models, with a choice of mild-hybrid power in the B6 or the plug-in hybrid in the T8. Tested on no less than two occasions, including against the clock at Gerotek, the arrival of the XC90 T8 in top-spec Ultra guise came with a forgone conclusion.

While it was easy to cut and paste the mostrecent road test from two years ago, the seven-day stint resulted in a few differences not previously experienced. Finished in a new colour called Mulberry Red, the test unit made an impression as yet another indication of how well the XC90 has aged. Externally, the second round ofupdates introduced globally in 2024comprises a new grille with diagonal slates, a new lower air intake and a redesigned front bumper with vertical side inlets.