Volvo XC90 B5 Plus review: family frequency

Certain cars have certain talents. One of the Volvo XC90's is that it cheats death.

Launched way back in 2015, this 7-seat SUV was originally destined to be replaced completely by the pure-electric EX90. But that decision was made at a time when Volvo, like so many premium carmakers, thought battery electric (BEV) was the only way forward in the medium-term, promising to abolish combustion cars by 2030.

That's no longer the case and Volvo (again, like so many premium carmakers) will now continue with petrol/hybrid power as long as there's demand.

So this is a remarkable journey for the XC90, which is now in its second decade on sale (albeit with tech upgrades and styling tweaks along the way), and set to be with us for a while yet.

Volvo NZ offers the XC90 in B5 mild hybrid (MHEV) or T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Our test vehicle is the former, in entry-level Plus specification.

On the outside: what are the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus's main design features?

Volvo got busy with facelifting its most familiar models last year, updating both the XC60 and XC90. Fairly minor stuff, although above the new diagonal-graphic grille and reshaped headlights in this model there's a new bonnet. Not that you'd necessarily notice.

This is a remarkable journey for the XC90, which is now in its second decade on sale and set to be with us for a while yet.

There was also a reprofiled rear bumper and other minor trim changes, but like we said: that was last year. It's all very familiar (again) now, but it certainly doesn't look its age.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus cabin like?

The XC90 is textbook Volvo inside, and better for it. The quality of materials and fit/finish is superb considering this is an entry-level car; although it's still also a $100k-plus (Plus) machine, so it should indeed be nice.

The XC90 Plus gets Volvo's Comfort front seats with power-everything, including the moveable front bolsters on the squab.

The facelift model picked up a larger 11.2-inch portrait screen, which now sits proud of the dashboard (partly because it wouldn't fit flush in the existing hole anyway). The main display is underlined by a permanent dock of shortcuts and another "contextual" one, which changes according to what the car is doing and what the system thinks you might need.

The infotainment is fully Google-integrated, which has been a Volvo thing for a while now (the XC60 was the first car in the world to go live in this way).

The XC90 Plus gets Volvo's Comfort front seats with power-everything, including the moveable front bolsters on the squab. The rear seats are split in three separate sections, the traditional built-in child booster located in the middle; some other models, like the XC60, have twin boosters either side.

There's heating on the outboard-second-row seats as well, even on the Plus model.

This SUV's selling point is the 3rd-row seating of course, and it's pretty good. Not people-mover good, but the back chairs are okay for adult occupants over short distances, save some footspace issues under the second row (which can slide forward if the 2nd-row occupants are feeling kind).

There's four-zone climate air-conditioning control and some high-set outlets in the pillars for the 3rd row, delivering a mix of whatever the front and centre occupants have chosen. Volvo reminds that those back outlets are also good for pets when the XC90 is in 5-seat configuration.

As a 5-seater, there's an enormous 680 litres of load space and seemingly van-like cargo carrying ability with the second row folded. The packaging is impressive, although this super-practical SUV is showing its age in one tiny detail: with all 7 seats in use, the cargo cover has to be removed and there's nowhere to store it, so it ends up rattling around on the boot floor.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus like to drive?

"The softly tuned chassis... is designed to give you a smooth ride and confident control." Not our words, but the words of Volvo on its website.

The powertrain is the least impressive aspect of the XC90: the petrol engine can be coarse when it's trying hard and the power delivery can feel a bit thin

So you get the idea. And the XC90 mostly delivers on its promise of comfort above all else; the Plus has frequency selective dampers (FSD), although if you want the ultimate in urban cushiness you'll need to spend the $7k extra on the Ultra version, which has full air suspension.

But on that subject: we drove the XC90 Plus straight after the XC60 Ultra (which does have air suspension), and the big fella was sharper and more satisfying to drive on backroads at speed than the smaller model, even when the latter was in its Firm suspension setting.

Don't get us wrong: air suspension would still suit the dynamic character of the XC90 better, but the FSD-equipped car has strengths all its own. 

Mild hybrid assistance gives the 2.0-litre engine plenty of smooth punch at urban speeds. It's actually quite relaxing, as long as you don't confuse the 8-speed gearbox with sudden changes in throttle movement.

But the powertrain is the least impressive aspect of the XC90 overall: the petrol engine can be coarse when it's trying hard and the power delivery can feel a bit thin when you're climbing up the rev range.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 5 years/150,000km. Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus?

If a comfortable, classy, luxurious-yet-unpretentious 7-seat SUV is what you're after, the XC90 might well be your bus. It's not just appealing for a decade-old car: it's still challenging for class honours in areas where it really counts for this segment.

Would we spend a little extra on the $119,990 XC90 Ultra with the same powertrain? Perhaps, given you get goodies like Harmon Kardon audio, head-up display and air suspension. But some of the suspension's comfort advantage might be eroded by the larger 21-inch wheels, and if you're doing lots of open-road driving the Plus with FSD might be more to your liking. Try both before you buy.

Volvo XC90 B5 Plus FAQs

What kind of car is the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus?

A large 7-seat SUV.

Does the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a 48-volt mild hybrid.

What’s the fuel economy of the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus?

It returns 8.9l/100km in the NZ 3P-WLTP protocol.

Is the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus safe? 

The current XC90 has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. It carries a 5-star rating under NZ's VSRR protocol.

What safety and assistance features does the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus have?

What are the Volvo XC90 B5 Plus's main rivals?

• Land Rover Discovery Dynamic SE ($153,900): Much more expensive and iesel, but a similar focus on superb 3-row occupant comfort and practicality.
• Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy ($129,990): Loads of visual presence, full-hybrid powertrain and 8 seats.
• Mazda CX-90 Takami ($92,990): Punches above its weight for luxury and space, throaty mild-hybrid inline-6 engine too.
• Kia EV9 Light ($110,790): Pure-electric, but close on price and truly spacious.
• Cadillac Vistiq AWD ($127,370): Another EV, huge value given what you're getting; but only a 6-seater.