Nobody is in doubt. Think about large estate cars and Volvo always springs to mind. Yet, in the period when Volvo ruled the space race and SUVs were still a distant dream, its 245 and later 740 and 940 lines held the large estate market by the scruff of its neck. They were tough old beasts, designed for maximum stowage, short of acquiring a van.
The growth of the SUV sector, now well populated by a variety of Volvo XC models, forced Volvo into a comprehensive rethink. The result has been the V90, where V stands for Versatile and 90 is the largest vehicle to carry the prefix. Standing six feet six inches tall in my stocking-soles, I can enter the boot of the V90, with its rear seats folded forwards practically, and stretch out comfortably, with at least six inches spare lengthwise and a foot of space on either side. Very few estate cars can get as close, although the Skoda Superb, a relative new boy on the block, will give its accommodation a run for its money.
Aside from the novelty factor, with the rear seats re-erected, cracking open the electrically operated tailgate causes the flexible load cover to whirr upwards and reveal over 500-litres of useful luggage space, which is what a large station wagon is all about.
Yet, as Volvo’s notional top model, its natural wood trimmed, Nappa leather-lined and alloy panelled cabin creates a major occasion, the cherry on the cake being its gorgeous Orrefors Crystal gear-knob. Which other carmaker invests such impertinent details in its models? Not one. Every stitch has its well-formed place and the levels of tactility are pinnacle.
However, if the smile on the driver’s face is still not formed properly, the drive brilliance provides the affirmation. Volvo’s exquisite 2.0-litre modular engine gives up 303bhp in turbo-petrol form, to which you can add a further 87bhp from its plug-in hybrid electric motor, the combined grit of which results in a 0-60mph benchmark blitz in just 5.0s, allied to an entertaining 472lbs ft of combined torque and a 155mph top whack. In Volvo-speak this is ‘Twin Engine T8’ technology. Yet, it emits a cool 49g/km CO2 for a truly low taxation benefit, while returning up to 117mpg, according to the WLTP test regime, thanks to an up to 35 miles pure-EV range, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed fully automatic transmission.
Self-levelling air suspension on the rear supplements the all-round variable damping rates to ensure a perfect dynamic balance that was reflected on the challenging test-driving route around the South Cotswolds. Deliciously weighted and well geared steering is matched by superb controls that encourage long distance relaxation at the helm. As tested, with around £8,000’s worth of options, at a (pre-discount) £68,080, it is expensive but more than justified, when considering the total package.
