Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3

At Volvo, they see climate change as their real safety test and they're on the road to becoming an all-electric brand. The first-ever Volvo EX90 is a clear reminder of such a transition.

2024 Volvo EX90

Starting at 997,000 Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX90 marked the new beginning for the Swedish carmaker as their road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing to keep up with the challenges of the new normal.

2024 Volvo EX90

Beginning with the design, the EX90, when it was first unveiled to the world, was the first to incorporate the "new normal" Volvo design judging by the pixelated take on the Thor's Hammer headlamps and the squarish Volvo trademark taillights. Although the retractable door handles and creases made statements, the "new normal" exterior design is the template for future all-electric Volvos heading their way.

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

The same "new normal" Volvo principle applies to the interior. It features a 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Android Auto that controls not just entertainment and navigation but almost the entire car, which can be cumbersome for anyone behind the wheel. What's also cumbersome is the steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, a rotary gear selector, USB-C ports, a digital instrumental panel that knows your name, and others.

Regardless of how many seats you have, from five to seven, the boot space can accommodate up to 1,915 liters with the passenger seats folded down. With all seats present, it can carry up to 365 liters. Decent enough to carry today's grocery shopping list or rather thrift store dump if you're into that. The sweet spot of the EX90? Almost impossible to say because most Swedish families may end up with this, but it still works rather well for escorting liberal democrats, woke capitalists, and other VIPs alike. It's business class with a greater cause.

2024 Volvo EX90

The EX90 features three different configurations armed with the 107kWh lithium-ion battery pack such as the entry-level 279PS Single Motor, the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variant, and the most powerful in the lineup, the Twin Motor Performance. The flagship variant produces 517PS of power and 910Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. That's it. The driving distance in one full charge is about 590km. A real road-tripping crossover.

Asked about charging times, the EX90 will take about the length of an episode of your anime show to reach 80% or nearly half an hour to reach full charge while at home.

Although extremely regular to drive every day, not to mention being silent and comfy on the move, the EX90 is packed with a roof-mounted Iris LiDAR sensor from Luminar, five radars, eight cameras, two interior cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors, taking advantage of the crossover's cutting edge safety features Volvo has championed through the year. Although capped at Level 2 autonomy for the time being, the EX90 is the first that is hardware-ready for fully autonomous driving in the future. Whoa.

Like it or not, the EX90 is the poster Volvo of the new normal as its road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing. However, those who demand more should consider its sportier alternative to the EX90.

2024 Polestar 3

This is the Polestar 3, the third Polestar-made vehicle and the second fully electric since the Polestar 2 midsize saloon. Priced at 960,000 Krona plus additional cost, it's cheaper to own than the EX90, although it's available only as a five-seater.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

2024 Polestar 3 interior

While the exterior is strikingly sexy for crossover standards thanks to its design inspired by the Precept Concept, although the sidelines and rear can be downright mistaken for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the minimalist interior, the 9-inch digital instrument cluster, the 14.5-inch touchscreen, and up to 1,411 liters of boot space proves that the Polestar 3 is all about taking things seriously, whatever life throws at it.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

Offered only in a Twin Motor 4WD layout with 107kWh lithium-ion battery, the Polestar 3 is offered with a choice of a 489PS Long Range Dual Motor and the 517PS Performance Pack. Although the latter is the same as the one in the EX90's range-topper, this is faster than the EX90 Twin Motor Performance variant because the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance variant is 0.2 seconds faster than the EX90 and while the EX90 is as fast as a Japanese car on Japanese roads, the Polestar 3 goes flatout in 210kph.

Apart from the performance, the Polestar 3 features front double wishbones, rear integral link, dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring, making this heavyweight Polestar worth driving everywhere. Makes you fizz behind the wheel, huh?

Like the EX90, the Polestar 3 is packed with numerous safety features that earned the right to become fully autonomous in the foreseeable future, with Level 2 autonomy the best it can do for now. It even comes with the Polestar-first Smart Eye that detects drivers' eye movements in the name of reducing driver distraction. Speedo boys consider it a buzzkill but whatever.

The Volvo EX90 and the Polestar 3 are two extremely different sides of the same coin. While the EX90 is all about being a civilized crossover daily, the Polestar 3 rewrites the rules of what a fully electric crossover should be. Either way, this is the new normal. Deal with it.

Photo: Volvo Cars/Polestar

Volvo EX40 and EC40

Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge and the C40, the two electric crossovers from Volvo have been renamed as the EX40 and the EC40 as the Swedish carmaker's plans to become an EV-only brand have gone in full circle.

2025 Volvo EX40

2025 Volvo EC40

Although they look the same as the now-defunct XC40 Recharge and the C40, the first-ever EX40 and the EC40 are picking up where the recently deceased former selves left off in the name of mobility for all.

 

2025 Volvo EX40 interior

2025 Volvo EC40 interior

While the styling and the interior layout look and feel the same as the XC40 Recharge and the C40 it replaced, so does the boot space of up to 1286 liters for the EX40 and 1196 liters for the EC40, not to mention the driving feel between them, which in their case, civilized, relaxing, well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety features Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well, the EV powertrains saw a major shake-up with the addition of a new flagship version.

In addition to the 238PS rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variants, the EX40 and the EX40 received a new Performance variant where a special Performance drive mode bumped the 82kWh Twin Motor powertrain with an additional 34PS of power, bringing the power output of 442PS. It will go from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and being a new-normal Volvo, the maximum permitted speed is 180kph. 

Asked about the driving range, the EX40 Twin Motor Performance variant is good for 538km while the EC40 Twin Motor Performance does 552km, which is more. Both can hit 80% in less than 30 minutes while charging at a 50kw DC charging station at a public place.

The EX40 starts at 607,000 kr while the EC40 starts at 625,000 kr plus additional costs. Both can be ordered online.

Even with the name change, the Volvo EX40 and the EC40 deserve some attention.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo brought back the C lettering, reserved for now-extinct coupe models, for one last time but not in a way you've expected as the first-ever Volvo C40 Recharge is basically a fully-electric coupe crossover that is made to take on the Tesla Model Y. Let's find out.

The first-ever Volvo C40 Recharge, which starts at 689,900 Kr or about 7,790 Kr per month courtesy of the Care by Volvo subscription service, is a fully-electric coupe crossover that truly fits the challenges of the new normal with its electric powertrain that Volvo's now championing as well as the most advanced safety tech that is in tune with the times.

Being the last Volvo to bear the alphanumerical naming, the C40 features a coupe-like styling that is somewhat controversial for a compact crossover. Although controversial, it still incorporates the signature Volvo elements around it, which is nice.

Don't expect something special inside because the C40 features a typical Volvo interior with the dashboard carried over from the entire Volvo family tree, including the tall touch screen powered by Android with frequent software updates over the air. The coupe-like styling and the sloping roofline mean less spacious than its XC40 equivalent but it's still comfortable to live with and roomy enough for the essentials.

As a proper electric vehicle built from the ground up, the C40 uses the same electric powertrain as the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, meaning it comes with two electric motors connected in each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive crossover fit for all walks of life. Together, it produces a total of 408PS of power and 660Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds. As for the range, it's 444km in one full charge based on WLTP standards and it will take less than 40 minutes while charging at a 150kW charging station. That's more than watching an entire episode of your favorite show.

While it weighs over two and a half tons, the C40 is slightly lighter than the XC40, meaning it's slightly better to handle as well. Although not an exciting one, the C40 feels good to drive even on the open road. It's civilized, relaxing, and well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety feature Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well.

With such a concept, the C40 Recharge from Volvo is the electric coupe crossover that is truly capable of tackling the challenges of the new normal. Since the majority of Volvo customers prefer to have it on a temporary basis rather than a permanent one, which is also part of the new normal, it's a shame not to keep it but the main point of being a Volvo customer is, to enjoy until you are fully enjoyed. Have fun driving it until you are very happy to let it go. That's all.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Volvo S60 (Z)

Most people knew about Volvos wandering what would the next S60 looked like following the arrival of the new generation Volvo V60 estate and after moments of conspiracy theories, Volvo showed the world the new S60 and this is going to be a turning point for Volvo, especially the fact that the only Swedish carmaker we know is now under the hands of its Chinese owners from Geely. Let's evaluate.

2019 Volvo S90

One major fact about the new S60 is a fully imported model straight from the United States of America. Why made in the USA? It's all thanks to Mr. Tariff Man of course because he's not a fan of EU-made cars so that's why Volvo responded to this grim fandango to produce the new S60 on American grounds, whatever it takes. Geopolitics isn't the least of its problems because the way the new S60 is just one of them and it just suffered from the case of the Russian doll approach like every other luxury carmakers do, meaning when you park this car next to its big brother, the S90, you really can't explain what that means.

2019 Volvo S90 interior

Same issue goes to the interior because Volvo thinks that the signature dashboard first applied on the XC90 looks so good, they want to apply it on today's Volvo models, especially this one because they want their interiors to value functionality before form and that's how it got here but anyway, dashboard issues aside, it still snuggles and works like every other luxury midsize saloon should be. Be it a family car, a chauffeur-driven car to escort the VIPs, or for TNVS purposes, the S60 almost ticks the boxes of what a saloon should be and the boot space is relatively decent as well.

2019 Volvo S90

While this is made in a greatest country on earth that dropped out from the Paris accord because Mr. Tariff Man says so, the new S60 leads the charge for Volvo's diesel-free future because beginning on this model, Volvo will not have diesels on it due to today's climate and instead, they have a choice of a 2.0L T5 petrol engine, a Twin Charged 2.0L T6 hybrid petrol engine with 340PS of power, 2.0L T8 Twin Engine with 390PS of power, and then there's the range-topping Polestar Engineered T8 Twin Engine with 405PS of power. The T8 variants are the fastest of the range with a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds while the efficiency goes to the Twin Engine T6 variant with 1.5 - 2.3l/100km of WLTP-calculated fuel economy. All of these engines are mated to a Geartronic automatic gearbox.

Compared to the old S60, the new S60 now behaves like a new car because of the Scalable Product Architecture as well as revised dynamics that leaves drivers surprised on how decent the handling is although it's not BMW-ish but more like Audi-ish because of the four-wheel drive drivetrain essential to its hybrid powertrain. Yes, there will be some arm-breaking understeer but behaving as a normal car, it feels business as usual. Whether you take it to work or for a trip to the mall or whatever, the new S60 does its luxury car charms rather well even if it's not quite as exciting as a BMW 3-Series.

When the previous, second-generation, Volvo S60 revolutionized car safety with the first ever City Safety which involves putting emergency brakes that can stop the car itself when it detects approaching pedestrians. The new, third-generation, S60 continues its predecessor's lineage and Volvo's vision of a safer motoring future by carrying over its City Safety with Autobrake technology which now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, a world first for a midsize saloon. Along with the upgraded Pilot Assist system, the Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert, and other safety tech, the new S60 is hands down one of the safest cars in the world, whatever that means.

2019 Volvo S60

The new S60 starts at 398,900 SEK (around 2,202,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds fairly expensive for a midsize luxury car but if you can't afford the high price, you can take advantage of the Care by Volvo subscription service where you can keep the car for 36 months. Simple as that.

Despite its American blood, the S60 is still Swedish at heart, which isn't so bad for being a Euro-American citizen that crossed across the Atlantic to get through Scandinavia and showcase its legendary Volvo safety to the mass motorists. While the design of the new S60 is too much to tell because of the Russian doll effect, the strong suit of the new S60 is its twin charged engines and the safety tech that made us believe in Volvos. It may not be one of the most exciting luxury saloons in the world but it's one of the safest and it's all about getting the job done with no questions asked.

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Volvo V60 (Z) and V60 Cross Country (Z)

Since 2010, Volvo introduced the first-ever V60, which served as the station wagon equivalent of the Volvo S60, one of the safest Volvos introduced in this decade, and by some odd turn, the station wagon equivalent of the S60 received a full model change, leaving its sedan equivalent what might have been. Anyway, while this is basically a full model change, there's something about the all-new V60 range.

2019 Volvo V60

2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country

One look on the all-new Volvo V60 and you'll know that it has the case of "Honey, I shrunk the V90" because the styling of the new V60 looks very similar to its flagship equivalent, the V90, meaning that the Swedish carmaker went through the Russian doll effect like most luxury cars adorned so when you parked this car next alongside the V90, drivers can get easily confused between the two cars after a quick trip to the grocery store. Confusing looks aside, the Volvo V60 comes with two different versions such as the normal V60 and the tough-looking but not-so-tough Cross Country variant with a slightly raised height similar to what jacked-up versions of everyday cars looked like such as the Subaru Outback for example.

2019 Volvo V60 interior

The new V60 sports a typical Volvo interior that has been on every lineup since the XC90 SUV, meaning that you will still be greeted with the big touchscreen on the dashboard that terrifies speedo boys everywhere, the steering wheel, the knob, the high-tech instrumental panel, and so on. Although nothing special about the driver's side because of the uniform Volvo dashboard, it's surprisingly as comfortable as a family car, which isn't so bad for a five-seater station wagon for a change and the boot space wasn't half bad, meaning that you can store as many as you want unless if you're the sort of person who spends the rest of the week buying stuff from the thrift store or jacking up space with loads of gym equipment for no reason at all.

2019 Volvo V60

2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country

On the normal V60, it's been offered with a choice of T5 or T6 petrol engines, D3 or D4 diesel engines (which doesn't make sense in Europe anymore due to anti-diesel issues), and then this; a T8 Twin Engine which combines a 2.0L turbocharged engine with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It's capable of producing 390PS of total power output and can go from 0-100kph in less than five seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph. Simple as that.

The V60 Cross Country, meanwhile, is only offered with a 190ps 2.0L D4 diesel engine, so if you're European and if you're in tune with the times, better ignore this until Volvo offered cleaner variants of the V60 Cross Country so better cross that out. It's a shame really because I was going to mention about its increased ground clearance, its specially developed Cross Country chassis and suspension, its standard all-wheel drive and its special Off-Road driving mode but because it's offered in diesel only at launch, no way, Jose.

Anyway, because both models running on the Scalable Product Architecture that has been adorned to today's Volvo models since the XC90, the new V60 range always enjoy its new lease in life with its more rigid body, lighter weight, better dimensions, and safety features such as the City Safety with Autobrake technology and the Pilot Assist system. Coupled that with its clever suspension and chassis setups and the result is a station wagon that feels better to drive than the original, although it can be considered to be OK for most drivers. Nothing more, nothing less. It's just an okay sport wagon that it feels so decent to drive from the comfort of your Camellia Homes to Isdaan when you and your mates are having a bit of a food trip.

The V60 range starts at 317,000 Swedish Krona (around $35,450) which is basically reasonable enough for people to own one or if you have a Care by Volvo subscription, you can drive one right away while letting the monthly fees do the talking. So, while the V60 suffers the Russian doll syndrome, the way it performs wasn't so bad for a station wagon of this size and it's a good wagon full-stop.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Volvo XC40

Volvo has launched their first ever subscription service called "Care by Volvo" which promises to make private ownership of a car a thing in the past and the Volvo that spearheaded this questionable new kind of subscription service is their first ever compact crossover called the XC40. So, what's it all about this Volvo XC40?

2018 Volvo XC40

2018 Volvo XC40

Good question, ladies and gentlemen, especially you speedo boys out there, I was about to say that but before that, what is "Care by Volvo" by the way? "Care by Volvo" is a monthly subscription service that makes having a car hassle-free than shopping one from haggling dealerships. It gives subscribers a wide range of digital concierge services meaning all the maintenance needs will be taken care of. You can even have them deliver to your doorstep to you. What's interesting is that after a year, you can even opt for another Volvo but it you're going to sign a new contract for this.

Yes, the Care by Volvo is about as wonderful as driving a rental car on a business trip and it all starts at 5,799 Kr (over $700/35,000 Php) per month. If you're a speedo boy, you wouldn't want to go for that trend because speedo boys love to work on their vehicle and making it theirs and if they're not a fan of this subscription service, they'd better keep it at a full price; 293,900 Kr (around $36,000 or 1,800,000 Php), which in luxury car terms, it's one of the most affordable luxury cars to buy right now.

The XC40 is a luxury car without the luxury price tag but what do you get in return? Take this design, for instance, and at first glance, they've drawn inspiration from the 40.1 Concept and because this is the compact Volvo to spearhead the new 40-series range, who knows, the XC40 might spawn other derivatives such as the successor to the S40, which draws its looks form the 40.2 Concept and a replacement to the V40 hatchback. Anyway, while the concept-turned-reality design is a clear example of why a few cars are doing things right rather than Subaru's, it's a bit boxy by the looks of it and it has a shape of a Tetris puzzle when you squint at it.

2018 Volvo XC40

Because the XC40 falls victim to the "Russian doll" trend that luxury cars do, the interior is typical Volvo since the XC90 and you will be still greeted by the familiar but high-tech dashboard but for the first time, it comes with the available wireless mobile phone charging which is great but complicating if you got an older smartphone. Also, it comes with smartphone connectivity, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Although it's small enough to park, the spacing and comfort is very sedan-ish and the boot space is good enough to accomodate this week's grocery shopping or heaps of dirty laundry if you're going for the wash as long as it doesn't got piled up by stuff you bought from the thrift store last week.

2018 Volvo XC40

Because the XC40 is utilized on a brand new modular vehicle architecture which will underpin upcoming cars within the 40 series, especially electric ones, it's very compact and very nimble enough to drive through city centers with confidence and despite being co-developed by the Chinese, even though now Volvo is owned by Geely, it feels right of being a city car for day-to-day use.

Question is, does it work as a car that can be used for TNVS purposes? Well, first, all of the engines are 2.0L four-cylinder units, mated with either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed AT, with the most powerful being the T5 AWD variant with 247ps of power output, which is not bad for a crossover that weighs over two tons, but it's hard to distinguish whether if its a hatchback or an SUV because if the XC40 is nothing more of a jacked-up hatchback, then you're not allowed to use for TNVS duty such as Uber or Lyft or any ride-hailing service you know about because it is a jacked-up hatchback rather than an SUV so, no deal on using it for TNVS.

In the spirit of Volvo safety, the XC40 features Volvo's signature Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360° Camera, which works in the modern traffic but for speedo boys, it's worth nightmarish to drive knowing that these tech can scare the little buzzers of their trousers but since we live in a future, the XC40 is all about being the future created by the modern men of today that can handle almost everything with confidence. That's the Swedish way, folks.

So, how to sum this car up? Well, technically, the XC40 excels at its affordable pricing not bad for a luxury compact crossover, its concept-turned-reality styling, and its performance, although what's not to like about is that you can't use it for TNVS because they know that this is a jacked-up hatchback rather than being a compact SUV, the new chassis feels good to drive but not as sporty as it seems, and in the case of speedo boys everywhere, the Care by Volvo. Trust me, speedo boys are not fans with this subscription service as they would rather own it for their own pleasure than this. Although late for the party, the XC40 is ready to take on luxury compact crossovers anytime.

Available colors: Black Stone Solid, Bright Silver Metallic, Osmium Grey Metallic, Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Premium Metallic, Bursting Blue Premium Metallic.

Photo: Volvo Cars 

Forza Motorsport 7: Thor's Hammer

As Forza Motorsport 7's gone crossover crazy, this crossover featured at the March Car Pack is somewhat of a different ballgame. In fact, the crossover in question that I've encountered in this pack is basically a Volvo...



Yes. It's a Volvo but what Volvo is it? I bet you can't guess...



It's the second-generation Volvo XC90 and it's odd why a people mover like this made it through the ranks, in fact, this game is becoming in tune with the times now that crossovers are becoming mainstream than any other body style in the globe. So, what's it all about this Volvo XC90?



The launch of the second-generation Volvo XC90 marks a new beginning in Volvo's history, incorporating signature Volvo safety tech and utilising their brand new Scalable Product Architecture platform. It is the first Volvo to don the updated iron emblem as well as Volvo's new signature "Thor's Hammer" DRL lights, promising a new, distinctive, and confident face for Volvo's forthcoming models.The interior now boasts a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system.

While boasting a wide array of Advanced Driver Assists, the new XC90 boasts a full range of other engine options,all mated with an 8-speed AT, with the range-topping T8 Twin Engine PHEV that combines supercharging, turbocharging, and an electric motor, resulting to 407HP of power output, 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds, and 134.5mpg of fuel economy. In pure electric mode, it has a range of 26 miles, which is impressive for a seven-seater PHEV.

With its advanced driving technology, wide range of engine choices, and distinctive design, the all-new XC90 is a fresh new start to Sweden's only surviving mainstream luxury car company, even though it's now owned by China's Geely.



Trying to mock this crossover as a "school bus" is downright absurd but there's something about the Twin Engine XC90 variant that is worth noticeable. Volvo states that this PHEV variant of the XC90 is all about the best of both worlds. With the twin-charged petrol engine and a rechargeable electric motor, it promises to deliver the power equivalent of a V8 engine but at what costs? To find out, I went to the venue of the F1 Abu Dhabi GP that is Yas Marina.



I know, bearing a car with an automatic gearbox that has no paddle shifters whatsoever can be somewhat dull for a speedo boy driving it but when I tried driving it with all the electronic nannies on, it feels not so bad to drive and by demonstrating how Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture works, not only it feels lively to drive but also worth coming back for more. Of course, there are some drawbacks and one of them is when I engaged the ESC Sport Mode, which shuts the electronic nannies off, including the traction control, it's worth taking a trip to the drugstore for some painkillers when it triggers some sort of catastrophic understeer and for an SUV that weighs over 5,000lbs, that is worth a challenge.



Anyway, back to the Twin Engine's capability, and since I'm at Yas Marina to explain what I was on about, I'm trying to find a V8-powered SUV that can match against the XC90's Twin Engine capability as an all-rounder PHEV and I got one...





As you can see, I am rejoined by my old friend, the Dodge Durango SRT. The high-performance crossover I've lauded for being almost as quick as a Ford Focus RS when I thrashed this one round Laguna Seca and what am I going to do is see if the XC90's Twin Engine power can be a decent alternative against a V8 SUV like this. Let's roll the tape.



And now, the results...

Durango - 2:54.772
XC90 - 2:59.180



Well, that was just rubbish, isn't it? Volvo said their Twin Engine capability provided the V8-ish power but what was that all about? Almost five seconds slower than a V8-powered Durango SRT? How sad but let's just say, they've tried and I am impressed that the second-generation XC90 is the way forward for Volvo because of its pioneering breakthrough that writes a new chapter for Volvo's history. It may not have the guts to outflank a V8-powered super-suv but as an all-rounder, this Twin Engine PHEV is all about decency in action. Well, now that I've explained everything about the new Volvo XC90, I made a little reward for doing a good job...



A Scandinavian aria worth beholding... Wait a minute, looks like my whole set is complete!























What you're looking at, ladies and gentlemen, are my collection of cars made with the theme of Aikatsu Stars on it and since this show's ending in a few weeks this month, time to take a moment to try out some of the designs I made. I call them "Aikatsu Stars In Reasonably Fast Cars" and it made it sound like Top Gear's Star In A Reasonably Fast Car but I hope you appreciate for all the hard-ish work I've done in the making of those.

Until then, Bon Bon Voyage!