Meet the Long Range XC90 that'll do 1,000 miles

Volvo's long-serving SUV soldiers on - and on and on

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 11 November 2026 / Loading comments

There can’t be many ‘normal’ cars around that have now been on sale longer than Volvo XC90, the first example of the second generation being delivered way back in 2014. But as we discovered recently, it still has a lot to offer as a family hauler, and the latest update is absolutely in keeping with contemporary trends.

Now there’s something called a T8 Long Range plug-in hybrid, which sorta does what it says on the tin: where the old PHEV had less than 50 miles of EV range, this new one has a claimed 101. As new private buyers continue to be unsure about full-on electrification, it’s easy to see why a trusty old Volvo with a significant battery boost might appeal: claimed overall range is now provisionally up to 1,096 miles…

There’s now a 41.2kWh (37.9kWh usable) ‘floor-integrated’ battery pack; allied to the trusty 2.0-litre petrol, there’s 461hp on offer, for 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. Charging takes four hours, so it’s one for home rather than the local DC rapid. All probably less important numbers than the hearty range claim (and 8g/km), but useful nonetheless. And there’s more than just the battery in this facelift: Google Gemini is now part of the XC90 package (told you it was all up to date now), allowing drivers ‘to interact with the car using natural language’ and which will update over time. Hopefully it still understands what a petrol station is.

The Long Range PHEV sits in the new XC90 lineup alongside the 250hp mild-hybrid B5. That kicks off at £66,270 for a Core, with the plug-in range starting at £75,765 and Plus, Plus Pro, Ultra and Ultra Pro specs offered. There’s a Black Edition at the top, costing £83,765 for the T8. Right in among the all-electric EX90 range, then, only now you wouldn’t bet against the XC proving more popular…