XC90 plugin vs. Recharge?
Discussion
I think Recharge is just the latest name for the T8, I seem to recall it changed circa the time that they upped the capacity of the battery. I've got an 2023 xc90 Recharge - lovely car and the battery range is about 37 miles on average which is more than enough for day to day use purely on battery.
Obviously as soon as the battery is depleted it canes the petrol like a good un, but even so my overall average (which includes battery) is 52mpg which I think is pretty decent for a 2.5 ton brick.
Pros - looks good (not in your face like many big SUV), very safe (I still think it is the case that no one has died in one), really practical and thoughtfully designed interior, unlikely to get nicked, decent range, good ride (as long as it has air suspension and not 22 inch wheels), sound system is great (B&W or HK).
Cons - handling is safe rather than inspiring - it is not a Porsche Cayenne or even an x5, can suffer with torque steer when booting it, engine isn't the last word in refinement, infotainment is somewhat last generation and there can be some glitches.
Obviously as soon as the battery is depleted it canes the petrol like a good un, but even so my overall average (which includes battery) is 52mpg which I think is pretty decent for a 2.5 ton brick.
Pros - looks good (not in your face like many big SUV), very safe (I still think it is the case that no one has died in one), really practical and thoughtfully designed interior, unlikely to get nicked, decent range, good ride (as long as it has air suspension and not 22 inch wheels), sound system is great (B&W or HK).
Cons - handling is safe rather than inspiring - it is not a Porsche Cayenne or even an x5, can suffer with torque steer when booting it, engine isn't the last word in refinement, infotainment is somewhat last generation and there can be some glitches.
Can't add much more than unseen - good summary.
These are supreme 7-seat family wagons IMO. For its function, it's the best car we've owned.
This is our 3rd XC90 after a D5 mk1, D5 mk2 and now this T8 Ultimate. Each has been a step change from the last with a real uptick in quality.
One additional downside is the latest cars have Google OS which is, unfortunately, pretty poor. It's a step back from Sensus, and that itself wasn't the last word. There's also not much hope that Volvo will update it. Their electric range uses a different flavour the OS, and this model is on its way out. They should have left it with Sensus.
Our mileage/usage patterns are pretty much right in the zone for a PHEV like this. Daily miles are within electric range, smaller percentage of long trips that then lean on the petrol engine. We're currently getting 276mpg (incl. battery use)
One "however"....if you don't need to tow, seriously consider a Kia EV9. A full EV is a better bet IMO. And the EV9 is also a comfy place to be. Key reasons we didn't jump that route:
1) Kia couldn't match, let alone better, the deal we got on the XC90 (that may have changed now the model is no longer brand new)
2) The interior quality isn't quite as nice as the XC90. It's not a million miles off, but still not quite there (mainly tipped by a glossy mid-grey plastic they insist on using on key parts of the interior!)
3) We do need to tow now and then. Not often, and not far...so this was potentially able to be overcome, but a consideration.
These are supreme 7-seat family wagons IMO. For its function, it's the best car we've owned.
This is our 3rd XC90 after a D5 mk1, D5 mk2 and now this T8 Ultimate. Each has been a step change from the last with a real uptick in quality.
One additional downside is the latest cars have Google OS which is, unfortunately, pretty poor. It's a step back from Sensus, and that itself wasn't the last word. There's also not much hope that Volvo will update it. Their electric range uses a different flavour the OS, and this model is on its way out. They should have left it with Sensus.
Our mileage/usage patterns are pretty much right in the zone for a PHEV like this. Daily miles are within electric range, smaller percentage of long trips that then lean on the petrol engine. We're currently getting 276mpg (incl. battery use)
One "however"....if you don't need to tow, seriously consider a Kia EV9. A full EV is a better bet IMO. And the EV9 is also a comfy place to be. Key reasons we didn't jump that route:
1) Kia couldn't match, let alone better, the deal we got on the XC90 (that may have changed now the model is no longer brand new)
2) The interior quality isn't quite as nice as the XC90. It's not a million miles off, but still not quite there (mainly tipped by a glossy mid-grey plastic they insist on using on key parts of the interior!)
3) We do need to tow now and then. Not often, and not far...so this was potentially able to be overcome, but a consideration.
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