Anglesey to Amalfi: 3,000 Miles in a Volvo XC90 Plug‑In Hybrid

Anglesey to Amalfi: 3,000‑Mile Adventure in a Volvo XC90 Plug‑In Hybrid

Image: Anglesey to Amalfi: 3,000‑Mile Adventure in a Volvo XC90 Plug‑In Hybrid – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When the job demands a soft, spacious machine that glides over miles without demanding constant attention, many of us reach for what we call a “wafter” – a vehicle that turns long‑distance cruising into a pleasure cruise. In the spring of 2024 I was handed exactly that challenge: drive a near‑£90k Volvo XC90 T8 from the windswept coast of Anglesey, Wales, all the way to the sun‑kissed cliffs of Amalfi, Italy. The result? A 13‑day, 3,000‑mile odyssey that tested the SUV’s design, hybrid powertrain, and comfort in ways most owners never experience.

Why the XC90 T8?

At Autocar’s London headquarters I had several test cars to choose from – a Polestar 3, a handful of pure‑electric models, and even a sleek Jaguar XJ. The plug‑in hybrid Volvo XC90 won out because the itinerary called for daily averages of about 230 miles, and I didn’t want to hunt for charging stations across the French and Italian Alps. The XC90’s 400 bhp‑plus T8 powertrain promised the performance needed for mountain passes while still offering an electric‑only range for city legs.

Day 1‑3: Anglesey Circuit and the First Taste of Power

Our adventure began at the Anglesey Circuit, where the XC90 served as a support vehicle for a Maserati MCXtrema test. The SUV’s air‑sprung rear suspension kept the massive boot level even when a photographer was strapped to a donkey‑cart‑style rig – a sight that would have made any traditional sports car blush. The handling was surprisingly agile for a 2.3‑tonne machine, thanks to the integrated chassis control and the 21‑inch alloy wheels that, while a bit firm over potholes, gave the car a planted feel on the tarmac.

Day 4‑9: Through the Heart of France and the Alps

Leaving the UK, we crossed the Channel and tackled the French autoroutes. The plug‑in battery stayed topped up at a handful of rapid chargers, extending the electric‑only range to about 30 miles on flat roads – perfect for city traffic in Paris. Once the Alps loomed, the T8’s turbo‑petrol engine kicked in, delivering seamless torque that made the steep climbs of the Great St Bernard Pass feel effortless. The cabin’s Cardamom interior – a soothing blend of pale wood and soft leather – created a cocoon that muted road noise and made the 2,000‑meter ascent feel like a gentle glide.

Day 10‑13: Italian Riviera and the Final Stretch

After a brief pit stop in Monaco for the Volvo ES90 launch – where the sleek EV stole some glances, but the XC90’s classic SUV silhouette still turned heads – we descended into Italy. The coastal roads of Liguria tested the car’s handling on tight bends, and the T8’s electric boost gave a quiet, instant response that was a joy on the winding cliffs. By the time we rolled into Amalfi, the odometer had climbed to 3,000 miles, and the touchscreen was speckled with fingerprints from countless navigation prompts.

Design & Dimensions

Dimension	Measurement	Notes
Length	4,953 mm	Spacious three‑row seating
Width (including mirrors)	2,212 mm	Comfortable cabin width
Height	1,777 mm	High roofline for headroom
Wheelbase	2,979 mm	Stable on highways
Curb weight	2,300 kg	Typical for a luxury SUV

Feature Comparison

Feature	Volvo XC90 T8	Polestar 3	Jaguar XJ (5.0‑L)
Powertrain	Plug‑in hybrid (2.0 L + electric motor)	Pure electric	Turbo‑petrol V8
Combined output	400 bhp	408 bhp	500 bhp
Electric range	30 mi (WLTP)	260 mi	‑
All‑wheel drive	Standard	Standard	Optional
ADAS suite	City Safety, Pilot Assist	Pilot Assist, Lidar‑based	Adaptive Cruise, Night Vision

Engine Specifications

Spec	Details	Comments
Engine	2.0 L four‑cylinder, turbo + supercharger	Compact yet powerful
Electric motor	87 kW (≈117 hp)	Provides instant torque
Combined torque	660 Nm	Excellent for hill climbs
Battery capacity	11.6 kWh (Li‑ion)	Suitable for short electric legs
Fuel consumption (combined)	≈25 mpg (when battery depleted)	Average for a 2‑tonne SUV

Price Comparison (UK market, 2024)

Model	Starting Price	Typical On‑Road Cost
Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription	£89,995	£95,500
Polestar 3 Long Range	£84,990	£90,200
Jaguar XJ (5.0‑L V8)	£106,500	£115,000
Range Rover PHEV	£94,500	£101,000

What Worked Well

The XC90’s biggest trump card is its timeless design. Even next to the futuristic ES90, the T8 retained a classic SUV appeal that many modern rivals lack. Inside, the spacious cockpit made long drives feel airy; the panoramic roof added a sense of openness that turned the Alpine passes into a visual feast. Performance-wise, the turbo‑petrol plus electric duo delivered seamless power – overtaking a Fiat Panda on a steep hill was as easy as a gentle press of the accelerator.

Where the XC90 Fell Short

Ride comfort on rough surfaces was the Achilles’ heel. The 21‑inch wheels, while stylish, transmitted every pothole and expansion joint directly into the cabin. Owners who opt for larger wheels often report a harsher ride; a 20‑inch setup (available in the Plus trim) smooths things out without sacrificing too much visual impact. Fuel economy, too, is modest: once the battery is drained, the SUV settles into the low‑mid 20s mpg range, which feels underwhelming for a vehicle of its premium status.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Wafter, but Not the End‑All

After 3,000 miles, the Volvo XC90 T8 proved it can shrink big distances into a series of comfortable, confidence‑filled chapters. The cabin’s sense of wellbeing, the raw power on mountain roads, and the understated yet elegant styling make it a solid choice for families or professionals who need a “soft, spacious” ride.

That said, the newer ES90, with its even more refined seats and whisper‑quiet ride, feels like the next evolutionary step for Volvo’s premium SUV line‑up. If you value pure luxury and don’t mind paying a premium, the ES90 is the true “wafter” of the future. For now, the XC90 remains a reliable, character‑rich workhorse that still turns heads – a testament to Volvo’s ability to blend heritage with modern hybrid technology.

FAQ – Anglesey to Amalfi in the XC90 T8

1. How far can I drive on electric‑only mode?: About 30 miles (WLTP) on a full 11.6 kWh battery – ideal for city commutes.
2. What charging infrastructure is needed for a 3,000‑mile trip?: Fast‑charging stations every 150‑200 km are sufficient; you’ll spend roughly 15‑20 minutes per top‑up.
3. Is the XC90 T8 suitable for heavy luggage?: Yes – the boot offers 859 L of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,868 L when folded.
4. Does the vehicle support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?: Both are integrated into the Sensus infotainment system with a large touchscreen.
5. How does the ride quality compare to a pure‑electric SUV?: The XC90 is firmer due to its larger wheels and heavier chassis; pure‑electric rivals often feel smoother.
6. What ADAS features are standard?: City Safety (collision avoidance), Pilot Assist (semi‑autonomous cruise), lane‑keeping aid, and blind‑spot monitoring.
7. Can I tow a caravan with the XC90 T8?: Yes, it’s rated for up to 2,700 kg (braked) – perfect for a small motorhome.
8. What is the warranty on the hybrid components?: Volvo offers an 8‑year / 100,000‑mile warranty on the battery and hybrid drivetrain.
9. How does fuel consumption change after the battery is depleted?: Expect around 25 mpg (combined) once the electric buffer is exhausted.
10. Is the XC90 T8 still relevant after the ES90 launch?: Absolutely – it provides a more affordable entry into Volvo’s hybrid luxury SUV segment while still delivering the brand’s hallmark safety and comfort.