Volvo XC90 Review

The Executive-level luxury 7-seater SUV market has always been the focus of attention for family users and business professionals. This type of vehicle needs to find the perfect balance between space, comfort, power, and safety. The Volvo XC90 Ultra B5, a mid-cycle facelift model launching in April 2025, features key selling points such as a mild hybrid system to optimize fuel efficiency, air suspension across all configurations to enhance comfort, and a more intelligent cabin setup. Can it maintain its competitiveness in the same segment? This test drive will comprehensively evaluate whether its actual performance meets expectations, from its static design to dynamic performance.

The exterior of the XC90 Ultra B5 continues Volvo's family-style minimalistic Nordic design, with an overall sleek and steady line. The front end features the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights paired with a vertical waterfall grille, boasting high recognition; the side profile incorporates large 275/45 R20 tires, along with a 4953mm length and 2984mm wheelbase, exuding grandeur and harmony; the rear's "Viking Axe" LED tail lights illuminate a unique vertical light strip at night, while the hidden exhaust design further strengthens its sense of luxury. In the details, the body panel gaps are even, and the paint finish is fine, meeting the positioning of an Executive-level vehicle.

Inside, the interior is wrapped with soft-touch materials in light tones, with the center console centered around an 11.2-inch touchscreen. The interface layout is clear, and the smoothness of operation has improved compared to the previous model. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster can display navigation, vehicle status, and other information, while the HUD head-up display projects real-time data such as speed and driving aids, reducing the need for drivers to look away. The seats are wrapped in leather and feature electrical adjustment functionality in the front, providing soft padding and good support. The second row of seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split configuration, and the third row folds down in a 50:50 split, allowing for flexible storage expansion. In terms of features, the standard Bowers & Wilkins 19-speaker audio system offers clear sound quality, while the 360-degree panoramic imaging system proves highly practical for reversing and navigating narrow roads.

As for space performance, the 2984mm wheelbase of the XC90 Ultra B5 provides sufficient layout capacity for three rows of seats. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row will have a headroom of about a fist and two fingers' width; when the second row is adjusted to a comfortable position, there is leg space of more than two fists and headroom of one fist remaining; the third row is more suitable for passengers under 165cm, offering acceptable comfort for short trips but slightly cramped for long durations. In terms of storage space, the luggage compartment provides a capacity of 653L in its default state and can easily accommodate four 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the third row further expands the volume, allowing for long-distance family trips or transporting large items. Multiple storage compartments are designed within the cabin, including a front central armrest box, door storage slots, and rear cup holders, which add to its practicality.

Regarding the powertrain, the XC90 Ultra B5 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and a 48V mild hybrid system, delivering a combined system output of 263PS and a combined torque of 390N·m. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. During daily driving, the mild hybrid system assists the engine at startup and low speeds, offering quick and smooth power response with hardly noticeable turbo lag. When the accelerator is deeply pressed, the engine and motor work together to deliver power, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.7 seconds, providing sufficient confidence for overtaking. The transmission has a clear shift logic, with proactive upshifts and quick downshifts, responding promptly to the driver's power needs.

The handling and chassis performance are one of the highlights of the XC90 Ultra B5. The standard front and rear air suspension for the entire series can adjust its stiffness based on the driving mode. In Comfort mode, the suspension filters out most road bumps, ensuring that passengers inside the car do not feel significant vibrations even when passing through speed bumps or uneven roads. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, the body roll is excellently controlled, and cornering stability is greatly improved. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal free play, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, which matches the positioning of a luxury SUV. The all-wheel-drive system enhances grip on slippery roads or light off-road situations, improving driving safety.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km. During actual test drives, fuel consumption in urban traffic jams was approximately 9.5L/100km, while on highways, it dropped to 7.2L/100km. The overall fuel consumption was about 8.5L/100km, which is close to the official figure. For a 7-seater SUV weighing over 2 tons, this performance is acceptable. Regarding comfort, the interior noise insulation is excellent, keeping wind and tire noise at low levels even at high speeds. The seats offer good support and cushioning, making long drives less tiring. The inclusion of a mild hybrid system ensures smoother start-stop operation, reducing engine restart vibrations.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 include the comfort provided by the standard air suspension, the fuel efficiency optimized by the mild hybrid system, and the comprehensive safety features (such as standard active braking, lane departure warning, and seatbelt reminders for all seats). Compared to competitors like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, the XC90 Ultra B5 offers more competitive pricing and a 7-seater layout that is better suited for families with more members. However, the limited space in the third row and the manually adjustable steering wheel might be slightly disappointing for users seeking top-tier configurations.

This car is suitable for users who prioritize family practicality, comfort, and safety, especially those who frequently travel with multiple family members or occasionally need a vehicle for business receptions. Its well-rounded performance can meet various needs such as daily commuting, long-distance travel, and light off-roading.

Overall, the 2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 is an executive-level SUV that perfectly combines Scandinavian luxury, practical space, and safety features. It offers excellent value for money among vehicles in the same class and is worth prioritizing for family users.