Contributing writer Billy Brown participated in an industry launch in Europe last month. He was among the first to test drive the Volvo XC90 TW8, a hybrid SUV that’s touted to be among the most efficient ever designed.
We’re whipping along a two-lane road, the Mediterranean Coast popping in and out of view. I’m at the wheel of an outrageous to-be-released vehicle — Volvo’s newest ride is a 7-passenger SUV that gets an astonishing nearly 60-miles-per-gallon, making it more efficient than a Prius on a city street.
A futuristic, tablet-style center console displays directions and stats as we drive. Though not exactly an off-road vehicle, the Volvo is a full-time all-wheel-drive SUV, and it has on-the-fly adjustable suspension, making it a capable bad-weather machine.
Add to this the aforementioned 400 horsepower engine for massive power in the hybrid model, and you have a dream vehicle for all-around outdoor lifestyle use. (It also comes with a dreamy price tag of around $60K.) Read on to learn more about this wagon from the future.
The Gear: Volvo XC90 TW8 Plug-in Hybrid SUV (around $60,000 but price TBA)
Powertrains: Other than the (tested) TW8 plug-in hybrid, the XC90 is also available as a gasoline-only T6, with a 316HP gasoline engine (available in several configurations, starting at around $48,900 for a non-hybrid version).
Overview: Volvo is best known for safety, but the Swedish company has been adding emphasis on design and performance, an effort that is apparent in the 2016 XC90.