A Trip Down Memory Lane in the Swedish Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge
More Than A Facelift — A Return To A Car Filled With Meaning
Ahh, Volvo, where does one start? I could bore you with all the specs and itsy-bitsy details about the refreshed 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge. But rather, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
It was the year 2024 when I trekked to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, alongside my legendary father, Edwin Naidu, and it was in a pre-facelift Volvo XC90 finished in Nardo Grey.
The sunny views, lovely beaches, and kilometres etched onto the tarmac as we simply glided and wafted to our local hotspots — honestly, some of the best memories. Simple moments. And as I look back now, it’s crazy to think it was two years ago. Where does time go?
Still, I vividly remember the drive and the music pumped through the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. At the time, George Michael dominated my playlist, especially “Spinning the Wheel” and, of course, “Where Did Your Heart Go.” We drove, roved, and simply enjoyed being present. Good food too. Back then, I was only starting out. Shoutout to my dad for always going above and beyond. To put it simply: he gave me my set of wings.
But anyways, the refreshed 2026 Volvo XC90 arrived on my driveway and I immediately felt those memories flood back in. And yes, that’s my sweet lady Jess standing next to the beastly XC90. She’s also slowly ditching the BMW love in her soul and finding the Volvos more fitting these days. So what’s been updated? A mild makeover, a few nips and tucks, and mostly an enhancement in tech — but that’s about it.
Visually, the front end looks noticeably different. The Thor’s Hammer LEDs — yes, that’s an actual Volvo term — appear sharper, while the grille now features a more intricate pattern. I quite like it. Our test unit also looked charming in the metal, finished in black with 21-inch steel-cut alloy wheels. I’ve always found Volvos to be regal and classy. They’re not flashy or attention-seeking, rather understated and sophisticated.
The cabin is where the XC90 really dials it up for me. It’s a luxury haven on wheels, with an atmosphere that feels warm and cosy. Plush cream-coloured leather seats, massage functions for the front occupants, heated seats, and even a heated steering wheel all add to the experience. Then there are the finer details. The Orrefors crystal gear lever remains a lovely touch. The biggest upgrade inside is undoubtedly the infotainment screen, which feels far more modern and intuitive than before. It’s easy to operate too.
And then there’s the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. My goodness, it pumps. One feels completely immersed, and it’s probably one of the best audio systems I’ve had the good fortune of testing in a while. Safety has always been a huge part of the Volvo identity, too. This thing feels like a tank and comes equipped with a long list of driver assistance and safety systems. Safety has always been a huge part of the Volvo identity, too. This thing feels like a tank and comes equipped with a long list of driver assistance and safety systems. It also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, underlining Volvo's long-standing reputation for building some of the safest vehicles on the road.
But the drive is where the Volvo XC90 T8 still wins me over. The same 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine paired with electric motors remains lovely, quick, and effortless. The air suspension also plays a massive role in making the XC90 feel like it’s simply floating along. Same recipe, just slightly better. During my week of testing, I mostly used it as a grocery getter with the occasional long stint from Roodepoort back to Sunninghill. But honestly, this car feels like it’s begging for a proper road trip. Sadly, time and work always seem to be the bane of my existence.
Fuel economy isn’t shabby at all, either. I managed around 10L/100km without charging the hybrid battery. Charge it properly, and you can get up to 70km of pure electric range, which definitely helps reduce fuel consumption quite substantially. I also occasionally dialled it into Power mode, which lowers the car slightly and unleashes the full 340kW and 709Nm of torque. Needless to say, the 0-100km/h sprint feels seriously rapid at just under five seconds.
Needless to say, it was a joy sampling the XC90 again, and you can have one for around R1.9 million. It goes head-to-head with rivals like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q8. I suppose if you dare to go against the grain and ditch the traditional German trio, then the XC90 makes a compelling case.