Building on the success of both its predecessor and the smaller XC60, the all-new XC90 has already had 16,000 people put down their name for one. It promises a different approach to rivals for the creation of a luxurious SUV and it also marks the turning point for the company; it’s the first of a new breed of Volvos.

Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said “these strong order numbers are very encouraging and it shows that customers obviously like what they see in the new XC90,” and that it “represents the new Volvo Cars and it is the first in a series of new cars to come, as we renew our entire product portfolio in the coming years.”

The first reviews of the XC90 are starting to come in now, and it seems like it’s really good. It’s not sporty, but very plush, comfy and safe, plus it looks crisp and modern – it won’t be as successful as the original, since that had far fewer rivals, but even in the current market conditions, it’s a different enough proposition to make a mark.

The old Volvo XC90 wasn’t a screamer through the bends, and this relaxed nature also defines the all-new car that replaces it. Tested in Spain by AutoExpress, its supreme cruising ability shone through, as well as the multitude of touches that Volvo has given it to make it a tempting buy in a crowded sector.

The XC90 tries to offer something different to the big three-row SUV norm. There’s absolutely no emphasis on sportiness in the regular versions (although it will be breathed upon by Polestar), but it’s still planted and surefooted enough to inspire confidence – that’s what you want in a big family car anyway.

Its strong points are the hushed interior, compliant ride, large third row seats and its air of modern minimalism. There’s that big central touchscreen display that’s now a portrait ration instead of landscape – this is reportedly more comfortable to use than portrait.

In fact, with screens as big as this one (and of course Tesla’s), portrait is really the only way to go as otherwise the driver would be stretching his or her hand all the way to the passenger’s side of the dash and that would be awkward – this orientation allows for easy access to a big screen.

Volvo's Polestar performance arm is already breathing its magic over the new Volvo XC90 SUV

Volvo’s all-new XC90 is set to get performance and chassis upgrades from the company’s tuning and motorsports arm, Polestar.

According to Michael Fleiss, Volvo’s Vice President of Powertrain, Volvo XC90 Polestar versions of the D5 diesel and T6 petrol models can be expected. “Our colleagues at Polestar are already looking at the car,” he told us. “But Polestar models will sit somewhere between the T6 and T8 [plug-in hybrid] on power.”

The four-cylinder T6 petrol car produces 316bhp, while the T8 twin engine model with its petrol engine and electric motor produces a combined 395bhp. The D5 diesel’s output is currently rated at 222bhp before Polestar’s tuners get their hands on it.

In addition to performance boosts, Polestar’s engineers will beef up the chassis to further improve grip levels and reduce body roll – the V60 Polestar has used adjustable Ohlins dampers, plus we’d expect more powerful Brembo brakes to be fitted.

There will also be a beefier bodykit based on the R-Design trim level to give the XC90 a sportier appearance, and we’d be disappointed if the car wasn’t available with Polestar’s trademark Rebel Blue paintwork.

In spite of Volvo’s R&D boss Peter Mertens telling us he was happy with the noise the company’s new four-cylinder petrol models make, we’d expect Polestar to give its XC90 a throatier engine noise, possibly with the aid of a sound synthesizer.

Volvo’s Polestar models don’t scrimp on equipment, either, so we’d expect XC90 Polestars to feature all the luxury and advanced safety kit that’s on offer in the new car. However, don’t expect to see a Polestar version of the XC90 until 2016 at the earliest – the standard car goes on sale this summer, with the T8 model arriving slightly later in the year.

It seems the Volvo XC90, even though it’s still basically a big SUV, has a lot of mass appeal, because we haven’t really heard one bad word about it. Reviews portray it as this kind of great alternative to other vehicles its size, with great looks, safety and efficiency to win over buyers.

The Dutch reviewer from AutoWeek gets to try out both the D5 and T8 models, and unsurprisingly loves both of them. The diesel is apparently hushed and pokey, while the T8 hybrid is properly quick, sprinting to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 6 seconds.

It’s also the interior that seems to get a lot of attention, and in particular the touchscreen infotainment system. The screen is probably the biggest and boldest unit in automotive use, aside from the one you find inside a Tesla.

Volvo's elegant all-new XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid model is flying under the radar a little bit. We're hoping that's going to change once people start driving them.

And after all, why not? We're talking about a plug-in hybrid 7 seater capable of putting down 400 HP and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. It's no small potato.

What it also is, is faster and more economical than BMW's new X5 xDrive40e, which isn't a knock on BMW, but more a testament to how far Volvo have come in the past couple of years.

The XC90 T8 is also more efficient than the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, while still trailing behind the Audi Q7 e-tron in terms of average fuel consumption, but that's because the Audi is using diesel power. Here's a thought: maybe they all should have.

The spot is pretty basic, and it points out the fact that the XC90 T8 has a dual personality of sorts (much like its rivals as well). On one hand you can go the "Zero Emissions" route while on the other hand you could unleash its 400 HP (318 HP + 82 HP) so that you'd never have to feel like you compromised in any way by buying a PHEV SUV.

We look forward to watching how this battle unfolds between Volvo, Audi, BMW, Porsche and pretty soon Mercedes-Benz as well with a plug-in hybrid version of the upcoming GLE.

VOLVO ANNOUNCES PRICING OF ALL-NEW XC90 T8 TWIN ENGINE PLUG-IN ELECTRIC HYBRID

Rockleigh, N.J. (April 14, 2015) – Volvo Cars will bring the world's first seven passenger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to the United States this summer with the XC90 T8 Twin Engine. Powered by Volvo's 2.0 liter supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine and a rear axle electric motor, the T8 can achieve 394 horsepower and 0-60 MPH in just 5.7 seconds.

With uncompromising performance and flexibility, drivers can choose to operate the T8 in a variety of modes, including:
- Hybrid: As the default mode, it is suitable for everyday use and the XC90 will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 2.0 liter supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the optimum overall fuel economy.
- Pure electric: This mode is used primarily in a city environment although it can power the car up to highway speeds. When the high-voltage battery is fully charged, it serves as the car's sole energy source, powering the electric motor over the rear axle. Preliminary testing based on EPA criteria produced an estimated range of 17 miles using just electricity, which represents a high percentage of drivers' typical daily usage.
- Power mode: This utilizes the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the XC90 T8 takes advantage of the electric motor's superior response and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up to speed. This combination offers better torque at lower revs, which is equivalent to that of a large displacement engine.

Because of the XC90 T8's plug-in hybrid battery technology, consumers may be eligible for a federal tax credit up to an estimated $4,600 in addition to other local and state incentives. T8 customers should consult a tax professional to determine eligibility.

The XC90 T8 combines the best of Scandinavian craftsmanship and style with uncompromising performance and interior enhancements. Each T8 features "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, power front seat cushion extensions, high level interior illumination and a hand blown Orrefors® crystal gear shift. The MSRP of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid Momentum is $68,100, not including any tax credit incentives or $995 destination charge.

The XC90 T8 Inscription provides an even higher level of luxury and elegance. Linear wood inlays, luxurious Nappa leather seats, dashboard and door panels provide the ultimate Scandinavian sanctuary for drivers and passengers. Rear exterior chrome accents and mirror covers accompany a unique, silver matte front grill. The MSRP of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid Inscription is $71,600, not including any tax credit incentives or $995 destination charge.

The XC90 T8 R-Design highlights the car's sporty performance with external features including a piano black front grille, R-Design lower front spoiler, dual integrated tail pipes and matte silver mirror covers and window trim. A performance-focused interior design awaits drivers with Nubuck and Nappa leather contour seats, steering wheel gear shift paddles, a perforated leather gear shift and steering wheel. The MSRP of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid R-Design is $70,000, not including any tax credit incentives or $995 destination charge.

The XC90 has already received tremendous praise by customers and industry leaders. After winning this year's prestigious Red Dot "Best of the Best" Product Design Award, preorders approached 24,000 cars globally; this is approximately half of the first year's expected volume.

The XC90 T8 is expected to arrive at Volvo retailers in North America this fall, but test drives of the XC90 T6 will be available at Volvo retailers shortly.