Volvo V90 T8 Ultra joins our fleet | Long-term test

Volvo hasn’t shied away from making some pretty bold commitments in order to innovate. After moving away from diesel engines before the rest of the market, it was one of the first car makers to outline plans to become a fully electric brand.

More recently, in 2023, Volvo UK made the slightly more obscure announcement that it would become an SUV-only brand. That meant the S- and V60, along with the S- and V90 saloons and estate were removed from its line-up.  

Automotive trends have a habit of changing pretty quickly, however, and - credit to Volvo - it recognised that 2030 might be a little early to completely kill off cars with internal combustion engines. As such, the XC60 and XC90 have received a new lease of life, via a facelift, and will continue as plug-in hybrids until 2035.

Equally, demand for estate cars has proven stronger than Volvo first thought. Especially in the fleet sector. The V60 and V90 were therefore re-instated in late 2024.

A certain Fleet News staff writer was at the front of the queue to ask for one of the revived models, having been disheartened at the brand’s earlier decision to pull them from sale.

So, I’m very pleased to introduce OY74 VVX – one of the very first ‘new’ V90s to land in the UK.

The V90 never completely went away, of course. Production remained for other markets and the UK police were also still able to get hold of them. So, the re-instated model isn’t any different to the one that came before.

A streamlined model range is available. Essentially you can have the V90 Plus, which comes with a ‘T6’ powertrain, or the V90 Ultra. The latter, which is what we chose, is paired with a more powerful T8 powertrain.

Both engines are technically the same. The T6 has 350PS, while the T8 produces 455PS. Only software separates the two. They both have a 2.0-litre petrol engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, powering the front wheels through and eight-speed automatic gearbox. The rear axle is powered by an electric motor

An 18.8kWh battery, nestled in the centre of the car, provides a zero-emission range of up to 55 miles – enough to secure a 9% benefit-in-kind tax rate (2025/26).

The V90 line-up starts at £62,280, while our Ultra model commands £70,780.

The standard specification list is extensive and all models get heated front and rear seats, a 360-degree camera system, keyless entry, a power operated tailgate and Volvo’s Pilot Assist package.

Stepping up to Ultra gains adaptive headlights, adaptive suspension, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Optional equipment is limited to nappa leather, instead of standard leather, which also brings ventilated front seats. We ticked that box, opting for the ‘blonde’ colour scheme. That was an extra £1,500, along with the Onyx Black paint at £785.

How can I describe the V90 after a few weeks behind the wheel? Splendid. It’s absolutely splendid.