We assume the Volvo XC90 is the very best seven-seater automobile you should purchase immediately.

The truth it has been on sale for nearly ten years is a testomony to its compelling mix of area, practicality, consolation and sophistication.

Some rivals are sharper to drive or provide extra up-to-date tech, however the XC90 presents an incredible steadiness of efficiency, effectivity and low working prices, significantly for enterprise customers – and particularly in its plug-in hybrid model.

The Volvo XC90’s best energy is its inside which is roomy, well-equipped and well completed with wealthy supplies. More importantly, the XC90 delivers sufficient area for seven adults to journey in affordable consolation, with the third-row seats serving up good head and legroom. 

Even with all seats in use, there is a first rate 316 litres of boot capability. Interior flexibility is additional enhanced by a second row that slides and reclines, plus has the choice of an built-in baby booster seat, whereas there’s sufficient useful storage for many odds and ends.

Despite its age, the XC90 nonetheless stands out on the street, with a sure understated class meaning it isn’t such a confrontational or aggressive presence as a few of its full-sized SUV rivals.

All the engines are four-cylinder turbocharged items, with the delicate hybrid B5 diesel serving up a good quantity of tempo and parsimony.

There’s additionally the T8 PHEV mannequin (it stays a full seven-seater, not like related plug-in rivals such because the Land Rover Discovery, which is proscribed to 5) that serves up the very best a part of 400bhp and claims as much as 40 miles of EV working, serving to drop it into the 8% Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax band for firm automobile customers.

Whichever powertrain you select, the Volvo consists and succesful on the street, however the emphasis is on consolation and refinement reasonably than an uplifting driving expertise, though that is completely in step with the automobile’s remit.