Volvo XC90: big, sophisticated SUV with room for all the family

It’s a big car, 4,953 mm long (compared to the V90’s 4,945mm), and 2,140 mm wide including the mirrors (compared to the V90’s 2,019mm). On the road, however, it feels nimble, especially the T8 Ultra, with the air suspension nicely taking care of road humps, the powered steering (select ‘firm’ or ‘light’) taking the work out of tight manoeuvres, even if it can feel a little long during three-point turns in congested London. The eight-speed auto gearbox is responsive, vision out excellent, especially thanks to the extra height, backed up by accurate parking sensors and superb ‘bird’s eye view’ cameras. Unlike the V90, the door mirrors do reveal the rear wheels when Reverse is engaged, making pavement-adjacent parking easier (and less damaging in terms of scuffed wheels) even if they do take an age to tilt back up to the upright position, when Drive is re-selected.