• Uncluttered dashboard and excellent quality
• New large touchscreen feels modern
• Excellent seats and comfy driving position

How is the quality and layout?

All of the materials in the cabin are of exceptionally high quality with very few squeaks or rattles expected. The doors have a reassuringly chunky thud when you shut them, the switchgear is all solid, and with some neat touches found throughout.

For example, you turn the starter switch towards you, the driving mode selection is a pleasant contoured metal roller switch, the door handles are chunky metal and there’s plenty of soft leather used throughout.

Adjusting to the layout of the cabin will take very little effort. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to a huge range of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel, with a high driving position that gives a good view around you.

The centre console is designed in such a way that you still feel cocooned and like you’re driving a normal car, rather than sitting on top of the seat driving a bus.

Those sitting in the second row of seats have their own air vents and climate control settings, with independent temperature settings available for the outer two passengers. There’s also one 12v socket available beneath it but no USB ports. You can also option integrated sun blinds neatly built into the doors as an optional extra.

Infotainment and tech

In front of the driver is a simple digital dashboard that you can configure to show a navigation map, trip information or media, as well as large speedo and other car information, while a large portrait touchscreen dominates the centre console, controlling most of the car’s functions. The display itself has been updated for 2024, and is now slightly larger at 11.2-inches across. With the help of some clever Google tech, it feels modern and up to date.

Some may find this distracting to use. But once you’ve set all the features up and learned where everything is organised, it’s an intuitive system that’s easy to operate because the touchscreen is responsive.

Comfort

• Excellent seats in the XC90
• Multiple adjustments available
• Rearmost seats perfectly habitable

The cabin is pleasant and comfort levels are exemplary. Volvo is renowned for its supportive seats, and this car is no exception, with a huge amount of adjustability.

The only minor point to note is that, as prices for high-spec models creep towards £85,000, you’d perhaps expect an electric steering column adjuster or maybe even massaging front seats, so this may not be quite as luxurious as some would perhaps hope.