Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Momentum: car review | Martin Love

Volvo's flagship SUV is already the safest on the planet. Now, with the T8 hybrid, it wants to be the greenest, too

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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo and supercharger, plus electric motor
Power: 395bhp
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
0-60mph: 5.3 seconds
Top speed: 140mph
Economy: 134.5mpg
CO2: 49g/km

Rising from the console of Volvo's new XC90 T8 is a crystal gearstick. At night it glows pale lilac. It's the highlight of an interior that is already brimming with Skandi flourishes, what with all the matt wood veneer and subtle chrome touches. But I can't shake the impression that the clear gear looks like a posh loo freshener, or maybe a small ergonomic sex toy, which means I don't really want to touch it" Also, when I do move it to select a gear, there's always a slight hesitation before the engine engages which catches me out so usually I've moved it again, so the car then deselects the gear - it's a bit puzzling as neither the car nor I seem to know what we want.