Seven seats, quick acceleration, decent efficiency and a luxurious interior.

With these attributes, there's plenty to like about the Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8.

As a generously-proportioned large SUV, it's a machine that oozes family practicality.

Power comes courtesy of a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre engine supported by a 11.6kWh battery and 87hp electric motor.

With the tuned-up petrol engine putting out 303hp, the combined 390hp is enough to propel the car from a standing start to 60mph in 5.5 seconds.

For a bulky SUV, that feels pretty rapid – to the point where you have to glance in the mirror to remind yourself you're not driving something much smaller and lighter.

With that kind of power available and a big vehicle to control, you're hoping for some sure-footed road-hugging qualities - and the XC90 doesn't disappoint in that respect.

With a confidence-inspiring four wheel drive system and a whopping 400Nm of torque, Volvo's flagship SUV gobbles up tight corners like they're nothing more than a gentle kink in the road.

This grip and agility was apparent during a test drive out into the Calder Valley, with the XC90 easing its way around the area's twisty streets.

It seemed to do so in an effortless manner, with the engine driving the front wheels and the electric motor the rears to provide authentic all-wheel-drive performance.

Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are also rather pleasing, with official WLTP Combined cycle data of up to 100.9mpg and as little as 63g/km respectively.

The plug-in hybrid technology allows for short journeys to be accomplished emissions-free – and I managed over 20 miles on electric power alone - although 30 miles is officially possible.

Meanwhile, it takes around two and a half hours to recharge the high-voltage battery using a fast-charging cable.

Key visual features include LED headlights with signature T-shaped LED daytime running lights, an eye-catching concave grille, alloy wheels and integrated roof rails.

Once you step inside the cabin, you're greeted by a spacious and comfortable interior that's rich in high-quality natural materials.

Volvo has taken a minimalist approach, with a clean, uncluttered dashboard that has been cleared of fussy detail and unnecessary buttons.

Most functions are controlled using the central Sensus nine-inch touchscreen and the voice-activated control system.

There's a nice airy feel to the cabin, as the calm ambience is heightened by the large windows.

There are some really nice subtle touches to be found, including soft leathers and Scandinavian wood inlays.

The flexibility of the interior space is impressive, with the second and third row seats folding individually to extend load space to a maximum 1,816 litres.

When the rearmost two seats are in place, they're big enough for anyone under 5ft 7in tall, rather than being suitable only for children, as is the case with many seven seaters.

The XC90 was given its world debut in 2014 and was updated in 2019 with an evolutionary and contemporary new look.

As you now come to expect from Volvo, the car is packed full of industry-leading safety features, including systems fitted as standard that monitor the vehicle and road conditions, keeping you alert to any risks, providing automatic assistance to avert a collision and protection for everyone on board if an impact does happen.

Prices for the XC90 start at £54,400 on-the-road for the petrol B5 Momentum.

The entry-level plug-in hybrid is the £67,620 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 R-Design. By the time options had been added to my test car, the price was up to over £80,000.

LOWDOWN

Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8

PRICE: £80,645 as tested, with options

ENGINE: 2.0-litre petrol, with 87hp electric motor

TOP SPEED: 112mph

ACCELERATION: 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds

ECONOMY: 83.1 - 100.9mpg on WLTP combined scale

EMISSIONS: 76 - 63g/km

TRANSMISSION: Automatic