Volvo is quietly galloping towards an all-electric future, although we're not quite there yet. Its biggest model, the XC90, has a replacement on the way, but for now its plug-in hybrid version continues to blossom.
It's called the T8 Recharge and I've been testing the latest version, with a bigger battery to increase clean-driving range, and a trick new Android-based infotainment system.
Firstly, that battery is up from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh and, even in such a big car, it makes a big difference to the electric-only range.
Volvo reckons it's now good for 40 miles without bothering the two-litre petrol engine but, to be honest, that's not entirely realistic. Mid-to-high 30s is, though, which is still impressive.
Another welcome revision is charging capacity, which is now 6.4kw compared to the previous version's 3.7kW. It won't embarrass a Tesla owner, but a full charge can now be achieved in around five hours.
The rechargeable battery and motor system brings an extra 145hp to the party which, when mated to an already hefty 310hp from the petrol engine, makes for a rather vivid leap off the line.
The 0-62mph sprint is dusted off in just 5.4 seconds and if you can be bothered to hunt around in the sub-menus to find the sport mode (there's no longer a physical selector) you'll get some artificial noise piped in through the speakers.
But this isn't meant to be a sporty car. The hybrid system in the T8 Recharge has always been the big reason to buy it, and the improvements made to the system in the new version don't really come with any downsides.
There's still space to seat seven adults in comfort, and folding the seats down to create luggage space is stil a doddle, offering 1,007-litres with the back seats down and 1,856 if you stash the middle row too.
Driving the XC90 T8 Recharge is just as pleasurable as it has ever been. We're very used to the interior now, but it still feels timeless and elegant, with basically unrivalled levels of comfort.
There's little to complain about in terms of ride quality and handling. The XC90 just quietly gets on with the job, regardless of what you throw at it. It feels sure-footed and safe. Just as you'd expect from a Volvo, in fact.
And this brings me on to the touch-screen interface. The addition of Google's Android system has brought it right up into the modern era, and it now feels familiar and intuitive. Google Maps has replaced an OEM sat nav, and I can't understand why more manufacturers give up developing their systems and just let Apple and Google run riot because, quite frankly, they're better.
You can even log in to the infotainment system using your Google account, which means there's little point connecting Android Auto, because many of the apps you're used to are already there.
Although there are still big questions to ask over the merits of having such a complex suite of options to tap away at while driving, instead of physical buttons you can fumble for, the new Volvo system is about as good as it gets. It'll be nice to see it carried over to the all-electric EX90, which will soon be replacing the XC90.
And I'll really miss Volvo's big, luxury SUV. It broke the mould when it was first released back in 2003 and it has never not been a popular choice for big families with big budgets.
It's basically the best family SUV you can buy, when all things are considered, and the recent updates only strengthen its case.
As much as I'm looking forward to the launch of the EX90, it really does have a lot to live up to.
