@mikevbf to give you a direct answer, it is very good and getting better as we learn the systems.
Background: the XC90 is the wife's vehicle, so my driving of it is very limited. However, I have the Volvo app to review each trips data. My wife has never driven a hybrid or bev, so I am teaching her the nuances since I have had a hybrid for a couple years. She has a very predictable routine, so it affords us to do comparative analysis of the same routes with different driving modes.
Unless the vehicle is placed in 'Save' mode, it always drives on battery first. It is only when the driver needs extra acceleration or the battery drains significantly that the ICE kicks in. There is a gauge that is very similar to a tach. It displays the energy available from the battery and the instantaneous energy being used like a tach needle. Only when the energy demand exceeds the battery, does the ICE turn on.
Each of the driving modes basically shift the energy point where the ICE kicks in. For example, 'Save' is pretty much all ICE and 'Pure' is all battery unless you may the accelerator.
The acceleration from the rwd electric motor is very acceptable for normal driving. We live off of a stretch of road where the speed limit in 55mph. There is no issue accelerating up to the speed limit. Nor, is there any issue of lagging traffic when starting from a stop at a traffic light.
Range is as rated and exceeds the 17 miles that Volvo states. There is a route that she drives that is 19 miles one way. So, we have been using this as a test for battery range. She has now exceeded 19 miles on the battery charge. It has been because of modifying her driving style. Early on, she drove at 64mph with cruise control like she did with her old ICE. The ICE had to kick in after a little over 17 miles.
I had her modify her driving style to drive without cruise control and let the vehicle roll more frequently, while still maintaining her normal speed. That helped by regenerating significantly more energy than cruise control did. That got her to the 19 mile mark with no remaining battery, so hybrid had to kick in on the return trip. So, 100% battery for 19 miles, hybrid for the return and 25mpg ICE.
Then, I had her reduce her speed from 64mph to 55mph. I asked her how the trip was and she responded 'it took longer than normal'. lol. Anyway, she travelled all 19 miles on 100% battery. On the return, she still had battery energy to increase the return trip to 32 mpg.
So far, she LOVES the comfort of the XC90 as well as the fact that the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold flat for carrying cargo.
I have so far only spoken about the longer route she makes. But, most of the time she stays within a 7 mile radius of the house. So, a majority of her driving has been 100% battery and 0% ICE. She is used to driving an Infiniti FX35 for the last 8+ years. She says the drive is more comfortable in the Volvo and the all battery driving around town is virtually identical.
As to Power, when you decide to go, It Goes! 400 HP and 493 ft lbs of torque is remarkable for a 7 passenger SUV.
I see why this is the 2016 Truck of the Year. Safety, Comfort, Energy Efficiency, Fit and Finish and Power are remarkable.
