The Volvo XC90 has always been rather good at doing the sensible things brilliantly. It carries seven people, makes long journeys feel effortless and has enough safety technology to make even the most cautious driver feel reassured.

Now, its latest T8 Long Range plug-in hybrid adds a rather more interesting party trick: up to 101 miles of electric driving.

That’s more than double the electric range of its predecessor, meaning many everyday journeys could be completed without waking up the petrol engine.

Not that the T8 is short of performance when you need it. Combining petrol and electric power, it produces a substantial 461hp and reaches 62mph in just 5.2 seconds. Not bad for a seven-seat family SUV.

Inside, the XC90 continues its Scandinavian assault on luxury, with premium materials, optional quilted Nordico upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather. An 11.2-inch touchscreen brings Volvo’s latest infotainment system, while Google’s Gemini AI assistant introduces natural voice interaction for everything from navigation to messages.

Safety, naturally, remains a Volvo speciality. Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assistance, automatic emergency braking and Matrix LED headlights all feature as standard.

UK buyers can choose between the 250hp B5 mild-hybrid petrol and the T8 plug-in hybrid, both with all-wheel drive, automatic transmission and 2,400kg towing capacity.

Prices start at £66,270 for the B5 and £75,765 for the T8. Black Edition models add gloss-black styling and 21-inch wheels.

It may be big, luxurious and thoroughly sensible, but with 461hp and 101 electric miles, the XC90 T8 has developed a rather entertaining streak.