While it might not seem that swapping out a single component, even one as significant as an engine, could make all that much difference in a vehicle's personality, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, the addition of this sophisticated new V8 motor thoroughly transforms the character of the XC90 from that of a slightly high-strung teenager to that of a mature confident adult.

Where the turbocharged engines in the 2.5T and T6 models briefly hesitate until the turbochargers kick in, the XC90 V8's engine provides authoritative thrust from the moment you step on the gas. There's nothing brutish or crude about it, just the instant availability of abundant amounts of power wherever and whenever the situation demands.

As with the previously released XC90 models, the ride is smooth and well controlled even over washboard sections of graded dirt road. Thankfully the fully independent suspension doesn't entirely isolate you from the road beneath your wheels, it just smoothes things out to a degree where an all-day drive would be a very agreeable proposition.

Handling is on par with ride comfort. While the relatively high center of gravity definitely makes itself felt in tight turns, the XC90 V8 impressed us with its capacity to indulge spirited driving. Add strong four-wheel-disc brakes and precise rack-and-pinion steering to the V8's plentiful torque and the XC90 V8 is our hands-down favorite among Volvo's three SUV models.