Volvo’s XC90 is, and I quote (myself) “Agile, efficient, good-looking, spacious and luxurious. It’s also packed with technology”. Have a look here for my full review of the D5 Momentum.

It’s easily one of the best cars in its class, particularly with the 2.0-litre diesel under the bonnet. These days, however, no range is complete without a hybrid so it’s no surprise to see Volvo’s T8 join the fray.

Volvo have, in an undoubted attempt at making the engineering sound much more exciting than it actually is, steered away from simply describing the T8 as a hybrid. The T8’s full title is the XC90 T8 Twin Engine.

Technically it has just the one engine, a four cylinder petrol unit, and an electric motor connected to a 9.2kwh lithium-ion battery. Together they produce a not insignificant 407hp – 320 from the combustion engine and 87 from the motor – and 470lbft of torque (294 and 176 respectively).

On battery power alone, according to official figures at least, you can travel up to 26 miles but, in real world conditions that can, and does, vary enormously but you should be comfortable if your daily commute doesn’t extend beyond the 15-mile mark.

Should you have to venture further afield you can leave it in hybrid mode, which lets the electronics decide how best to use what power is available or you can save the battery until you need it.

There is also a mode for when you require maximum traction.

A 25hp starter/generator – that was a missed opportunity, Volvo could have called it Triple Engine – smooths the transition between the drive modes and fill torque gaps.

It certainly works. Everything feels beautifully integrated and, unless you’re concentrating on nothing else, you’ll barely notice the switch between electricity and combustion, particularly as the cabin is so beautifully insulated from external sounds that it’s only under heavy use that engine noise creeps in.

The battery pack is stowed in the transmission tunnel which, because the motor drives the rear wheels, doesn’t have a drive shaft running through it. That, in turn, means that there remains room for the third row of seats.

You don’t get much change out of two-and-a-half tonnes but the Twin Engine can still reach 62mph in an impressive 5.6 seconds however, despite its power and pace, this is a car that prefers a more relaxed, laid back approach to driving.

The ride is exemplary, which can’t be said for every hybrid. Even if you forego the optional (£2,150) air suspension the XC90 is a very comfortable car.

A hybrid is, perhaps, not as an obvious choice as you might expect. The manufacturer’s figures for fuel consumption are on the generous side and, in the real world, unless you’re running on battery power alone for the majority of the time you'll struggle to get anywhere near them.

Emissions are, however, impressive and, coupled with the low benefit in kind burden, make the Twin Engine a much more enticing prospect.

The Twin Engine isn't the best XC90 in the range but it is probably the best hybrid SUV you can buy right now.

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Momentum

Price: £46,85

As tested: £63,880

Engine: 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Transmission:Max power (engine): 320hp

8-speed automatic

Max torque (engine): 295lbft

Max power (electric motor): 87hp

Max torque (electric motor):Max speed:Acceleration (0-62mph):Combined: 134.5mpg

177lbft

140mph

5.6 seconds

Emissions (CO2): 46g/km

For more information visit www.volvo.co.uk