Though pure EVs like the Recharge versions of the XC40 and C40 are taking a lot of the Volvo spotlight, the automaker released the revised XC90 T8 AWD Recharge — formerly simply called the T8 — earlier this year that promises fans of the plug-in mid-size SUV added performance and efficiency.

What’s better than a Mercedes-Benz wagon? Why, an off-road version naturally. The 2022 E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain is the vehicle we didn’t know we needed, offered as part of the refresh a couple of years back. And it’s pretty darn cool.

The cockpit is still driver-focused, with some pretty premium appointments including a hand-stitched leather wrap on the centre console and padded knee bolsters, and aluminum door handles and trim. The only cheap-looking part was the plastic paddle shifters on the steering wheel. 

Most noticeable at the front is a new nose section with black trim surrounding the centre air intake. Full LED lighting featuring the Porsche Dynamic Light System, which automatically bends the beam into a corner for better visibility, is now standard across the lineup as are the Sport Design style wing mirrors. 

Built upon the TNGA-K platform, the slim LED headlamps and full-width LED taillight bar, sloping roof and large 19-inch multi-spoke “super chrome” two-tone alloy wheels on the Limited grade Darpan evaluated make for quite a handsome product, actually. At 4,740 millimetres long the size is just right. Not too big or small.

Though smallish in appearance, the inside is quite roomy. Rear seat legroom is decent —— due to a slim seat back design utilizing ultra-light “giga-steel” in its construction — and the cargo area can accommodate 690 litres of stuff when the second row is upright, or 1,422 litres when folded down.