If you're after a large luxury hybrid SUV with a dual personality to mirror fluctuations in your driving style, Volvo might have come up with the answer.

The XC90 T8 Twin Engine affords you great economy and refinement on the one hand, but impressive power and performance on the other.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine plus an electric motor, which combine to produce almost 400bhp.

With the sprint from 0-62mph taking a mere 5.8 seconds, it's extremely fast for this type of vehicle - a seven-seat family load-lugger.

It's noticeable that there's lots of power lower down in the rev range and, once up to speed, the XC90 will effortlessly stretch its legs, with the potential to reach a top speed of 140mph.

If you're looking to make progress on twisty B-roads, there's lots of grip and traction thanks to the excellent four-wheel drive system.

However, the fact it's been built with a large element of comfort in mind means it's not the most dynamic-handling SUV through the corners, feeling slightly unsettled if the driver is too eager. It's a big car and it always feels like a big car, not being quite as sharp in the handling department as some rivals.

Clearly, if you work the 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine hard all the time, you'll be greeted with some miserably uneconomical fuel stats.

Significantly though, when you do want to drive with economy in mind, the refresh of the hybrid XC90 has brought about some major improvements.

A bigger battery means an increase in electric range, so you can now do 28.6 miles on electric power alone, which is impressive.

When you're in electric mode, which I deployed for the most part while in heavy traffic or 20mph zones in Bradford city centre, the XC90 is superbly quiet, refined and relaxing.

It's important to ensure the battery is always charged so it can help the thirsty petrol engine, otherwise the stated economy figures of up to 113mpg and 55g/km might seem a world away.

In terms of appearance, the XC90 is a good-looking machine that commands attention with its powerful styling.

In typical Volvo fashion, it benefits from uncluttered Scandinavian design and clean, calm surfaces.

Highlights include a redesigned grille with black or silver finish, depending on trim level, integrated roof rails, and LED headlights with signature 'Thor's Hammer' T-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Once you step inside, you're greeted by a cabin that's luxurious and practical in equal measure.

As you might expect from a vehicle measuring 4,953mm long by 2,140mm wide, there's no shortage of interior space.

However, use of the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) modular platform has allowed Volvo to maximise versatility.

Indeed, there's comfortably room for seven people, while there's also a generous, flexible load space.

Notably, the rearmost two seats - which you tend to think would only be big enough for children - can actually accommodate anyone under 5ft 7in tall.

The flexibility of the space is enhanced by the fact the second row has three individual seats rather than the more normal split bench arrangement, with each having independent recline or folding away on their own to creat more leg room or load space as needed.

Even with this hybrid powertrain, the battery only reduces boot space by 40 litres.

With all seats in place, the boot offers 262 litres, but that increases to 1,816 litres when all the seats are down.

The overall fit and finish of the upmarket interior is among the best in class, with copious amounts of gorgeous leather and high-quality trim.

The XC90 range starts from £52,760, rising to £66,645 for the R-Design version and still further once you add options such as the £1,600 Xenium pack, which brings a glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround parking camera and park assist.

Volvo XC90 Twin Engine R-Design

PRICE: £71,170 as tested

ENGINE: T8 2.0-litre petrol plus 87bhp electric motor

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and max speed of 140mph

ECONOMY: 80.7-113 mpg combined on WLTP scale and 55g/km emissions

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed auto with all-wheel drive