<p>In spite of its considerable heft of more than 2,300 kilograms, the XC90 T8 R-Design plug-in hybrid was a revelation on the ice. No matter which of its seven driving modes we chose and whether or not the electronic stability control was switched on, the square-profiled SUV tackled every turn with impressive balance and aplomb. Even in Pure mode, with only the rear wheels driven by the electric motor and the ESC in Sport mode, against our Swedish instructors' advice. The XC90 threaded its way through smoothly, never threatening to spin out, as we fully expected it to.</p>
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