Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid to be launched in India on September 14

Volvo will launch the top-of-the-line T8 Hybrid variant of the XC90 SUV for the Indian market on September 14. This car will be offered in a single ultra-luxurious trim- Excellence and is expected to be priced over Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom).

This version is called a hybrid as there are two powertrains working together. The front wheels are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor and an electric motor. Powering the rear wheels is another electric motor which when all put together provides AWD capability as well 420bhp and a whopping 640Nm of torque. The batteries for the electric motors can be recharged on the go as well as through a wall unit which takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge. The pure electric range is around 30km.

The single trim level in which this hybrid will be offered is Excellence. Debuting last year for the Chinese market, this trim level is the highest offering in the XC90 hierarchy. Externally there is some additional chrome and on the inside, Volvo has configured the XC90 to become a strict four-seater. Luxury touches include extended legroom, massaging and ventilation function, retractable touchscreens, folding tables, cup holders with temperature function, fridge and handmade Swedish crystal glasses. To further add to the luxury experience, Volvo has increased the quality of noise insulation and has also fitted the car with Pirelli’s noise cancelling tyres. Oh and before we forget, Volvo has also given the XC90 Excellence a 19-speaker Bowers and Willkins system, ambient lighting and leather interiors.

We believe that with this version of the XC90, Volvo wants to take the fight to the likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ L. It will have the advantage of the increasingly popular luxury SUV design but is likely to lose out on the price advantage due to the CBU nature of the vehicle.