Road Test: The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge! Flagship Hybrid.

Road Test: The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge! Flagship Hybrid.

It goes and goes. It’s all because of it’s hybrid compatibility and huge fuel range. Increased electric range and enhanced performance. Add to that luxury, safety, style and smart integration. The XC90 hybrid follows hot on the heels of two other electric vehicles introduced locally by Volvo SA; the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric and the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid. Load-shedding aside, local interest in electric vehicles continues to grow and a hybrid is an enticing stepping stone to electrified vehicles for the many South Africans who are considering switching to an eco-friendlier and fuel efficient car.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

 

Powered Up!

A more powerful rear electric motor in the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid now delivers 107kW of power. Combined with 233kW from the two-litre turbocharged engine, the 340kW power output and the 709Nm of torque from the two powertrains, make this car with its smooth changing 8-speed Geartronic gearbox, the most powerful XC90 ever. The new e-motor also improves all-wheel drive capability, upping power in the rear wheels by 65%, enhancing performance and driveability.

Electric range too has been boosted. Courtesy of a new long-range battery featuring a third layer of cells, nominal energy has increased from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, now making the electric range up to 77km.

“The average premium car owner travels less than 50km daily, so most local Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power,” says Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

Fuel Efficient

The fuel efficiency and perkier acceleration that comes with hybrid technology are added benefits for drivers of larger sized vehicles like the XC90. The premium seven-seater family SUV boasts a 0-100km sprint time of 5.3 seconds, fuel consumption of 6.8 litres/100km and reduced emissions of 164g/km.

Smooth, Silent and Satisfying

The drive in a Volvo is always pleasing. Totally silent at start up due to the electric motor and you glide away. Once you reach around 40kmph, the engine kicks in. You don’t feel the shift from electric to the internally combustible engine. Everything you would ever need is just a touch away as you start to feel that Volvo quality in every facet of mobility.   

 

Plenty of Space

One thing that you will not run short of is loads of space, especially for that weekend adventure sojourns into the bush, beach or mountains. Load up the sporting gear and head out for fun. The XC90 will be well appreciated by larger families seeking to travel in one vehicle for that holiday or weekend getaway. The middle and rear rows offer a plenty legroom and you can get up to four ISOFIX child seats in, without a fuss. One can also use the vehicle as a five seater, with the third row seats folded down.

 

Features

The XC90 T8 Hybrid recharge comes loaded with just about every feature, specification and driver assist. I particularly enjoyed the panoramic sunroof that allows ambient lighting into the cabin. The Bowers & Wilkins premium speaker system was top notch and makes the journey that much more enjoyable. The 360-degree camera also made getting into parking spaces a breeze. It’s a well-appointed premium SUV that I really enjoyed being behind the wheel on the open roads.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

 

And now for the Price

The model is offered in Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1,560,600. It carries a 5-year/100 000km Warranty and Maintenance Plan and 5-year Roadside Assistance and an 8-year/160 000km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.