Volvo XC90 Excellence T8 Plug-In Hybrid is the first petrol-electric luxury SUV in the market and the most powerful from the Swedish brand
As reported earlier by us, Volvo Cars India has launched the T8 Plug-in Hybrid variant of the XC90 flagship luxurious SUV for the Indian market. It carries a whopping price of Rs. 1.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available only in the top-end Excellence trim. This is not only the first luxury hybrid SUV but also the most powerful Volvo in its portfolio.
Visually, the T8 Plug-in Hybrid appears as identical as the IC-engined standard XC90 except for the external charge port located on the front left-hand side and T8 badge at the rear. Up front, it features the usual vertically slated prominent grille with LED headlamps and the signature Thor’s Hammer Daytime Running Lights.
Also Read: 2016 Volvo XC90 Luxury SUV – All You Need to Know
Under the bonnet the biggest modification can be found as the XC90 Excellence T8 gets power from the 2.0-litre petrol engine connected with an electric motor. The petrol engine is both turbocharged and supercharged as the combined power output is rated at 413 PS while delivering a peak torque of 640 Nm. Power is transferred to all wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There are three driving modes to choose from: Pure, Hybrid and Power. The Pure mode runs the SUV only in petrol power while the Hybrid and Power utilise both the power trains. The first mode will make the XC90 go up to speeds of 120 kmph on electric power with claimed range of 80 kilometres per day of emission-free driving and the Power mode obviously squeezes out everything to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in just 5.6 seconds.
Two charging stations can be installed at the locations of choice and it will only take two and half hours for XC90 to get fully charged. The XC90 Excellence T8 will go up against the likes of Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in the highly competitive luxury class.
Also Read: Four-Seater Volvo XC90 Excellence Debut at 2016 Geneva Motor Show
The Swedish car manufacturer has elected to go with four-seater configuration in place of seven seats as found in the regular diesel model. This has been achieved by replacing the centre row of seat with a cup holder and mini refrigerator while the rear passengers get seat ventilation and touchscreen access. With over 72,430 deliveries worldwide and 600 plus in India, Volvo hopes to continue the success of the XC90 locally with the new plug-in hybrid variant.
