Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid India launch on September 14

Volvo is finally bringing its T8 Hybrid SUV to the Indian market and it will make its debut here on September 14. This launch will also see the arrival of the Swedish automaker’s top-of-the-line Excellence trim package which will be the only variant for this petrol powered XC90. 

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.  The feature list includes 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. 

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.

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.