Volvo has launched its first hybrid vehicle in India, the XC90 T8 SUV. Priced at Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid comes only in the top-spec Excellence trim. The price also includes the installation of charging stations at two locations as per the customer's choice.
With its hybrid engine and four-seater layout, the T8 edition has no direct rivals unlike its standard siblings that compete against SUVs like the Mercedes GLS, BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.
The XC90 Twin Engine is powered by a 320hp 2.0-litre, turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The unit powers the front wheels that combines with an 87hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, bringing the total output to 407hp channelled to all four wheels. There is also a 25hp starter motor/generator between the petrol engine and gearbox which helps smoothen the transition between the different drive modes and fill any torque gaps. Volvo claims an all-electric range of 40km for its petrol-hybrid SUV.
The XC90 Excellence is the first car in India to get radar-based safety systems. The SUV comes equipped with a 360-degree radar which supports safety features such as adaptive cruise control, collision warning with full autonomous braking at high speeds, pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert.
The T8 offers the highest level of luxury in the Volvo range. The four-seater layout includes two individual reclining rear seats that offer massage and ventilation functions, along with a good amount of legroom. A separate retractable touchscreen is on offer for each rear passenger. Moreover, the custom centre console is fitted with folding tables, a refrigerator with bottle and glass holders, and heating/cooling cupholders complete with crystal glasses. The car also gets a crystal gearshift knob. Audio entertainment duties are taken care of by a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that's unique to this trim. On the outside, the top-spec Excellence trim gets 21-inch alloy wheels and additional chrome bits on the sides.
Like all other Volvo models, this too will be a fully imported unit. Also, it is the second plug-in hybrid in India after the BMW i8, and is being closely watched by its German rivals who plan to bring in their hybrid vehicles based on the T8’s market performance. Volvo says it has received 50 orders for the new XC90 Excellence in India.
Volvo has also said that it will introduce hybrid powertrains and radar based safety features on all its future models
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
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