Volvo MY2023 mild-hybrid models launched in India

Volvo has updated the SUVs and sedans present in its model lineup for 2023, with each of the models now getting a petrol mild-hybrid drivetrain. Prices for the MY2023 Volvo’s have been announced, with the updated Volvo XC40 coming in at Rs 45.90 lakh, while the flagship XC90 costs Rs 94.90 lakh. The Volvo XC60 SUV on the other hand is priced at Rs 65.90 lakh, while the S90 sedan is a bit more expensive, being priced at Rs 66.90 lakh. “Why fix it, if it ain’t broke?” is exactly the approach Volvo has followed with its 2023 models in terms of the styling, save for the XC40 which now gets a facelift and petrol mild-hybrid powertrain for the first time. Each model also packs in a host of connectivity and driver assistance features. Here’s a breakdown of what is new with Volvo’s 2023 models:

Volvo XC40 mild-hybrid 

The Volvo XC40 receives a facelift for 2023, and apart from the styling tweaks, there’s now a major change under the bonnet as well. On the styling front, the XC40 gets rid of the two-tone colour scheme present on the R-Design models and now gets a single-tone finish. The fog lamp housing receives an update, now looking more like the Thor’s Hammer LED DRLs. The wheels get an updated design too, the diamond-cut alloys looking more angular than before but retaining the same 18-inch size.

The XC40 continues to be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as before but is now paired with a 48-volt battery which bumps up power by 10bhp to a combined output of 197bhp while the torque remains the same at 300Nm. This engine is mated to the same 8-speed torque converter automatic as before. Volvo also claims that the chassis is tuned to deal with poor roads better and that should likely make for smoother ride comfort as compared to before.

The Volvo XC40’s interior remains unchanged though, with the 9-inch portrait-style infotainment screen taking the centre stage. There also lies an interesting upgrade, the crystal gear lever from the S90 and XC90 now being carried over in the XC40 as well. The Volvo XC40 in the year 2022 missed out on the Volvo assist and the rear collision and mitigation support which is now added to the 2023 year lineup. Now, there is also support for remote engine start and the infotainment system is integrated with Google services like Maps, Music and so on.

With the launch of the XC40 mild-hybrid, Volvo’s India lineup is now completely powered by mild-hybrids, and that is a significant first step towards the brand's goal of going all-electric by 2030.

Volvo XC60 mild-hybrid

The XC60 is Volvo’s mid-size luxury SUV and it largely remains unchanged for the 2023 model year with it getting the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 48-volt battery producing 247bhp and 350Nm torque powering all four wheels.

The exterior remains the same as before, clean and minimalist in its approach and even the interior is identical to the previous version with the 9-inch vertical infotainment screen packing in gesture controls and a 19-speaker 1400-watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system. Moreover, it packs in a whole host of safety features as it is with all Volvo’s.

S90 mild-hybrid

The styling of the S90 remains the same as the outgoing model with its no-nonsense 3-box design language. Meanwhile, the interior continues to be finished in white giving it an upmarket feel. Moreover, it also comes with a massage function in the rear seat for the times you are being chauffeur driven. The S90 is powered by the same 2-litre turbocharged engine as the XC60 in the same state of tune and the S90 also packs identical levels of kit as the XC60.

Volvo XC90 mild-hybrid

The Volvo XC90 comes with the same 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as the XC60 and the S90 but in a higher state of tune, producing 295bhp and 420Nm of peak torque. It continues to be mated with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The exterior styling remains identical to the previous model, and the Volvo XC90 continues to packs in all the equipment from its 2022 version such as an all-wheel drive system, advanced air cleaning, Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. In terms of safety, you continue to get driver support functions including a 360-degree camera, a blind spot information system, parking assist and lane keeping assist among others.

Pricing and rivals

Volvo is offering the XC40 with an introductory price of Rs 43.20 lakh for a limited period, and the prices will later be hiked to Rs 45.90 lakh post the initial lot of cars are sold. The main rivals of the XC40 include the Skoda Kodiaq / Volkswagen Taigun, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1. As for the Volvo XC60 mild-hybrid, the price has gone up from Rs 61.90 lakh to Rs 65.90 lakh, and the it continues to rival the likes of BMW X3, the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The Volvo S90, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 66.90 lakh competing with the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Jaguar XF while, Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90, is priced at Rs 94.90 lakh. That makes it Rs 5 lakh more expensive than the outgoing model and it will compete with the likes of the BMW X7, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.