Volvo XC90 T8 preview

Volvo India will be launching the hybrid variant of its flagship SUV, the XC90 T8, on September 14. The twin-engined XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid that combines electric power with a super- and turbocharged 2-litre Drive-E engine. The XC90 has kicked off really well in India in the premium luxury SUV segment, and has sold over 500 units since its launch. It could quite likely be the best selling SUV in its segment.

The T8 further strengthens the XC90’s grip on the segment and since it uses a plug-in hybrid system, appeals to the greenies too. It’s got a range of 42km on a full charge so daily commutes to work will not require a drop of fuel. Since you will be using lesser fuel, Volvo has reduced the size of the fuel tank to 50 litres from 70 litres to reduce weight. What you evo India readers need to know however is that the super- and turbocharging results to a combined output of 402bhp and 640Nm capable of hurling the 2.35 tonne SUV to 100kmph in just 5.6 seconds. Volvo plans to price it at around Rs 1 crore, so it will also be the most affordable performance SUV you can buy.

The T8 gets five driving modes – Hybrid, Pure Electric, Power, AWD and Save. Hybrid is the default setting that uses the petrol engine and electric motor together to keep your fuel consumption low; pure electric works when the battery is fully charged to give you an electric-only range of 42km. Power mode also uses the two system simultaneously, but instead of saving fuel, gives you all the torque the two engines can muster to get you past 100kmph in 5.6 seconds. AWD as a separate mode is a good feature since most of the time, all-wheeled traction isn’t needed and the SUV stays more efficient that way. Save mode freezes a fully charged battery for electric consumption later when you can fully utilise the electric motor.