By Khulekani Dumisa

Volvo Car South Africa has announced the arrival of its flagship hybrid SUV, the sophisticated Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid. The new arrival follows hot on the heels of two other electric vehicles introduced locally by Volvo Car South Africa this year; the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric and the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.

Fully electric future

Aiming to be a fully electric car brand by 2030, Volvo continues to electrify its range of vehicles and the arrival of this car in South Africa demonstrates this same commitment locally. Volvo also says local interest in electric vehicles continues to grow and a hybrid is an enticing stepping stone to electrified vehicles for the many South Africans who are considering switching to a more eco-friendly and fuel efficient car.

More powerful electric motor

A more powerful rear electric motor in the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid now delivers 107kW of power. Combined with 233kW from the two-litre turbocharged engine, the 340kW power output and the 709Nm of torque from the two powertrains, make this car the most powerful XC90 ever. The engine is paired with an 8-speed Geartronic gearbox.

The new e-motor also improves all-wheel drive capability, upping power in the rear wheels by 65%, enhancing performance and driveability. Electric range too has been boosted. Courtesy of a new long-range battery featuring a third layer of cells, nominal energy has increased from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, now making the electric range up to 77km. “The average premium car owner travels less than 50km daily, so most local Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power,” says Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski.

The fuel efficiency and perkier acceleration that comes with hybrid technology are added benefits for drivers of larger sized vehicles like the XC90. The premium seven-seater family SUV boasts a claimed 0-100km sprint time of 5.3 seconds, fuel consumption of 7.2 litres/100km and reduced emissions of 164g/km.

Pricing

The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is offered in Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Pricing starts at R1,560,600 and includes a 5-year/100,000km Warranty and Maintenance Plan and 5-year Roadside Assistance and an 8-year/160,000km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.