The updated flagship SUV from the Swedish brand has touched down in SA. Meet the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.

Volvo South Africa is quietly forging ahead with its electrification plans. With the launch of the XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric vehicle and the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid spearheading the electric offensive, Volvo has now introduced its flagship offering.

With the price of petrol climbing to astronomical levels, a plug-in hybrid will help save some money. So, for your R1.5 million, what do you get? Volvo SA is offering its XC90 T8 Recharge in two levels of trim: Inscription and R-Design.

The newcomer features a more powerful electric motor that produces 107 kW of power. This works in conjunction with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which makes 233 kW. Combined, there’s 340 kW and 709 Nm on tap, making this the most powerful Volvo XC90 ever! Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

The new electric motor is said to improve the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive capability, as well as enhance performance. The bigger motor comes with a bigger battery, which means a bit more pure electric range. The battery’s energy has increased from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, meaning the vehicle has an electric range of up to 77 km.

That doesn’t sound like a lot, but Volvo reckons it’s adequate. “The average premium car owner travels less than 50km daily, so most local 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.

Performance? With those impressive numbers, it should come as no surprise that the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is brisk, with a 0-100 kph claim of 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is claimed at 7.2 L/100 km.

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How much does the updated XC90 T8 Recharge cost in South Africa?

Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1 560 600. It is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan and 5-year roadside assistance and an 8-year/160 000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.

Further Reading

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