2020 Volvo XC90 (2nd Generation facelift)

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The facelift of the award winning XC90 is out./

Volvo XC90

Volvo Cars has unveiled a refreshed version of its best-selling Volvo XC90 large SUV, the company's top-of-the-line flagship, adding a newly-developed fuel-saving engine option that marks the next step in the company's ambitious electrification strategy.

The refreshed Volvo XC90 for the first time offers customers Volvo's advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, under its new 'B' badge.

This new electrified powertrain offers drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving.

The new brake-by-wire system interacts with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

The introduction of the new XC90 'B'-badged cars represents a major step for Volvo Cars towards its electrification ambitions.

The new 'B'-badged cars complement Volvo's existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electrified option on the new Volvo XC90.

On the outside, the refreshed XC90 offers subtle upgrades to the original award-winning exterior design, such as new wheels, exterior colours and a modern new grill, among other details.

On the inside, the superlative and award-winning interior design remains in place, but perhaps the most noticeable addition is the fact that it can be ordered with a range of different seating configurations.

From the four-seat Excellence variant and the seven-seat family SUV to the brand new six-seat configuration, the Volvo XC90 is available with any number of seats that best fits people's preferences and lifestyles. New interior materials including a wool blend offer further options for personalisation.

Based on Volvo's own, in-house developed platform, powertrain and safety technology, the 2015 XC90 marked the start of Volvo Cars' transformation. It introduced the new face of the Volvo brand characterised by the Thor's Hammer headlights, while introducing its new Scalable Product Architecture.

The world-first technologies and innovations that were launched on Volvo's other 90 and 60 Series models between 2015 and 2019 have also found their way into the Volvo XC90 over the intervening years.

As a result, Volvo's top-of-the-line SUV has become more advanced since its introduction, clocking up over 320,000 units sold worldwide - and counting.

In terms of active safety technology, the XC90 now offers drivers help with steering on both the City Safety and the Blind Spot Information System. City Safety with Autobrake is still the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

The Oncoming Lane Mitigation system first introduced on the XC60 is now also available on XC90, while the Cross Traffic Alert technology now also offers autobrake.

All this, together with the safety cage that forms the core of the passive safety technology, makes the Volvo XC90 one of the safest cars on the road and underlines Volvo Cars' unwavering commitment to developing the safest cars possible.

While the XC90 was the first Volvo to offer Apple Carplay integration, it is now also compatible with Android Auto. The Sensus infotainment system has gone through multiple updates in recent years, all of which have been adopted into the Volvo XC90. Where available, the Spotify music streaming service is integrated in the XC90.

The model year 2020 version of the Volvo XC90 will go in production in May 2019 at the Torslanda plant in Sweden and is available to order in all Volvo markets around the globe

https://www.netcarshow.com/volvo/2020-xc90/

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Facelifted Volvo XC90 revealed with mild-hybrid option

Volvo Cars has taken the wraps off its lightly facelifted XC90, giving the large SUV the option of a newly developed kinetic energy recovery braking system (KERS) that effectively renders it a mild-hybrid.

The KERS system is coupled with the existing (petrol and diesel) internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, which Volvo has slotted under a fresh “B” badge (in addition to the “T” and “D” monikers). A new brake-by-wire system is linked to the energy recovery system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

The Swedish firm says its new mild-hybrid powertrain offers fuel savings of up to 15 percent during real-world driving. The new B-badged variants complement Volvo’s existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electrified option on the XC90.

Visual updates to the XC90 are subtle and include new wheel options, fresh exterior colours and what Volvo terms a new, “more modern” grille. Although the cabin hasn’t changed much (bar the option of some new materials), the automaker says the SUV can now be ordered with a “range of different seating configurations”, including a new six-seat arrangement.

Technological updates include the addition of an oncoming lane mitigation system that debuted in the XC60, while the XC90 now also offers drivers help with steering on both the city safety and the blind spot information systems. The cross-traffic alert function, meanwhile, gains an auto-braking system, while Android Auto has been added to the updated Sensus infotainment system.

Production of the facelifted XC90 is scheduled to kick off in May 2019 at the Torslanda plant in Sweden.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/facelifted-volvo-xc90-revealed-with-mild-hybrid-option/
 
Refreshed XC90 is first mild hybrid Volvo

Family SUV the first to get B-badged variant equipped with brake-by-wire energy recovery system

Volvo has revealed the facelifted version of its XC90 family SUV, which becomes the first car to receive the company’s new mild hybrid powertrain.

The system, which uses kinetic energy recovery braking to assist the combustion engine, is claimed to deliver fuel efficiency savings and emissions reductions of as much as 15%.

Models featuring the technology will use a ‘B’ prefix, to separate them from the petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions already available. B-badged cars can come with either a diesel or petrol engine, and Volvo expects these versions to become the most popular.

The mild hybrid versions of the XC90 that will be available initially are a B5 petrol or diesel and a B6 petrol. The powertrain will be gradually rolled out to other models, starting with the XC60.

Only mild revisions have been made to the XC90's exterior styling for 2019. It gets a new-look front grille, additional paint choices and new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, it gains Android Auto smartphone mirroring for the first time, in addition to the Apple CarPlay functionality already present on the old car.

Volvo will begin taking orders for the refreshed XC90 later this month. It will arrive in British dealerships this summer, although pricing has yet to be confirmed.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/refreshed-xc90-first-mild-hybrid-volvo
 
Facelifted Volvo XC90 Revealed

Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90, has been facelifted. Herewith the details.

The Volvo XC90 has proven to be popular and it has scooped multiple award wins in the Premium SUV category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - powered by WesBank. Now, the XC90 has received a facelift which has been confirmed to arrive in South Africa in the second half of 2019.

The XC90 will, for the first time, be equipped with Volvo’s kinetic energy recovery braking system which will be coupled to the existing engines and will carry the ‘B’ badge. Volvo says that the new electrified powertrain will contribute to fuel savings of up to 15% while also reducing emissions. The introduction of ‘B’-badged forms part of Volvo’s electrification strategy and will complement the existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid offering.

In terms of design, the XC90 now wears a revised grille along with new wheel designs and will be offered with new exterior colours. As far as the interior goes, buyers will now be able to order the XC90 with a variety of seating configurations including 4-seats, 7 seats and a new 6-seat configuration.

In terms of safety, the XC90 excels by offering steering assistance for both the City Safety and Blind Spot Information systems. City Safety with Autobrake is able to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. The latest XC90 is now also fitted Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which was first introduced in the XC60 and the Cross Traffic Alert is now coupled with an auto-braking function.

The updated Sensus infotainment system now offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Spotify music streaming.

Production of the facelifted Volvo XC90 will begin in May 2019 at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden. Volvo South Africa confirmed the facelifted XC90 will be arriving in the second half of 2019.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/facelifted-volvo-xc90-revealed/46189/
 
Fresh look and feel for Volvo XC90

Last week, Volvo Cars unveiled a refreshed version of its best-selling XC90 large SUV, the company’s top-of-the-line flagship, adding a newly-developed fuel-saving engine option that marks the next step in the company’s electrification strategy.

The refreshed XC90 now offers customers Volvo’s advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new ‘integrated electrified powertrain’, under its new ‘B’ badge.

This new electrified powertrain offers drivers up to 15% fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving, according to the manufacturer.

The new brake-by-wire system interacts with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

The introduction of the new XC90 ‘B’-badged cars represents a major step for Volvo Cars towards its electrification ambitions. ‘B’-badged cars complement Volvo’s existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electrified option on the XC90.

On the outside, the refreshed XC90 offers subtle upgrades, such as new wheels, exterior colours and a modern new grill, among other details.

On the inside, the superlative and award-winning interior design remains in place, but perhaps the most noticeable addition is the fact that it can be ordered with a range of different seating configurations. From the four-seat Excellence variant and the seven-seat family SUV to the brand new six-seat configuration, the XC90 is available with any number of seats that best fits people’s preferences and lifestyles. New interior materials including a wool blend offer further options for personalisation.

Based on Volvo’s own, in-house developed platform, powertrain and safety technology, the latest-gen XC90, no doubt, marked the start of Volvo Cars’ transformation back in 2015. It introduced the new face of the Volvo brand characterised by the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, while introducing its new Scalable Product Architecture.

The world-first technologies and innovations that were launched on Volvo’s other 90 and 60 Series models between 2015 and 2019 have also found their way into the XC90 over the intervening years. As a result, Volvo’s top-of-the-line SUV has become more advanced since its introduction, clocking up over 320 000 units sold worldwide already.

In terms of active safety technology, the XC90 now offers drivers help with steering on both the City Safety and the Blind Spot Information System. City Safety with Autobrake is still the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

An Oncoming Lane Mitigation system (first introduced on the XC60) is now also available on XC90, while the Cross Traffic Alert technology now also offers Autobrake.

All this, together with the safety cage that forms the core of the passive safety technology, makes the XC90 one of the safest cars on the road and underlines Volvo Cars’ unwavering commitment to developing the safest cars possible.

While the XC90 was the first Volvo to offer Apple Carplay integration, it is now also compatible with Android Auto. The Sensus infotainment system has gone through multiple updates in recent years, all of which have been adopted into the XC90.

The facelifted XC90 will only go into production in May at the company’s Torslanda plant in Sweden, but it is now available to order at your friendly neighbourhood Volvo dealer.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/volvo/fresh-look-and-feel-for-volvo-xc90-19563162
 
New £450,000 Volvo XC90 Armoured weighs in at 4.5 tonnes

Attack-ready version of flagship SUV boasts all-round ballistic protection and upgraded underpinnings

Volvo has unveiled a £450,000 armoured edition of its flagship XC90 SUV for “individuals who require a heightened level of protection”.

The XC90 Armoured is visually identical to the standard Inscription T6 trim on which it is based, but the addition of 10mm thick steel armour all round adds an extra 1400kg to the XC90, taking its kerbweight up to 4.5 tonnes.

The strengthened body panels, in conjunction with 50mm thick windows, gives the XC90 Armoured a VR8 protection rating, like the recently revealed Range Rover Sentinel, meaning it has 360deg ballistic protection and a high degree of explosive resistance.

Additional equipment fitted as standard includes run-flat tyres, an emergency exit, a self-sealing fuel tank, lowering driver’s window and tinted windows.

The vehicle took two years to develop, with Volvo claiming to have preserved the standard XC90’s fundamental properties. However, the standard powertrain, brakes and suspension system have been upgraded to cope with the significant strain of the extra weight.

Stephan Green, marketing director at Volvo’s Special Vehicles division, said potential customers include “security services who would use the car to transport high-profile individuals”, but would not elaborate on further modifications to the vehicle, stating: “Production is classified, with stringent procedures and oversight in place in order to attain the stipulated ballistic requirements.”

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-£450000-volvo-xc90-armoured-weighs-45-tonnes

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What are the red canisters under the bonnet? Smoke grenades?
 
Volvo XC90 Armoured

With the release of the Volvo XC90 Armoured, Volvo Cars takes another step as a manufacturer of armoured vehicles. The cars are designed and built to provide safe and comfortable travel with a high level of personal protection for the occupants.

"We are proud to be able to offer these armoured cars. With our armoured cars, we can provide vehicles with a high level of personal security for individuals who require heightened protection," says Stephan Green, Marketing Director at Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

There is a growing global market for armoured vehicles at present, and a large number are manufactured with various protection ratings. Volvo Cars has received numerous requests over the past few years to develop an armoured XC90. Volvo Cars has extensive experience of building police cars, fire engines and diverse special vehicles with high requirements in terms of function, driveability and safety. In fact, the first Volvo police car was delivered back in 1929.

https://www.netcarshow.com/volvo/2020-xc90_armoured/
 
Literally bulletproof! New Volvo XC90 'Armoured' revealed

Volvo has taken the wraps off its new XC90 Armoured, which it says was created after “numerous requests” for a bulletproof version of the flagship SUV.

After more than two years of development the firm has finally unwrapped an XC90 with a certified VPAM VR8 protection rating (the latter meaning it boasts “360-degree ballistic resistance” as well as “explosive resistance”).

Starting life as an Inscription version of the XC90 T6 AWD (with a twin-charged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder powertrain offering 235 kW and 400 N.m), the vehicle is sent from the factory in Sweden to a company called Trasco Bremen in Germany, where it gains 10 mm high-strength steel armour and 50 mm thick glass, among other items.

Volvo says the armour adds around 1 400 kg to the XC90, which brings the total weight of the car up to a whopping 4 490 kg (with five occupants on board). To cope with this increased heft, the vehicle is fitted with an uprated suspension system and new brakes.

“We are proud to be able to offer these armoured cars. With our armoured cars, we can provide vehicles with a high level of personal security for individuals who require heightened protection,” said Stephan Green, marketing director at Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/literally-bulletproof-new-volvo-xc90-armoured-revealed/
 
Pricing! Refreshed Volvo XC90 (including new six-seater) hits SA

The subtly facelifted Volvo XC90 (revealed back in February 2019) has quietly arrived in South Africa. And we have local pricing for the updated range, which now includes five new six-seater variants.

The now-17-strong local line-up starts at R1 029 266 and runs through to the flagship four-seater Excellence derivative, which is priced at R1 668 500.

While some markets have received new B-badged models boasting the Swedish firm’s kinetic energy recovery braking system, it seems the local range will soldier on with unchanged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (bearing the familiar "T" and "D" prefixes), each mated to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

So that means the SA range again includes the T5 with 187 kW and 350 N.m; the D5 with 173 kW and 480 N.m; the T6 with 235 kW and 400 N.m; and the T8 with 300 kW and 640 N.m. As before, Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trim levels are offered.

Pricing:

Volvo XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum: R1 029 266
Volvo XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum six-seater: R1 076 696
Volvo XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum: R1 076 696
Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum six-seater: R1 073 669
Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum: R1 073 669
Volvo XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription: R1 078 266
Volvo XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design: R1 094 766
Volvo XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription: R1 125 696
Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription: R1 122 669
Volvo XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription six-seater: R1 134 696
Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription six-seater: R1 131 669
Volvo XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design: R1 142 196
Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design: R1 139 169
Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription: R1 276 400
Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription six-seater: R1 285 700
Volvo XC90 T8 AWD R-Design: R1 291 200
Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Excellence: R1 668 500

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-m...-volvo-xc90-including-new-six-seater-hits-sa/
 
Volvo XC90 B5 R-Design AWD 2019 UK review

Should I buy one?

It seems fairly certain that a lot of Volvo’s customers will. The B5 might lacks the T8 Twin Engine PHEV’s ability to make short-range, zero-emissions trips (assuming you remember to plug it in every night) but it is some £10,000 cheaper and largely succeeds as a starting point towards electrification.

Although fuel economy isn’t dramatically better than with the outgoing D5 diesel, any improvement is welcome, and with the D5 now scrubbed from order books, there are no awkward questions over whether a non-hybrid would make for lower benefit in kind or VED tax bands.

That it also makes for a more refined driving experience is perhaps just as significant and helps cement the XC90’s place among the upper echelon of premium SUVs.

Volvo XC90 B5 Diesel R-Design AWD specification

Where Kent, UK Price £56,585 On sale Now Engine 4 cyls, 1959cc, turbo, diesel Power 235bhp at 4000rpm Torque 354lb ft at 1750-2250rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 2103kg Top speed 137mph 0-62mph 7.6sec Fuel economy 37.7-44.1mpg CO2 154g/km, 34% Rivals Audi Q7 45 TDI, Lexus RX L 450h, Land Rover Discovery SD4

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...ves/volvo-xc90-b5-r-design-awd-2019-uk-review

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Someone at my workplace has one. It stills looks more like a station wagon than an SUV, especially in the metal.
 
Volvo XC90 (2019) Specs and Price

Volvo South Africa has launched its updated XC90 flagship SUV to our market. Here are the specifications and pricing.

The Volvo XC90 is the brand's flagship. It has won global acclaim and won its category in the #CarsAwards - Powered by WesBank. Now for 2019 there's been a minor update. The changes range from new alloy wheels, new exterior colours as well as some visual tweaks. Interestingly, it's now available in a 6-seat configuration.

“The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on well-being,” says Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa.

The 7-seat Volvo XC90 (and 6-seater) should continue to find fans thanks to its incredible design and well thought out cabin. New for 2019 is the crystal glass gear lever made from Orrefors, a renowned Swedish glassmaker for the T8 as well as diamond-cut controls. The cabin now benefits from a second USB port as well as a P-SIM card slot. Boot space is rated at 1 856 litres of space. There are new materials for the cabin trim too.

Volvo XC90 Powertrains

All new Volvo XC90s sold in SA feature 8-speed automatic transmissions as well as all-wheel drive. Kicking off the range are the proven 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motors, with the option of petrol and diesel. The D5 produces 173 kW and 480 Nm, with a claimed consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km. The T5 petrol produces 187 kW and 350 Nm, and is a tad heavier in the consumption stakes, with a claim of 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged T6 produces 235 kW and 400 Nm, with a claimed consumption figure of 8 L/100 km. Finally, at the top of the pile sits the T8 which has an electric motor assisting things. In total there's 300 kW (235 kW + 65 kW) and 640 Nm (400 Nm + 240 Nm). Fuel consumption is claimed at 2.1 L/100km.

At launch, there will be 3 levels of trim: Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design.

Volvo XC90 (2019) Price in South Africa

The facelifted Volvo XC90 is sold in South Africa with a 5 year / 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan (Volvo Plan), 5 years/ unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance, as well as DataDot application.

XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 023 700 (CO2 emissions including VAT R5 566)

XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum 6-seater R1 068 600 (CO2 emissions including VAT R8 096)

XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 068 600 (CO2 emissions including VAT R8 096)

XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum 6-seater R1 070 000 (CO2 emissions including VAT R3 669)

XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 070 000 (CO2 emissions including VAT R3 669)

XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 072 700 (CO2 emissions including VAT R5 566)

XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 089 200 (CO2 emissions including VAT R5 566)

XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 117 600 (CO2 emissions including VAT R8 096)

XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 119 000 (CO2 emissions including VAT R3 669)

XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 126 600 (CO2 emissions including VAT R8 096)

XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 128 000 (CO2 emissions including VAT R3 669)

XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 134 100 (CO2 emissions including VAT R8 096)

XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 135 500 (CO2 emissions including VAT R3 669)

XC90 T8 AWD Inscription R1 276 400 (CO2 exempt)

XC90 T8 AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 285 700 (CO2 exempt)

XC90 T8 AWD R-Design R1 291 200 (CO2 exempt)

XC90 T8 AWD Excellence R1 668 500 (CO2 exempt)

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volvo-xc90-2019-specs-and-price/47204/
 
Volvo XC90 (2019) Launch Review

Summary

While the facelifted XC90 hasn’t had much in the way of significant updates, Volvo has focused on incremental improvements. The tech updates are welcome, the luxury finishes and materials in the cabin are top quality and the XC90 still feels refreshingly different from other premium SUVs.

While the Swedish range's engines are quite capable (in terms of performance) and on par when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Volvo cannot match the ride quality of some of its competitors anymore. Then again, the price of the XC90 hasn’t increased stratospherically. In the 7-seater segment, the Audi Q7 is set to be renewed quite soon and the equivalent Discovery is more expensive, but admittedly offers more off-road capability.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volvo-xc90-2019-launch-review/47208/
 
DRIVEN: Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription

Considering it’s 2019 and alternative propulsion tech is all the rage, it’s surprising how few rivals the Volvo XC90 T8 has at its price point. In fact, there’s only one: Lexus’ RX450h. Range Rover’s Sport P400e is nearly R400 000 more expensive and the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid another couple of grand on top. BMW and Mercedes-Benz will add their X5 and GLE equivalents in the coming months but, judging by pricing for their conventionally driven models, they’ll struggle to match the Swede’s competitiveness.

But what of the conventional diesels and petrols, you may ask. Certainly, scratch a supplementary electric motor from your list of requirements and the field of contenders widens significantly, with Volvo itself offering a D5, T5 and T6 at quite a bit less than it charges (hey!) for the T8 plug-in hybrid.

While I’d pick the D5 over the T8, as supplemented drivetrains go, the latter’s petrol engine/electric motor pairing is one of the market’s best. Offering a compelling combination of hot-hatch performance and frugal running in ideal conditions, the T8 complements the revised XC90’s myriad fine attributes.

FAST FACTS

Model: Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription
Price: R1 276 400
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motor
Power: 300 kW combined (235 + 65 kW)
Torque: 640 N.m combined (400 + 240 N.m)
0-100 km/h: 5,6 seconds
Top Speed: 230 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 2,10 L/100 km
CO2: 49 g/km
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: Five-year/100 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-volvo-xc90-t8-awd-inscription/
 
DRIVEN: Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription

Considering it’s 2019 and alternative propulsion tech is all the rage, it’s surprising how few rivals the Volvo XC90 T8 has at its price point. In fact, there’s only one: Lexus’ RX450h. Range Rover’s Sport P400e is nearly R400 000 more expensive and the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid another couple of grand on top. BMW and Mercedes-Benz will add their X5 and GLE equivalents in the coming months but, judging by pricing for their conventionally driven models, they’ll struggle to match the Swede’s competitiveness.

But what of the conventional diesels and petrols, you may ask. Certainly, scratch a supplementary electric motor from your list of requirements and the field of contenders widens significantly, with Volvo itself offering a D5, T5 and T6 at quite a bit less than it charges (hey!) for the T8 plug-in hybrid.

While I’d pick the D5 over the T8, as supplemented drivetrains go, the latter’s petrol engine/electric motor pairing is one of the market’s best. Offering a compelling combination of hot-hatch performance and frugal running in ideal conditions, the T8 complements the revised XC90’s myriad fine attributes.

FAST FACTS

Model: Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Inscription
Price: R1 276 400
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motor
Power: 300 kW combined (235 + 65 kW)
Torque: 640 N.m combined (400 + 240 N.m)
0-100 km/h: 5,6 seconds
Top Speed: 230 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 2,10 L/100 km
CO2: 49 g/km
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: Five-year/100 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-volvo-xc90-t8-awd-inscription/
What is the real-world figure, I don't think I have ever seen a T8 on the road
 
SA launch review: Volvo's updated XC90 (which comes with a PA!)

Well that was a first. Instead of handing us a set of keys as we arrived in Cape Town for the launch of the facelifted Volvo XC90 on Tuesday, the PR representatives gave us iPhones loaded with the company’s new Volvo On call app, and told us that we could use them to locate the cars that we were about to drive - and also experience the brand’s new concierge service.

Thankfully it wasn’t a game of hide and seek, and with the app logged in and loaded, we were able to locate our car easily - first you follow a high-definition map and then when nearby you can command the car to flash its headlights and hoot. With this gadget you should never lose your car again, and it can also be used to unlock the vehicle as well as control certain things like the climate control or check the fuel level, when you’re far away from the car.

Once aboard, we were instructed to test out the On Call concierge service, to direct us to our lunch stop. By simply pressing a button on the roof console, we got through to a call centre agent who actually sent directions to the car’s navigation system. Sure, most people are not going to need a call centre agent to programme the nav, but it is nice to know that help is always just a phone call away - particularly in an emergency. To that end, Volvo On Call automatically contacts emergency services if the system detects that the car has been in an accident.

Many cars are coming out with ‘virtual’ butlers these days, but these can be a hit and miss affair, and Volvo’s set-up adds a much needed human touch to the equation. Best of all, a five-year subscription to Volvo On Call is standard on all 2020 model year Volvos, including the new XC90, and customers will have the option of renewing it after expiration.

VERDICT

Volvo’s full-sized SUV might not look all that different on the outside, but with the new six-seat option and the Volvo On Call service, and already desirable package has just become just that bit more appealing. It’s classy, practical, packed with tech and cheaper than a BMW X7.

PRICES

PETROL

T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 023 700
T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum 6-seater R1 068 600
T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 068 600
T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 072 700
T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 089 200
T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 117 600
T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 126 600
T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 134 100
T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription R1 276 400
T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 285 700
T8 Twin Engine AWD R-Design R1 291 200
T8 Twin Engine AWD Excellence R1 668 500

DIESEL

D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum 6-seater R1 070 000
D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R1 070 000
D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R1 119 000
D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription 6-seater R1 128 000
D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R1 135 500

* Prices exclude CO2 tax

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...s-updated-xc90-which-comes-with-a-pa-30811516
 
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