The flagship of the local XC90 range, the new XC90 T8 Twin Engine is now available in South Africa.
(Get a copy of our June magazine to read our detailed description and what we think about this Swedish luxury SUV).
Engines
The all-wheel drive XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is, as its name suggests, powered by two engines.
A conventional internal combustion setup is employed up front, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo- and supercharged petrol engine powering the front wheels, providing 235kW and 400Nm via Volvo’s 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox.
The rear wheels are powered by the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) system, an electric motor fed by a 9.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack for an additional and on-demand 65kW and 240Nm. We found the electric engine to integrates seamlessly with the petrol mill and you have the option of a pure-electric range of up to 43 km.
Modes
AWD forces both engines to run concurrently, enabling all-wheel drive. With ERAD providing all its power to the rear wheels only, the CISG is used to maintain charge in the battery pack at all times.
Off-road is an extension of AWD mode and assists the driver in tougher off-road conditions by engaging the standard Hill Descent Control system as well as an electronically-controlled limited slip differential, at speeds up to 40 km/h.
Normal allows the car to manage the integration of electric energy as determined by the main and supplementary drive modes.
Save allows the driver to ‘lock’ the battery’s charge level and store it for later use.
Charge mode allows you to partially recharge the battery when it is flat
Gear selection
Hand-made in Sweden, the Orrefors solid crystal gear selector requires a gentle push or pull to select transmission functions, with the park function activated by a push button.
Traditional reverse, neutral and drive transmission functions are on hand, with the added ‘brake mode’ also available to enhance regenerative charging abilities when the vehicle is coasting, by increasing resistance on the electric motor – simulating engine braking in the process.
Safety
Safety has always been a priority with Volvo and the 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with 100% score in the safety assist category translates into one superbly safe vehicle.
Extras
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Pilot Assist and air suspension are all optional extras which were on the car we got to drive.
The pilot assist takes over complete steering control at speeds up to 50 km/h, provided a lead vehicle and clear lane markings are present. Later in 2016, Pilot Assist II will be available as standard on all XC90 derivatives, with the upgrade adding the ability to run up to 130 km/h and without the need for a lead vehicle.
Pricing
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Momentum R1 053 400
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription R1 092 100
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD R-Design R1 117 700
As with all other Volvo models, the new XC90 T8 Twin Engine is available as standard with a 5-year/ 100 000 km warranty, a full 5-year/ 100 000 km Volvo Plan, Tracker Connect and laminated glass for added security.
