Volvo India’s XC90 T8 Hybrid ‘7-seater’ will be more affordable option

Volvo India will also be offering a 7-seater option of the recently launched XC90 Hybrid SUV. This version, simply known as the T8 Hybrid, will have less features than the just launched T8 Hybrid 'Excellence' variant. The price is expected to be under Rs 1 crore, unlike the XC90 T8 Hybrid Excellence variant which has been priced at Rs 1.25 crore, ex-showroom.

The T8 Hybrid, however, will not offer the same interior package as the Excellence variant. The executive seating package - which seats just four passengers in utmost comfort and luxury, with massage function on all seats, footrests, beverage cooler and interior architectural detailing - is a signature of the Excellence variant alone.

Feature spec varies significantly in the base T8 variant, but certain signature items will be standard, such as the handcrafted Orrefors crystal gear shift knob, and the cream and beige interior finish. The standard T8 Hybrid will also offer the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that replicates the Gothenburg concert hall sound stage.

The T8 Hybrid could be the first 7-seater hybrid vehicle in the country. That could be a very big advantage in the luxury space, where large families look for spacious luxury options. Like the XC90 T8 Hybrid Excellence variant, the T8 Hybrid will be made on order. That means production of the said vehicle will only commence once Volvo has an order in the bag. Volvo officials, however, state that if they are able to see a demand for the hybrid, they will build an inventory to support quicker deliveries. Given the current success of the XC90, thanks to its excellent range of abilities, we do believe Volvo should invest in building that inventory.

The T8 twin engine that mates an electric motor to a 4-cylinder petrol engine emits just 49gm/km CO2. A maximum of 415PS is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with a pure electric range of roughly 40km.

Other unique features that will also be offered on the T8 Hybrid are the radar-based safety systems. Which safety features will be offered specifically is yet to be ascertained, since there are still certain ambiguities and caveats that exist with the refreshed radar systems policy.

Volvo has seen respectable growth both globally and in India in the last year and a half after the introduction of the XC90. Volvo India has further plans to introduce several more models in India. Expect the S90 to be launched here in the next couple of months.