Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence, Track Test

Some cars are about making a style statement, while others are about power and prowess. But Volvo have their own way of doing things. They care little for pomp and flair, but definitely value green technology and don’t mind a little bit of power as well. So, it’s only fitting that they should expertly mix these two elements in their flagship SUV – the XC90 T8 Twin Engine.

It’s an open secret that we’re big fans of the XC90. In fact, it was one among our top-five last year. But if we thought that was good, it was because the T8 wasn’t available in India. The machine in question features a 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that’s supercharged, turbocharged, and also a plug-in hybrid. Volvo designed this chassis – the modular SPA platform – from scratch to accept plug-in hybrids, so you can bet that they’ve thought this through. The petrol engine pumps out 307bhp and sends power to the front wheels. The 65kW electric motor churns out 87bhp and powers the rear wheels. With a combined output of 394bhp, it makes for a pretty spritely machine.

The XC90 has three driving modes. In ‘Pure’ mode, it runs solely on the electric motor and has a range of 43 kilometres. In ‘Hybrid,’ or the default setting, both the electric motor and the petrol engine power the SUV. In this mode, performance is a little conservative. So, if neither of these modes work for you, then ‘Power’ it is. The XC90 does 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds. Keeping in mind that it weighs over 2-tonnes, that’s pretty impressive.

When it comes to quality, comfort, refinement and design, the XC90 scores maximum points. But the lap time wasn’t great because the battery didn’t have enough charge, and with a price tag of over one crore it didn’t score too well on the value for money front either. It’s still a favourite no doubt, but one that’s awfully pricey. What is does do is make a statement – both for the brand, as well as for the person who’s lucky enough to own it.

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