New Volvo XC90 goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Volvo has officially launched the updated XC90 in South Africa.

The XC90 is the premium brand’s penultimate SUV, slotting below the all-electric EX90 introduced earlier this year.

It is now available in four specifications with two powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid, with prices starting at R1,555,500.

Powertrain

The XC90 range kicks off with the B5, which is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology.

This gives the SUV a total of 183kW and 350Nm, while the mild hybrid assistance helps to bring its average fuel consumption down to 8.1l/100km.

Alternatively, you can pick up the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which combines the petrol engine with an electric motor to achieve an output of 340kW and 709Nm.

The electric motor is powered by an 18.8kWh battery, which gives the PHEV an electric driving range of 70km.

Both versions of the car have four-wheel-drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and air suspension with adaptive dampers.

Features

Visually, the facelifted XC90 has a new grille with slats that flow in opposite directions on either side of the badge.

It also has a redesigned set of slim LED daytime running lights with Matrix LED headlights, and an updated set of 21-inch alloy wheels.

The interior has been given some attention as well, as there is a new dashboard with decorative inlays made from recycled materials meant to provide a textured, contemporary look.

Complementing this is a set of vertical aircon vents and ambient cabin lighting, which adds to the cabin’s premium look.

On the Plus units, you can expect a Harmon Kardon stereo, which is upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins sound system on the Ultra specification.

Both versions come with four-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel, and electric front seats with memory settings.

The first and second row seats are also heated for added comfort.

Furthermore, buyers can customise the seats with a variety of upholstery finishes, such as ventilated Nappa leather or Herringbone textiles.

Interior colour options include Checkered Aluminium, Grey Ash, Backlit Light Ash, Light Beige Wood, or Brown Ash, and an Orrefors crystal gear level can be found in the centre console.

On the dashboard, you’ll see a digital driver display and an 11.2-inch infotainment screen, the latter of which has built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay support, and can receive over-the-air software updates.

As you’d expect from a Volvo, the XC90 also comes with a list of driving aids, comprising adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, collision warning, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and hill start and descent control.

When all the seats are up, the SUV has a 301-litre boot, but this expands all the way up to 1,950 litres when the third and second row are folded flat.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Volvo XC90 is as follows:

• Volvo XC90 B5 Plus – R1,555,500
• Volvo XC90 B5 Ultra – R1,657,500
• Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Plus – R1,834,500
• Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Ultra – R1,936,500

This includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty, a 5-year/100,000km service plan with roadside assistance, and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty on the PHEV units.

Volvo XC90