Locally Assembled Volvo XC90 T8 Introduced

Volvo Car Malaysia, in conjunction with its 50th anniversary in Malaysia and Sweden’s national day celebration, introduced the Volvo XC90 T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid assembled by Volvo Car Manufacturing in Shah Alam. This represents the first time the XC90 T8 is produced outside of Sweden and unbeknownst to many, Volvo’s Shah Alam plant exports about sixty percent of its production, with Thailand receiving the bulk of it. This is also the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to be assembled in Malaysia.

Being locally assembled and gaining EEV (energy efficient vehicle) status, the XC90 T8 is now priced at RM 403,888, a reduction of RM 50,000 from the launch price for the fully imported unit. The local unit’s specifications don’t differ from the imported one save for the inclusion of the gradient sensing feature in the security system.

Built on Volvo’s new SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, the XC90 is powered by a 2-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine partnered with an electric motor to produce a handsome 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is timed at 5.6 seconds. In comparison, the Audi Q7 which costs RM 590,000 uses a 3-litre V6 which runs at 333 hp and 440 Nm and takes 6.3 seconds.

Volvo also claims the XC90 T8 can travel up to 43 km in pure electric mode and takes 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery using a household power socket. The battery has a 5-year warranty and Volvo will also send specialists to your home to check the suitability of your household wiring and sockets to ensure optimal ownership experience.

Like the Q7, the XC90 T8 is also a seven-seater; its third row is claimed to offer class-leading comfort for passengers up to 170 cm in height.

Safety features are naturally comprehensive in Volvos and the XC90 T8 includes two world-first safety technologies i.e. run-off road protection and auto-brake at intersection.

More information can be found at www.volvocars.com/my.