Most powerful Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge goes on sale in Mzansi

Volvo is upping its XC90 ante with the introduction of the amped-up T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid model. 

The move readies the marque towards its commitment to become a fully-electric firm by the year 2030. 

The new Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid now churns out 107 kW of power combined with the 233 kW produced by the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. 

Thanks to a more potent rear electric motor, the total system output is rated at 340 kW and 709 Nm of torque – up from 300 kW and 640 Nm in the previous model. 

According to Volvo, the e-motor enhances all-wheel-drive capability by upping power in the rear wheels by 65%. 

The new XC90 T8 Recharge shuffles through an 8-speed Geartronic transmission sent to all four paws resulting in a 5.3-second sprint from 0-100 km/h. 

The new XC90 does away with the 11.6 kWh battery pack and now employs a 18.8 kWh pack that also increases the electric range by up to 77 km. 

“The average premium car owner travels less than 50 km daily, so most local Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power,” says Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski.

The model is offered in Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1,560,600.

It carries a five-year/100,000 km Warranty and Maintenance Plan, a five-year roadside assistance and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.