This recently-refreshed Volvo XC90 is currently available over here with both plug-in and mild hybrid powertrains.
Aside from the fully-electric EX90, Volvo Car Malaysia has recently also launched the freshly-updated XC90 over here. And likely in an attempt to cover all powertrain bases in its large SUV offerings, the ICE-equipped XC90 currently comes in both B5 mild-hybrid as well as T8 plug-in hybrid guises.
With both XC90s arriving in Ultra trim, the PHEV T8 retails for RM 434,888 (no increase in the recommended retail price compared to the previous model year), while the mild-hybrid B5 goes for less at RM 418,888. Just for comparison’s sake, the fully-electric EX90 lands locally wearing a price tag of RM 442,888.
Now this newly facelifted XC90 is technically its first major facelift since the current generation was introduced nearly a decade ago (after a series of incremental updates over the years, of course), and this major refresh has predominantly brought with it a fresh new face and user interface that positions it closer to its fully electric sibling.
The most immediately apparent exterior aesthetic change with this facelift is its striking new criss-cross patterned front grille, which is flanked by a mildly updated set of Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and a reworked front bumper. The sides of this sizeable Swedish SUV have meanwhile been smartened up somewhat from a revised set of 20-inch alloy wheel designs, whereas modernised LED signatures and smoked internals housed within the same taillight shape in turn give its rump a subtly altered look.
As for what has changed within the XC90, a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen now sticks out from the space where a 9.0-inch unit once nestled neatly. This enlarged display is touted by Volvo to boast a higher pixel density (by some 21%) and a faster response time over what came before, with this latest iteration of its Google-based operating system boasting enhanced user-friendliness as well.
Elsewhere within the cabin, the dashboard on this updated XC90 incorporates a set of redesigned vertical air vents and comes with decorative panels ‘made from premium recycled materials for a more textured finish’. Volvo has reworked this SUV’s centre console too, with it now featuring what it calls a ‘2+1’ cupholder and a wireless charging pad that has been relocated to behind the central tunnel.
For Malaysia, both new Volvo XC90 variants come featuring an 11.2-inch centre display, a 12.3-inch driver display and a head-up display, next-generation Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, a 360º surround camera, a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, powered and ventilated front seats with memory function and four-way lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade and four-zone climate control.
In terms of other updates under its skin, Volvo has added extra sound insulation to certain parts of the cabin, to make what was already a pretty whisper-quiet vehicle that little bit more serene within. All XC90s sold locally also come with standard air suspension on all four wheels, which providing self-levelling functionality and constant ride height adjustment by monitoring the car, road and driver up to 500 times per second.
What Volvo has not touched with this updated XC90, however, is all that lies under its hood. The T8 Ultra still features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 317 PS and 400 Nm of torque, with drive going to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Accompanying the internal combustion engine is a rear electric motor rated at 145 PS and 309 Nm, contributing to a total system output of 462 PS and 709 Nm. 0-100 km/h in this electrified large SUV takes 5.3 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 km/h.
The PHEV battery in the T8 Ultra XC90 similarly remains unchanged from before, with its 18.8 kWh capacity capable of an electric-only driving range of 77 km. A full charge with a 3.7-kW AC charger will take five hours, while the time drops to three hours with a 6.4-kW charger.
The B5 Ultra uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as the PHEV, but with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that features an integrated starter generator (ISG) between the engine and the same 8-speed automatic transmission. This mild-hybrid setup churns out a maximum of 263 hp and 390 Nm of torque, for a century sprint of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Four colours will be offered for the newly-updated XC90 in Malaysia: Onyx Black, Denim Blue, Crystal White, and Vapour Grey. All of which is paired with a Charcoal interior, Charcoal ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, and Grey Ash wood décor.
The new XC90 comes with five-year complimentary digital services, 24-hour roadside assistance, and unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty. For further peace of mind, the high-voltage battery pack is warrantied for eight years.
