Volvo XC90 Ditches Its Diesel Engine For A Mild Hybrid Powertrain

• Volvo XC90 mild hybrid offered in a fully loaded Inscription trim only.
• Powered by a 300PS 2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48v mild-hybrid system.
• Gets standard all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Features include a digital driver’s display, 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, and pilot assist.

Volvo Cars India has updated its flagship SUV, the XC90, with a new mild-hybrid powertrain replacing the diesel variants. Priced at Rs 89.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the fully loaded XC90 B6 Inscription is around a lakh dearer than the now-discontinued diesel version. 

Gone is the 235PS 2-litre diesel engine, and in comes a 300PS 2-litre turbo-petrol teamed with a 48v mild-hybrid system. The latter provides torque assist under hard acceleration and even allows the vehicle to coast for improved fuel economy. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic.  

When it comes to features, the luxury SUV ticks all the boxes. It gets a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, 1400W 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an air quality system with PM 2.5 filter. 

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As with any Volvo, there is extra focus on safety, being taken care of by adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision detection, a 360-degree camera, and park assist. With air suspension as standard, cushy ride quality is also part of the package.  

The XC90 is offered in four colours: Denim Blue, Pine Grey, Onyx Black, and Crystal White Pearl. You can also choose from two interior paint options: Black/Maroon and Black/Amber.  

Volvo’s XC90 might be the underdog in its segment. But with only mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it does stand out from its traditional rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and the upcoming facelifted Audi Q7. It’s also the only 7-seater SUV you can buy in this segment until the new Q7 arrives later this year.