Mild-hybrid tech debuts in simplified Volvo XC90 range

Last updated two years ago with the biggest addition having been the option of six seats, the Volvo XC90 has once again been refreshed as part of a more dramatic overhaul.

Despite the overall styling remaining unchanged, subtle changes have taken place inside, namely the reintroduction of a parking-ticket holder and inclusion of the CleanZone PM2.5 filtration system for the air conditioning.

The myriad of upholstery and alloy wheel options have also been reduced “in order to reduce confusion amongst customers”, while a new start/stop system debuts along with fly-by-wire technology for the eight-speed Geartronic transmission.

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Central to the updates though is the long awaited inclusion of mild-hybrid assistance for all petrol models in the form of a 48-volt system, as well as Volvo’s new B-badge denominators introduced in Europe two years ago.

With the exception of the plug-in hybrid T8 and the diesel engine D5, the previous T5 becomes the B5 and the T6 renamed B6. In addition, the expansive range has been downsized to nine models with all featuring seven seats.

As before, the XC90 employs Volvo’s 2.0-litre Drive-E engine with the unit in the D5 still rated at 173kW/480Nm and 300kW/640Nm in the plug-in hybrid T8.

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In both the B5 and B6 though, the inclusion of the 48-volt system has resulted in reduced outputs with the former losing four kilowatts for a total of 183 kW and the latter, while retaining both turbo-and-supercharging, seven kilowatts to settle at 228 kW.

In a curious turnaround however, the B6 boasts an additional 20 Nm of torque for a total of 420 Nm, while the B5’s 350 Nm remains unchanged from the T5.

Pricing

As before, the now-reduced XC90 range is covered by a five year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.

• XC90 B5 Momentum AWD Geartronic – R1 213 600
• XC90 B5 R-Design AWD Geartronic – R 1 283 000
• XC90 B5 Inscription AWD Geartronic – R1 283 500
• XC90 B6 R-Design AWD Geartronic – R1 338 400
• XC90 B6 Inscription AWD Geartronic – R1 338 900
• XC90 D5 R-Design AWD Geartronic – R1 348 500
• XC90 D5 Inscription AWD Geartronic – R1 349 000
• XC90 T8 R-Design AWD Geartronic – R1 529 500
• XC90 T8 Inscription AWD Geartronic – R1 530 000