Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

On offer are five drive modes. ‘Pure’ mode is fully electric; ‘Hybrid’ alternates between the engine and electric motor for max efficiency; ‘AWD’ and the more responsive ‘Power’ call into play both the electric motor and the engine (and hence, both axles) for a combined output of 407hp; and ‘Save’ lets you run solely on engine power to preserve battery charge for later use. Progress is surprisingly good in Pure with the XC90 pulling away briskly, silently and without any emissions from the tailpipe. The system will switch the engine on if you want full power but at mild throttles, and up to 80kph or so, the XC90 will run on electric power alone, the battery charge permitting. However, try as we might, we just couldn’t match Volvo’s claim of an all-electric range of 40km in Gurgaon’s crawling rush hour traffic. In Hybrid, there is a smooth transfer of power from the engine to motor and vice versa. Just wish the engine was a touch quieter. It’s not loud per se but it sounds a bit gruff. Remember, in the price band the XC90 T8 operates, V6s are the norm. We couldn’t put the AWD to test in the apt setting but we can tell you that Power mode does justice to its name. The build of speed is quick and, if you really pay attention, you can tell the initial thrust at launch is from the electric motor. Volvo claims a 5.9sec 0-100kph time for the T8, which is incredible for a 2.4-tonne hybrid hulk.

In other areas, the T8 feels quite like the regular XC90. You get a good feeling of control at the helm but this version’s larger 21-inchers do bring in some low-speed pitter-patter on uneven surfaces. The overall noise insulation is good, but not on par with a full-size luxury sedan. The comparison with full-size luxury sedans here is intentional – the T8 could be seen more as an alternative to the similar-priced 7-series and S-class’ of the world than other luxury SUVs.

Should I buy one?

The XC90 T8 Excellence is an SUV that is rather good at what it does. It’s impressive as a luxury car and has also got the right (read, green) image. Sure, it is expensive and sales for this new XC90 variant will be limited. But at a time when SUVs are routinely demonised, the XC90 T8 Excellence comes across as a guilt-free indulgence. To the wealthy who can afford one, that’s as good a reason as any to consider the XC90 T8 Excellence.