After school, many kids seek solace in TikTok after a day of classes. As a parent one might ask, what could be more exciting and engaging? For Gareth, my son, it was the brand new Volvo XC90 T8 that he saw, for the first time, when he got home from school on Monday.
Forget TikTok, homework, and mother’s homemade scrumptious lunch, the only thing on Gareth’s mind was riding in the passenger seat of the Volvo XC90 T8.
Not wanting to disappoint the boy, I grabbed the car keys and unlocked the doors.
Smiling, Gareth settled into the passenger’s seat. He was soon engrossed in the sleek infotainment system.
I watched as he explored the infotainment system’s features, connecting effortlessly to Google services for Spotify and YouTube – just like teenagers do on their smartphones.
It dawned on me that as long as it kept him connected, he’d be content.
The song that caught his attention on Spotify was the latest amapiano track “Woza Nawe” by Eemoh, and Major League Djz ft Murumba Pitch.
The 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system added to the relaxed ambience of the interior.
Gareth also explored all the other tech the car had.
In 2002, Volvo’s first SUV, the XC90, was launched and quickly became the best-selling Volvo model, a position it retained for more than half a decade.
The Volvo XC90 T8 epitomises a blend of innovation and luxury while promising efficiency and power.
As a futuristic car, the latest Volvo XC90 T8 is a premium family-hauling SUV that combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor.
Drivers enjoy added benefits such as reduced fuel consumption and pure electric driving. Measuring 4.94 metres in length, this car offers so much more space, whether for shopping trips with family and friends or for transporting a variety of goods.
Even my golf clubs fit nicely in the boot.
The Volvo XC90 T8 is a problem solver with amapiano charisma. Its charm lies not just in its practicality but also in its tech-savvy allure, which thrills my son Gareth and I.
Having tried out everything on offer, it was time to take the car for a spin.
As we drove out of the yard, the new song by K.O titled “Y.O.U.” was playing on Spotify.
The Volvo XC90 T8 exudes power and grace without drowning out the music.
Manufacturers describe this new XC90 plug-in hybrid as the “T8 Twin Engine”.
But technically the 2016 PHEV is, in aerospace parlance, a tri-motor, having a 2.0-L gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a starter-generator.
It was made to be efficient and comfortable.
Placed underneath that beautiful design is a powertrain that is made up of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that sends power to the front wheels through an 8-speed gearbox.
Power from the engine is rated at 462PS and 709Nm of torque and engine acceleration from 0-100km/h within 5.3 seconds.
When we drove on the N12 highway, Gareth remarked: “This car is the future.” However, the silence of the engine when it glided forward was not to my boy’s liking.
Gareth associates the loud noise that most cars make when they accelerate with the power of the engine.
Not so with the powerful Volvo XC90 T8 – its silent acceleration is simply a plus for noise pollution reduction.
But that’s not all, complementing the engine is an electric motor placed at the rear axle. This motor is powered by a 19kWh battery pack.
The character of the Volvo XC90 T8 is what makes the SUV charming.
So, the Volvo XC90 T8 may have the performance numbers that could put some sports cars to shame, but it is not built for that. It does however excel at comfort.
That air suspension offers an incredibly plush ride that soaks up everything the road throws at it.
But don’t mistake it for a performance SUV though, it is far from that.
This Volvo rides on air suspension, and this gives it a comfortable ride quality that is quite like that of luxury cars such as the BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Apart from the driving performance, the comfort the Volvo XC90 T8 offers makes driving a pleasant experience – things that matter more as one gets older.
I am even looking forward to driving Gareth to his soccer and golf practice. And of course, I am eager to show off the Volvo XC90 T8 to my golf mates when we next meet for a round or two.
Not to mention the shopping chores that will be less irritating.
For me, the Volvo XC90 T8 is indispensable because it represents everything I need from a car.
I admire the attention to detail in the interior and exterior of the car.
It is comfortable and fun to drive
The Volvo XC90 T8, which is a seven-seater, has enough space inside to enable a family of five or six to enjoy their road trips or ride to the shopping mall.
Unfortunately, our test drive couldn’t include testing the charging capabilities because there isn’t any Volvo infrastructure nearby where I live.
Nevertheless, whether navigating highways or school runs, the XC90 T8 turns heads with its distinct Volvo identity and striking presence.
It is an automatic, intelligent machine, with modern electronics.
The Volvo XC90 T8 wears its Volvo family identity on its sleeve.
SPECS
ENGINE
The Volvo XC90 T8 boasts a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged with electric motor
BOOT SPACE
This vehicle is a seven-seater, and seats can be flipped to increase the boot space. Folding the two back seats will not rob passengers of their luxurious space.
With the rear seats up, the load compartment has enough space for four suitcases (750mm long, 520mm wide, and 310mm high) and one cabin bag (550mm long, 400mm wide, 230mm high).
POWER TAILGATE
Open or close the tailgate conveniently from the outside using the remote control. Or via buttons on the tailgate or the dashboard. Sensors around the tailgate opening help enhance safety when closing the tailgate. The power tailgate can also be programmed to open to a lower height than its maximum, very useful if you park in a garage with limited roof height.
TECH AND SOUND
- Google services
- Volvo Cars app
- Air-ventilated subwoofer
- Harman Kardon Premium Sound
- Wireless phone charging
- Apple CarPlay
- Steering wheel remote control
- Bluetooth® connection
- Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system
SAFETY FEATURES
Avoid collisions
Day or night, our intelligent safety assistance technology can help you detect and avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. It does this by first warning the driver and then auto-braking if the driver fails to react.
Detects and corrects drifting
If you start drifting across the centre line, there is always a chance of a collision with an oncoming vehicle. Your car can detect this and correct the steering, helping you back to a safer position on the road.
Ease stress in busy traffic
Our blind spot information system (BLIS) provides active support when changing lanes. If there is a risk of collision with other vehicles in the adjacent lane, BLIS can subtly adjust steering, helping keep you, your car, and your loved ones right where you mean to be.
NAVIGATION
With Google Maps seamlessly integrated into the Volvo XC90 T8, real-time traffic info and automatic rerouting help you reach your destination with less hassle.
Talk to Google in your Volvo XC90 T8 for hands-free help.
Easily get directions, enjoy entertainment, and keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues – just say “Hey Google” to get started.
Stay connected to your digital life. Google Play in your Volvo XC90 T8 lets you enjoy the apps and services that can make every journey more entertaining and convenient.
PRICING
The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge retails from R 1,713,000 including VAT.
VERDICT
After a week of testing, it’s clear that the Volvo XC90 T8 is not just a luxurious plug-in hybrid SUV; it’s a statement of performance and eco-consciousness.
With its blend of Scandinavian design, advanced safety tech, and impressive fuel efficiency, it offers a compelling package for those seeking both luxury and sustainability.
Also read: GUGU LOURIE: Tech can help stop road carnage
