Volvo XC90 Excellence T8 Plug-In Hybrid launched: Becomes the first luxury hybrid SUV to enter India

Volvo today launched a hybrid version of the classy XC90 SUV for the Indian market called the XC90 Excellence T8 Plug-In Hybrid. The vehicle, as the long name aptly puts it, is a plug-in hybrid and also gives Volvo Cars India, the bragging rights to be the first to bring a luxury hybrid SUV to the country. The Volvo XC90 Excellence T8 is also one of the most powerful offerings that Volvo has offered for the Indian market and will be priced at Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom New Delhi).The Volvo XC90 Excellence T8 looks almost identical to the standard XC90 with a bunch of chrome bits over the body. What many will notice upon closer inspection is a second flap that gives access to the external charging port. Everything pretty much looks the same until you take a look at what's under the hood.The Excellence T8 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol motor that includes a T8 Twin-Engine  Plug-in Hybrid Electric powertrain (2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine + 9.2kWh Lithium-ion battery). The engine delivers a combined output of nearly 402bhp and maximum torque of 640Nm. The engine is hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission.Open the doors and you will know that you are stepping into a luxury vehicle. The seats look welcoming with and are individually adjustable (even for the rear). The seats also get a massage and ventilation functions the package is completed with plenty of added legroom with footrests.Once inside, you get ambient lighting, and plenty metal inserts along with a chilled cup holder and handmade glass (included in the package). Even the gear knob is made of Orrefors crystal.The launch of the Volvo XC90 Excellence T8 is surprising, considering that we recently reported that the R-Design version of the XC90 called XC90 R7 was being imported into India.