"This makes Malaysia the only country outside Sweden to produce the all-new XC90 – a historic achievement for us," said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Keith Schafer at the car's launch, held at Malaysia Automotive Institute in Cyberjaya.
“Our decision to bring in the T8 Twin Engine variant was bolstered by the government’s ambition to turn Malaysia into an Asean hub for EEVs (Energy Efficient Vehicles), in line with the National Automotive Policy," added Schafer.
Local assembly of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid is due to start in Shah Alam in the third quarter of 2016.
The fully imported model is priced at RM453,888 (on-the-road without insurance) and 100 units have been ordered by Malaysian customers, with deliveries to start this month.
"We cannot confirm the price of the CKD unit now, but we think it will put a big smile on your face," said Schafer.
The seven-seat SUV (sport utility vehicle) has a 2.0-litre petrol supercharged and turbocharged engine making 320hp at 5,700rpm and 400Nm of torque from a lowly 2,200 to 5,400rpm.
Fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the XC90 plug-in hybrid's driveline has a maximum power of 407hp and 640Nm of torque.
Rated with a combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100km, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine goes from zero to 100kph in only 5.6 seconds.
At the push of a button, the driver can switch to pure electric power where the range can be more than 40km.
Volvo offers a five-year warranty on the car and lithium-ion battery.
A full charge using a household power socket takes three and a half hours.
With a charging station, this can be reduced by an hour.
German-produced charging Hager witty stations from Light and Energy Solution are priced at RM9,540 (indoor and outdoor use) and RM8,480 (indoor use only).
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Volvo XC90 highlights
The local XC90 launch came on the heels of the second SPA-based premium sedan from Volvo, the S90, that was unveiled in Sweden yesterday that seeks to compete with the Jaguar XF, Mercedes E Class, Audi A5 and BMW 5 Series.
Luxurious cabin
The range-topping Inscription trim is standard for the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, and includes Nappa leather seats, a gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glassmaker, and diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control.
The new XC90 is the first Volvo to carry the company’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille.
Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive face for Volvo.
The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment.
The sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row – or to increase loading space.
An integrated child booster cushion in the centre seat is standard.
Control system
The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system.
The new Sensus user interface is said to completely re-invent the way drivers operate their cars.
The traditional selection of buttons and controls has been replaced with a smooth, intuitive interaction between a large tablet-like touch screen, controls on the steering wheel and a capable voice-control system.
The digital instrumentation and the head-up display in front of the driver provides relevant information, while Sensus gives access to cloud-based applications.
The in-car options include Internet radio, connected navigation, finding and paying for parking, seamless music streaming, the ability to mirror and use Apple and Android devices in the touch screen display, and a hot spot for using a tablet in the car.
Safety innovations
The standard safety package for the XC90 T8 Twin Engine includes two world-first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability.
In a run-off road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position.
To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain.
The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car.
This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher.
City Safety becomes the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, which are standard equipment in the all-new XC90.
It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night.
Also, the new Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist enables safe and comfortable semi-autonomous driving by automatically following the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic.
Acceleration, braking and now also steering are controlled automatically.
Making sure that the driver remains in full control also when manoeuvring and reversing in tight spaces, the all-new XC90 features a 360-degree Surround view.
The Park Assist Pilot now also offers automatic reversing into a parking bay.
