Volvo Car South Africa has introduced the 2027 model year XC60 and XC90 with a redeveloped T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Two new Core derivatives lower the entry point to the brand’s plug-in hybrid range locally, and pricing remains unchanged from MY26.
Volvo T8 plug-in hybrid engine changes
Volvo describes the update as one of the most significant changes to its plug-in hybrid system since the battery upgrade introduced in 2022. At its centre is a Miller-cycle petrol engine, combined with electrification, turbocharging and variable valve timing. The company says the result is lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. The engine supports compliance with upcoming Euro 7 requirements and remains fully compatible with South African fuel quality standards.
The balance of the system has shifted towards electric power. The petrol engine now delivers less peak power and torque than before, while the rear electric motor has been upgraded from approximately 108 kW to approximately 116 kW. Combined system output is 299 kW, with overall system torque similar to MY26 and a greater share of it supplied electrically. Volvo says this brings stronger low-speed acceleration, improved electric-only performance and smoother transitions between electric and petrol power.
XC60 and XC90 electric range and consumption
The 18.8 kWh battery, eight-speed automatic transmission and electrified all-wheel drive carry over unchanged. The MY27 XC60 T8 PHEV offers an electric-only range of up to 81 km and combined fuel consumption of 1.4 l/100 km. The XC90 T8 PHEV offers an electric-only range of up to 84 km and combined fuel consumption of 1.5 l/100 km. Volvo notes that for many owners, daily driving can be completed on electric power, with the petrol engine available for longer journeys.
New Core derivatives and South African pricing
The new Core derivatives become the entry points to Volvo’s plug-in hybrid offering in South Africa. “The Core derivatives give more customers a way into a Volvo plug-in hybrid,” said Vusi Machie, Product and Pricing Manager at Volvo Car South Africa, adding that the company has kept pricing at MY26 levels.
The XC60 T8 PHEV Core is priced at R1 280 000 and the XC90 T8 PHEV Core at R1 585 000. The MY27 Volvo XC60 and XC90 are available now at Volvo retailers nationwide.
Supplied by QuickPic (Volvo Car)
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