Volvo Car South Africa has introduced the 2027 model year XC60 and XC90 with a redeveloped T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The update includes a Miller-cycle petrol engine, combined with electrification, turbocharging, and variable valve timing. This results in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, supporting compliance with upcoming Euro 7 requirements. The changes also ensure compatibility with South African fuel quality standards.
The T8 plug-in hybrid system has undergone significant changes, with the petrol engine delivering less peak power and torque than before. The rear electric motor has been upgraded from approximately 108 kW to approximately 116 kW. The combined system output is 299 kW, with overall system torque similar to the previous model year. The balance of the system has shifted towards electric power, bringing stronger low-speed acceleration and improved electric-only performance.
The 18.8 kWh battery, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electrified all-wheel drive remain 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. This allows many owners to complete daily driving on electric power, with the petrol engine available for longer journeys.
Two new Core derivatives have been introduced as entry points to Volvo's plug-in hybrid offering in South Africa. The XC60 T8 PHEV Core is priced at R1 280 000, and the XC90 T8 PHEV Core is priced at R1 585 000. Pricing remains unchanged from the previous model year. Vusi Machie, Product and Pricing Manager at Volvo Car South Africa, stated that the Core derivatives give more customers access to a Volvo plug-in hybrid.
The new Core derivatives and updated T8 PHEV powertrain are now available at Volvo retailers nationwide. The changes to the T8 plug-in hybrid system are one of the most significant updates since the battery upgrade introduced in 2022. Volvo notes that the updated system provides smoother transitions between electric and petrol power.
The updated XC60 and XC90 models are part of Volvo's effort to enhance its plug-in hybrid offerings. The company aims to provide customers with more options for environmentally friendly vehicles. The MY27 XC60 and XC90 are available with the redeveloped T8 PHEV powertrain and new Core entry models.
The 2027 Volvo XC60 and XC90 with the revised T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain are now available in South Africa. The updated models offer improved performance, efficiency, and features. Customers can visit Volvo retailers nationwide to learn more about the new models and book a test drive.
Key points
- Volvo introduces revised T8 plug-in hybrid for 2027 XC60 and XC90.
- New Core derivatives offer lower entry point to Volvo's plug-in hybrid range.
- Pricing remains unchanged from previous model year.
