Page 9 - Motoring Autumn 2022

VOLVO SA LAUNCH

VOLVO ELECTRIC olvo in Sweden recently went on
record stating that 50% of their cars
Vwould be electric by 2025 and that,
by 2030, their entire range would be run by
various forms of battery electric power.
Following suit, the SA company recently
revealed the 2022 range to the media.
Mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric
models now make up the entire range
available in SA.
Let’s start with the mild hybrid power
available in both XC60 and XC90 models.
The range starts with the B5, which means
183kW and 350Nm and a front-wheel drive
model as the entry level on XC60.
Next up is the B6 with 220kW and
420Nm. Both B5 and B6 are petrol-powered
with 48V electric assistance for acceleration,
fuel economy and improved emissions.
The XC90 was previously available as the
T8 plug-in hybrid. This powertrain is now also
added to the XC60 range, with both in an
upgraded, more powerful form. The petrol
engine delivers 233kW, plus 107kW from
the electric motor, giving you 340kW and
640Nm in total. How about 0 - 100km/h in
4.8 seconds in the XC60 and 5.3 seconds in
the XC90?
The battery pack has also been increased
and upgraded, with the cars capable of
covering 60 - 70km in electric only mode.
This is more than sufficient for most
commuting situations.
The icing on the cake is provided by
the all new XC40 P8 fully electric. With a
150kW electric motor on each axle for total
power of 300kW and 660Nm, this is a real
sports SUV delivering 0 – 100km/h in 4.3
seconds. The vehicle’s claimed range is just
over 400km on a single charge but this is
obviously dependent on road conditions and
driving style.
The P8 comes with a comprehensive
package that includes items like 3 years’
insurance plus the use of a petrol-powered
XC40 for 2 weeks per year for the first
3 years. Obviously, this is for long- distance
holiday travelling.
All the vehicles still have the renowned
Volvo safety packages plus all the luxury
specs that any owner could wish for. n

Click here to watch our full video
review: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=i8WwtpITf5Q

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