Volvo Cars PH relaunches with updated XC60 and XC90 PHEV

Volvo Cars Philippines is in the process of reinventing itself as its new distributor, Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), is undergoing its new Volvo: Being Alive movement. Its first move is to launch updates to two of its beloved XC crossovers, the XC60 and XC90, now bringing them in as plug-in hybrids.

The XC60 T8 Ultra plug-in hybrid is priced at Php 4,550,000, while the XC90 T8 Ultra plug-in hybrid goes for Php 5,450,000.

Both cars share the same powertrain, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to an electric motor. The XC90 produces a maximum of 462 horsepower, while the XC60 achieves slightly less, with a combined output of 455 horsepower. Both models have the same torque output of 709Nm.

A centrally mounted 18.8kWh (14.7kWh useable) battery allows the XC90 to drive up to 77km on pure electric power, and the XC60 brings that up to 80km. Both come with electric all-wheel drive and have an air suspension system with active dampers for maximum comfort.

The refreshed design of the two cars shares their similarities, both sporting a new asymmetrical front grille, variants of the Thor’s Hammer LED DRL design, two-tone, diamond finish 21-inch wheels for the XC90 and 20-inch wheels on the XC60, and smoked rear taillights.

Both cars also have the same general interior layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.2-inch portrait infotainment screen, with the centerpiece being an Orrefors Crystal shifter. Both interiors feature recycled fabrics, wood, and aluminum trimmings, along with quilted Nappa leather upholstery for the seats, and a panoramic sunroof to brighten up the cabin.

The only differences between the two, aside from the interior color scheme and lack of third row on the XC60, are that the XC90 has a quad-zone climate control and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, while the XC60 has a Harman/Kardon sound system.

Of course, being a Volvo, it has the full suite of advanced driver assistance systems that also includes features like intersection autobrake, pedestrian, cyclist, and scooter steering avoidance, and Pilot Assist.

These Volvos come with three-year, unlimited mileage warranties, with an eight-year/150,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery.

With the introduction of these plug-in hybrid variants of beloved Volvo nameplates, are these enough for HARI to rejuvenate Volvo Cars Philippines, or should they bring in more fully electric models such as the EX90, ES90, and EM90, or reintroduce the V-series wagons and S-series sedans?

^{Photos by Sam Surla}