Volvo may build a cheaper XC90 T8 hybrid with seven seats

The Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid has been launched in the top-spec Excellence trim for Rs 1.25 crore. Seating only four, the 400-odd bhp 650Nm yacht should be a greener alternative to the Mercedes S-Class and its likes. But in India, when you opt for an SUV, apart from the macho image you also want to have that option of seating more people.

When contacted, Volvo said if they come across more customers looking for a seven-seater option for the T8, Volvo might go ahead and build it. It largely depends upon the kind of response the T8 hyrbid gets and Volvo would certainly like to make the hybrid technology more accessible to buyers.

With the deliveries of the T8 Hybrid starting in December, the earliest we can expect Volvo to come up with the seven-seat T8 should be early 2017. The new trim might be called Inscription and is already available with the diesel XC90. Also, the price tag will certainly go lower and can be expected to be around Rs 1 crore for the Inscription trim of the T8 hybrid. The price tag also depends upon how much of the new radar-based technology trickles into the lower-spec T8.