2025 Volvo XC90 facelift launched in Malaysia – B5 MHEV at RM418,888, T8 PHEV RM434,888; Ultra spec

Alongside the EX90, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) also launched the facelifted XC90 today. Still retaining the original SPA platform, the three-row SUV received a substantial update last September and is now available in two Ultra variants (renamed from Ultimate previously).

In terms of styling changes, the XC90 maintains its familiar profile but the front end has been overhauled with inspiration from the EX90. For starters, the Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps have a more pronounced T shape and now terminate at the wider grille, which now has a pattern of overlapping diagonal lines that remind us of the latest BMW 1 Series and X3.

Elsewhere, the bumper has a wider central air intake and the corner inlets have been reshaped and oriented vertically. You’ll have to look inside for further changes, as the rest of the exterior remains pretty much the same, including the vertical taillights.

Stepping into the facelifted XC90, you’ll find a familiar layout of screens and controls, but the dashboard has actually been redesigned to now feature a bottom chrome frame, reshaped corner air vents and larger central air vents that flank the larger touchscreen (previously nine inches). More minor revisions are a smaller third cupholder in the wide centre console, upgraded ambient lighting and the repositioning of the wireless charger to the front.

For those who want the XC90 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, there’s the Ultra T8 that retails for RM434,888 on-the-road without insurance. This comes with a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 317 PS (313 hp or 233 kW at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 3,000 to 5,400 rpm, with drive going to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Accompanying the internal combustion engine is a rear electric motor rated at 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) and 309 Nm. This contributes to a total system output of 462 PS (456 hp or 340 kW) and 709 Nm, which are the exact figures for the pre-facelift model we have here. With this setup, the 0-100 km/h time is 5.3 seconds while the top speed is limited to 180 km/h.

No change to the battery either, with the energy capacity still at 18.8 kWh to provide an electric-only driving range of 77 km following the ECE R101 standard. A full charge with a 3.7-kW AC charger (Type 2) takes five hours, with the time dropping to three hours with a 6.4-kW charger.

If the PHEV lifestyle is not for you, there’s also the Ultra B5 for less at RM418,888. It too has a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine but with a 48-volt mild hybrid that features an integrated starter generator (ISG) between the engine and transmission.

The engine on its own makes 249 PS (246 hp or 183 kW) from 5,400 to 5,700 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,800 to 4,800 rpm. Meanwhile, the ISG is rated at 14 PS (14 hp or 10 kW) and 40 Nm for a total system output of 263 PS (259 hp or 193 kW) and 390 Nm. Unlike the PHEV variant, there is a mechanical all-wheel drive system instead of an electric one, with the transmission also being an eight-speed automatic.

The mild hybrid variant takes longer to complete the century sprint at 7.7 seconds and will return a combined fuel consumption of 8.1 litres per 100 km. The PHEV’s rated fuel consumption is superior at 1.8 litres per 100 km, while also emitting less CO2 at 40 g/km compared to the mild hybrid’s 185 g/km. Both variants come with a 71-litre fuel tank.

Apart from the powertrain, the two new XC90 variants are identical when it comes to equipment. Both come with 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in a black diamond-cut finish, active chassis air suspension, a head-up display, a 11.2-inch central infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The infotainment, like many recent Volvo models, come with Google built-in for access to things like the Google Assistant, Maps and Play Store. The price you’ll be paying includes access to these digital services for five years, after which a subscription fee is applicable.

Other features include powered front seats with memory and ventilation functions, a hands-free powered tailgate, four-zone climate control with PM2.5 sensor, a powered panoramic sunroof, a tyre pressure monitor and a 2-2-3 seating layout to accommodate up to seven passengers.

This being a Volvo, the safety kit remains comprehensive and includes front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags. These are joined by an integrated booster cushion, ISOFIX mounts, collision avoidance and mitigation, steering avoidance (with pedestrian, cyclist and scooter detection), rear collision warning and avoidance, lane keeping assist, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert with auto brake, oncoming lane mitigation, Pilot Assist and a 360-degree camera.

Four exterior colours are available for the facelifted XC90, including Onyx Black, Denim Blue, Crystal White and Vapour Grey. All are paired with a Charcoal interior with Grey Ash decor and Nappa leather seat upholstery. A five-year, unlimited-mileage new car warranty is included with each purchase, along with an eight-year, 160,000-km warranty on the PHEV battery. In case you’re wondering, the Ultra B5 is the same price as B5 Ultimate before it, while the Ultra T8 is RM2,000 up from the T8 Ultimate based on the 2024 model year update.

GALLERY: 2025 Volvo XC90 facelift brochure

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