2021 Volvo S90 facelift launched in Malaysia – two variants; Recharge T8 Inscription Plus from RM339k

2021 Volvo S90 facelift launched in Malaysia – two variants; Recharge T8 Inscription Plus from RM339k

After some teasing, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has officially launched the new S90 facelift, which continues to be locally assembled (CKD) in Shah Alam. The refreshed executive sedan is being offered in two variants, including the base T5 Momentum and the plug-in hybrid Recharge T8 Inscription Plus.

For now, VCM can only confirm pricing for the latter, which goes for RM339,315 on-the-road without insurance, which is nearly RM30k less than before. The amount factors in the ongoing sales tax exemption (100% in this case) and includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty as well as an eight-year, 160,000 km warranty on the PHEV battery.

The facelift brings about some subtle changes to the exterior, where you’ll find a redesigned front bumper that now features reshaped air intakes and a full-width chrome strip. As for the rear, it receives 3D-effect, full-LED taillights with C-shaped graphics and sequential turn signals, while the exhaust tips have now been hidden away behind a lower apron that also gets a wide chrome piece.

The chrome bits, including those on the sides and the front grille with thick vertical slats are all part of the Inscription design package, while the Momentum gets black-painted items and thinner slats. The range-topping variant gets 19-inch 10-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, while the Momentum is fitted with five-double-spoke matte graphite alloys of the same size.

2021 Volvo S90 facelift launched in Malaysia – two variants; Recharge T8 Inscription Plus from RM339k

Not a lot has changed inside, with the S90 retaining the same dashboard layout as the pre-facelift model. Standard equipment on both variants includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a nine-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The kit list also contains a three-spoke leather steering wheel with Unideco inlay, a black headliner, leather upholstery, powered front comfort seats with driver’s side memory function, rear sunshades, keyless entry and start, two-zone climate control with B-pillar rear vents and Clean Zone, and two new USB-C ports for rear passengers.

Specific to the Momentum are LED Illumination headlamps with Active High Beam, checkered aluminum dash décor inlay, a mid-level interior ambient lighting system and a 10-speaker, 330-watt audio system.

The Inscription Plus takes things a step further by adding on a head-up display, a reshaped Orrefors crystal gear knob, diamond-cut knobs, pitched oak/grey ash décor inlay, Nappa leather upholstery. illuminated Recharge tread plates, high-level interior illumination, memory function and additional adjustments for the front seats, Active Bending Lights function for the headlamps, a 360-degree camera, and a 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

2021 Volvo S90 facelift launched in Malaysia – two variants; Recharge T8 Inscription Plus from RM339k

In terms of safety equipment, both come with the City Safety suite that includes collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support for pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, steering support, along with front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, Driver Alert Control, run-off road mitigation with road edge detection, oncoming lane mitigation, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake.

Further systems are for driver assistance and include adaptive cruise control, the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system and Park Assist, with the last item on the Inscription Plus also covering parallel and perpendicular parking.

Under the bonnet, the T5 soldiers on with its 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine that makes 254 PS (251 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. With an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, it takes 6.8 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h, with a fuel consumption rating of 7 l/100 km.

Meanwhile, the T8, which adopts the Recharge naming scheme, gets a turbocharged and supercharged version of said Drive-E mill with 320 PS (315 hp) and 400 Nm, also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is augmented by a rear electric motor rated at 87 PS (86 hp) and 240 Nm, which provides electric all-wheel drive and contributes to a total system output of 407 PS (401 hp) at 5,700 rpm and 640 Nm from 1,200 to 5,400 rpm.

Click to enlarge

The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery that has a larger energy capacity of 11.6 kWh compared to 10.4 kWh on the pre-facelift model. When plugged into a charger via a Type 2 connector that outputs 3.7 kW – the maximum the T8 can take – it’ll take three hours for a full charge, allowing for up to 58 km of all-electric driving range.

With more power, the T8 variant also takes 4.9 seconds to complete the century sprint, while the fuel consumption is lower at 2.1 l/100 km. In line with Volvo’s safety push, both variants are limited to a top speed of 180 km/h. The T5 comes with the Dynamic Chassis, while the T8 gets an Active Chassis (four-corner adaptive dampers) with rear air suspension.

Buyers will have five colours to choose from, including four metallic finishes – Onyx Black, Bright Silver, Platinum Grey and Thunder Grey, plus a sole Crystal White pearl hue. Find full specifications of the facelifted S90 at CarBase.my.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • carfan on Apr 22, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    With coming EV policy will these vehicles be cheaper. The interim supposed to cover plug in hybrid with zero or lower duties.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • minnie on Apr 22, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    I will always be impressed with how Volvos are so incredibly well equipped here in Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 2
  • Not Mechanically Inclined on Apr 22, 2021 at 8:01 pm

    That exterior aged like fine wine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 12
  • Silverado on Apr 23, 2021 at 11:55 pm

    Rear aircon vents and controls are gone

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Which is a good buy either s90 or e200 or es250…any good suggestions

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Which is a good buy either s90 or e200 or es250…any good suggestions

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Besides mentioning all the technical data of a car, I hope dimensions of a car can be mentioned in the article too. Appreciate that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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