Verdict
The Ultra T8 asks RM434,888 against the Ultra B5’s RM418,888, so the RM16,000 gap is small in XC90 terms and buys real hardware: plug-in hybrid running, an 18.8 kWh battery and 77 km of EV range. It is also much quicker, cutting 0-100 km/h from 7.7 to 5.3 seconds while lifting output from 249 hp/350 Nm to 317 hp/400 Nm. Practicality is identical: seven seats, 451 litres, AWD, a 71-litre tank and the same 180 km/h top speed. If you can charge, pick the T8.
Ultra B5
Pick the Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 if you want the same seven-seat XC90 size, boot space, AWD and safety basics for RM16,000 less.
Ultra T8
Pick the Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 if you can charge at home or work and want 77 km of EV range plus far stronger acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 RM418,888; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 RM434,888
- Power: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 249 hp; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 317 hp
- Torque: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 350 Nm; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 7.7 seconds; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 5.3 seconds
- Battery: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 none; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 18.8 kWh
- EV range: Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 none; Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 77 km
Ultra B5
- RM16,000 cheaper to buy
- Same 7 seats and 451-litre boot
- Same AWD, 7 airbags and AEB
- Slower 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- No 77 km EV range
- Lower 249 hp and 350 Nm outputs
Ultra T8
- Quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Gets 18.8 kWh battery and 77 km EV range
- Same RM428 road tax as the B5
- Costs RM16,000 more
- No extra boot space or seating capacity
- To use the EV range properly, you need to charge it
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 418,888✓ | RM 434,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,969 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 249 hp | 317 hp✓ |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 14 hp | 145 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 40 Nm | 309 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 18.8 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 77 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.4 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Geartronic | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Geartronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Volvo | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,950 mm | 4,950 mm |
| Width | 1,958 mm | 1,958 mm |
| Height | 1,776 mm | 1,776 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,984 mm | 2,984 mm |
| Weight | 2,350 kg | 2,350 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 71 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 451 litres | 451 litres |
| Front Tyre | 275/45R20 | 275/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/45R20 | 275/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Electric for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection | Yes, with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Dynamic LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Dynamic LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | Second row 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated booster child seat for the outer seats, Third Row 50:50 | Second row 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated booster child seat for the outer seats, Third Row 50:50 |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades, Powered Sunroof Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades, Powered Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Knob Twist | Keyless Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Hybrid Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Hybrid Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 428 | RM 428 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Ultra B5 vs Ultra T8 FAQ
Is the Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 or Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 better?
The Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 is better if you can charge it: it is much quicker and gets 77 km of EV range. The Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 makes sense if you want the same seven-seat body for less money.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 costs RM16,000 more than the Volvo XC90 Ultra B5, at RM434,888 versus RM418,888.
Do both Volvo XC90 variants have the same practicality?
Yes. Both are seven-seat SUVs with the same 4,950 mm length, 2,984 mm wheelbase, 451-litre boot, 71-litre fuel tank and all-wheel drive.