XC90 V8 for under $85K

THE first V8-powered Volvo to be sold in Australia – the seven-seat XC90 V8 – will be priced from $84,950 when it goes on sale in November.

Replacing the 200kW/380Nm 2.9-litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 model, the transversely mounted 4.4-litre produces 232kW and 440Nm, and combined with a new six-speed automatic transmission can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds and return 13.5L/100km on the official combined scale.It also meets the ULEV2 ultra-low emissions standard.

Equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, a high-grade stereo, electric (and heated) front seats and the full gamut of Volvo’s extensive active and passive safety systems.

The V8 variants will be part of a facelifted XC90 range from Volvo that will also incude the first turbo-diesel variant.