Did Volvo Cars just tickle buyers away from the latest facelift BMW X3 PHEV?
Just a few days ago, BMW Malaysia launched 3 variants of the facelift X3. The X3 used to be a good selling SUV for BMW Malaysia until the Volvo XC60 arrived to rattle its position in the segment.
BMW continued to sell their bigger SUV’s, the X5 and X7 in moderate numbers despite the continuing issues with its plug-in hybrid after sales (check the few owners Facebook pages to verify this for yourself) and high market depreciation after 4 to 5 years.
Now comes a new rival for this latest face-lifted BMW X3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV which is priced at RM356,800) just a few days after its unveiling. Here is the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus at a surprising selling price of just RM386,842 and it is a mild hybrid under the ‘B’ badge line. This new variant compliments the popular flagship Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus.
Yes, there is a RM30,000 price difference between the latest X3 and this latest XC90, but it is less than 9 percent. Buyers in this price segment will not flinch when the price difference between two vehicles is a small 9 percent.
With an integrated electrified powertrain, the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus combines an advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system with its existing internal combustion engines to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Equipped with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine driven by an 8-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic, the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus produces an output of 249hp and 350Nm of torque.
The Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus retains Volvo’s signature features of a 360° surround view camera, 20” wheels and a Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System. Further bolstered by safety features such as the Lane Keeping Aid, Cross Traffic Alert and City Safety with Autobrake, the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus underlines Volvo Car Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to developing the safest cars possible.
Priced from RM386,842.12 the Volvo XC90 B5 is larger than the X3 and has a 3rd row seat. Plus, the Volvo has better resale values as seen in the online used car websites.
Yes, the X3 PHEV has a little more power delivery, however it is power that will be hard to calculate or feel when behind the wheel. After all, both are SUV’s and for the family and so they are not urban race cars.
This Volvo comes in four different colours and are now available at all authorised Volvo dealers in Peninsular Malaysia.
