Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

To sit atop the XC90 large SUV range, Volvo Car Australia will release a new high-spec T8 Excellence four-seater that favours second-row passenger luxury.

The Swedish high-rider will check in at $174,200 plus on-road costs, which is $49,300 more than the previous range-topping T8 R-Design, making it the most expensive Volvo model yet be sold in Australia.

According to Volvo Car Australia director of corporate and PR Greg Bosnich, the addition of the new top-spec XC90 variant is more about promoting the pinnacle of its product portfolio, rather than to gain extra sales volume.

The T8 Excellence is based on the Inscription grade XC90, and adds an array of features aimed towards chauffeur-driven rear-seat passengers including two electrically adjustable individual rear seats.

Those seats are upholstered in high-quality perforated nappa leather and are equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions.

The second row features a number of additions including unique headrests, increased legroom, and heated and cooled cupholders.

Furthermore, the second row features unique headrests, increased legroom, foot rests, extra noise insulation, folding tray tables, heated and cooled cupholders and the ability to adjust the front passenger seat from the rear.

Separating the two rear seats is a tunnel console that houses two handcrafted Orrefors crystal drinking glasses and an accompanying refrigerator.

Technology-wise, the rear passengers can access the car's climate control and entertainment features via  a touchscreen on the centre console, and also gain two USB connections, a 12-volt port and a 230/110-volt power outlet.

Other distinguishing features to the T8 Excellence include leather sun visors and grab handles, an ionic air cleaner, and an extra mid-range speaker.

Externally, the range-topping XC90 gains chrome B- and C-pillars, unique logos and 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-noise tyres.

Mechanically, the car remains the same as its T8 Inscription donor, sporting a plug-in hybrid system that uses a turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor and a 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery for a total output of 294kW/640Nm.

Would you take the Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence over a Range Rover Sport or a Porsche Cayenne? Tell us your reasoning in the comment section below.