After introducing mild-hybrid petrol versions of the XC60 and the S90 last month, Volvo Cars India has now done the same for its flagship offering. The XC90 has ditched the diesel-fed powertrain in favour of a more emissions-friendly MHEV avatar. In Volvo’s world, the variant is known as B6 Inscription. In simple words, that denotes a petrol-powered engine mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Price? The ex-showroom figure is Rs 89.90 lakh. That means it costs Rs 1 lakh more than the now-axed D5 Inscription variant.

So, what is the new powertrain? Well, the oomph (most of it) comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that pumps out 295bhp and 420Nm of torque. Coupled to it are an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. As for the mild-hybrid system, it aids the internal combustion engine with an additional 13bhp/40Nm. That extra bit of help, albeit minute, takes the fuel-economy figure in the upward direction. Volvo says that with that powertrain, the XC90 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 180kmph.

No points for guessing – the list of features is long. You get stuff like four-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and powered front seats with massage and ventilation functionalities. Other features such as a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, wireless phone charging, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, full LED headlamps and a head-up display are also on offer.

Being a Volvo, the XC90 comes packed with several safety features and driver support systems. The list includes a knee airbag for the driver, ISOFIX anchorages, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, a 360-degree camera, Lane Keeping Aid and Cross Traffic Alert.

In India, the Volvo XC90 competes with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Land Rover Discovery. Out of the lot, which one is your favourite?