We’re here at Volvo Federal Auto, Glenmarie to bring you a live gallery of the Swedish marque’s latest addition for Malaysia: the 2022 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription Plus, priced from RM 386,842.12, inclusive sales tax exemption and valid until 30-June 2022.

It's arrival here means it now sits below the range-topping XC90 Recharge T8 AWD Inscription Plus (RM 393,846) in the local line-up. But gone are the days where the 'B' might as well stand for Budget, as this variant boasts a solid specsheet of its own.

Feature lists between this and the T8 are pretty similar as you'll see below, with one key difference: powertrain. This new-model is a mild-hybrid, while the latter is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.

Speaking of which, under the expansive hood (it's quite a reach once it's opened) of this a rather familiar powertrain: there’s a Drive-E 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and mated to that is an electric motor acts as the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

What that does is it allows for kinetic energy to be recuperated during braking (good for fuel economy), and promotes significantly smoother start/stop of the engine. 

Also read: 2022 Volvo XC60 facelift launched in Malaysia; from RM 292k, mild hybrid, Android Automotive OS

Total system output is 249 PS from 5,400 to 5,700 rpm, and a peak torque figure of 350 Nm from 1,800 to 4,800 rpm. With drive sent to all four wheels (AWD) via an 8-speed automatic 'Geartronic' gearbox, its powertrain is identical to the facelifted Volvo XC60.

Also read: We need to talk about Volvo, but not about its safety

Much of its kit also mimics the pricier T8 variant, which means the XC90 B5 gains an active chassis with air suspension, Inscription exterior styling package, 20-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The interior is also largely similar to the T8, with the only minor change being the choice of illuminated tread plates (the T8 gets ‘Inscription’, the B5, ‘Volvo’).

Which means the Nappa Leather-decked cabin of the XC90 is a throughly nice place to be in, especially with all the modern trappings a proper SUV ought to come with: powered front seats up front, four-zone climate control for all seven passengers, and a 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Also read: BMW X5 PHEV vs Volvo XC90 T8 - Which is the better buy?

Being characteristically Volvo means it doesn’t miss out on active safety functions too, with City Safety (autonomous emergency braking with steering support), Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), blind spot monitoring (BSM) with cross traffic alert and auto braking, Pilot Assist, and adaptive cruise control being standard fitment.

Also read: Volvo’s 180 km/h limit is so stupid, it’s actually brilliant, but remember Turbo Rolf?

Volvo Car Malaysia backs the XC90 with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, and the car is now available at all authorised Volvo dealers in Peninsular Malaysia. If you’re reading this in East Malaysia, there’s a short wait: the SUV will be available there beginning 5-March onwards.

Also read: Volvo V60 Recharge T8 launched in Malaysia; RM 4k more than S60 but way more practical

Special thanks to Volvo 4S Centre, Federal Auto Cars, Glenmarie, for the photo opportunity.