While many automakers have dabbled in hybrid technology, Volvo's first entry into the hybrid marketplace is a doozy. Based on the new XC90, it brings plug-in hybrid technology to what is an already highly accomplished luxury SUV.
While Benz, BMW, and Porsche offer their mid-size SUVs with plug-in hybrid technology, Volvo's offering one-ups them all in the practicality stakes thanks to its standard third row of seating, gorgeous interior, comfortable ride, and sophisticated in-car tech. Impressively, the XC90 T8 is still capable of towing 5,000 lbs.
What makes the XC90 unique even amongst its rivals is its powertrain. The gasoline component of the T8's plug-in hybrid system is the same supercharged and turbocharged direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder as in the XC90 T6. Alone, that engine produces 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The electric component of the system comes courtesy of two motors that produce 46 hp and 87 hp, respectively. With all systems up and running, the XC90 T8 produces a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, making it the most powerful Volvo ever produced. The XC90 T8 also features a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission, which is controlled by a backlit crystal shift knob.
Regarding its batteries, the XC90 has a modest 9.2 kWh lithium-ion pack; we say modest, as it's smaller than the unit found in the Hyundai Sonata PHEV but slightly larger than what's used by the competition. Surprisingly, the XC90 T8 has the least all-electric range of its rivals, with an NRCan range of 21 km. Charging takes about four hours on a 240-volt outlet. Officially, the XC90 T8 is rated at 4.6 Le/100 km as plug-in hybrid; when functioning as a conventional hybrid it consumes 10.1 L/100 km city and 8.8 L/100 km highway.
When the XC90 T8 operates as an all-electric, it's propelled exclusively by its rear electric motors making it the first rear-drive Volvo since the old S90/V90 models were phased out in the '90s. The crossover can travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h on electricity before the gas engine kicks in. When additional power is needed or when the battery pack is drained, the system will automatically juggle between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Drivers can choose between one of seven different drive modes, which alters the car's disposition from efficient to sporty.
Positioned as Volvo's flagship, the T8 Hybrid comes standard with Volvo's R-Design leather-clad sports seats, R-design steering wheel, and 20-inch wheels. Desirable features including low and high-speed emergency autonomous braking, a leather-wrapped key fob, lane-departure warning, an 8-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster display, four-zone climate control, navigation, Apple CarPlay integration, reverse camera, and aluminum interior trim come standard. Available features included ventilated seats, 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, four-corner air suspension, and a 1,400-watt 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD is by far and away the most expensive Volvo presently on sale with a starting MSRP of $74,150. The Inscription trim adds a further $1,600 to the MSRP before options.
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