2017 Volvo XC90 Hybrid

The XC90 T8 Twin-Engine is the hybrid version of Volvo's XC90 full-size SUV. It takes the newest XC90 platform, along with the active and passive safety features Volvo is known for, some of the best seats in the business, and smooth, clean design for the exterior and interior, then it adds a hybrid powertrain. The Twin-Engine designation is actually a bit misleading. This SUV has one engine, and two motors. The engine is Volvo's 2.0L four cylinder, with a turbocharger and a supercharger to produce 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The first electric motor is mounted in the back and handles the rear-equation of the all-wheel drive system. It produces 87 hp and 177 lb-ft. There is another motor mounted inline with the eight-speed automatic in the front that produces 46 hp and 111 lb-ft. For all of that power, Volvo claims a maximum of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. That makes for the XC90 that's both the most fuel efficient (the T8 is rated at 10.1 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway) and the quickest.

The T8 gets an electric mode that uses the rear engine only, and the 9.2 kWh battery pack, for a range of 21 km on electric power only. The extra weight of all of the hybrid equipment doesn't hurt the acceleration, but it does make the T8 slightly more ponderous to drive.

We called the XC90 the autoTRADER.ca top luxury SUV for 2017, and the T8's fuel efficient drivetrain didn't hurt that decision at all. If you want to bump that luxury even higher, the XC90 T8 is now available in Excellence trim, which is Volvo's answer to the Range Rover. The new super-luxury flagship takes the XC90 and makes it worthy of a BMW 7 series sedan or Mercedes S-class. But it has the advantages of being an SUV with more interior room and a more commanding presence.

The XC90 T8 has navigation, a panoramic sunroof, front seats that are leather, power adjusting, heated and ventilated, a power tailgate, 9.3-inch touchscreen , LED headlights, a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster, leather dash and door panels, and R-design interior trim and 20-inch wheels. The Inscription model adds softer leather, Inscription trim, and wood trim for the dash. All XC90 models have Volvo City Safety pedestrian detection and collision avoidance.

Option packages on T8 include a Vision package with power retracting mirrors, blind sport monitoring, park assist, front camera, and cross traffic alert. There is a convenience package that includes radar cruise control, lane guidance, part assist with self-parking, and integrated garage door opener. The climate package includes heated steering wheel, heated front windshield, heated rear seats, and can also have a head-up display. Bowers & Wilkins sound is available, as is a highly recommended air-suspension.

The Excellence model removes the third row of seats, and turns the middle row into airline-style seating with a center console. There is leather on just about every interior surface. The rear seats gain massage function with special headrests, refrigerator, folding tables, and cup holders. The cup holders have heating and cooling functions. There is increased sound insulation, noise-cancelling tires, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The fridge is designed to hold two 750 mL bottles, and comes with specially designed Orrefors crystal glasses.