Volvo has released full details about its range-topping XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid seven-seater SUV that delivers a combined output of 400 hp and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque.
Remarkably, CO2 emissions are rated at just 59 g/km and fuel consumption is 2.5 l/100 – fuel economy according to the U.S. driving cycle is 59 MPGe. Volvo likes to say that the XC90 T8 “is a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one,” and the numbers seem to support that.
The XC90 T8 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and has five different driving modes. Hybrid is the default mode, with the vehicle automatically alternating between drawing power from the 2-liter, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption.
In Pure electric mode, the XC90 uses the high-voltage battery as its sole energy source. The vehicle has a driving range of 40 km (25 miles) using electricity. In Power mode, drivers get the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the SUV uses the electric motor’s superior response and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up to speed.
AWD mode offers constant all-wheel drive on demand, while Save mode allows the driver to “freeze” the battery level and save it for later use.
The heart of the Volvo XC90 T8’s hybrid powertrain is the specially modified version of the 4-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine featuring a supercharger and a turbocharger for a total power output of 318hp and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. The unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The hybrid system also includes the CISG (crankshaft-mounted starter generator), located between the engine and the gearbox, which performs three important functions: it is a powerful, 34kW (46hp) starter motor, an electric generator and an electric engine booster, providing up to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of extra torque when needed.
There’s also an electric motor delivering 60 kW (80 hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque which sits on the rear axle and drives the back wheels in electric and power-boost modes. Finally, the system includes a high-voltage (270–400V) battery delivering 65 kW of power.
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