Volvo’s elegant all-new XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid model is flying under the radar a little bit. We’re hoping that’s going to change once people start driving them.
And after all, why not? We’re talking about a plug-in hybrid 7 seater capable of putting down 400 HP and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. It’s no small potato.
What it also is, is faster and more economical than BMW‘s new X5 xDrive40e, which isn’t a knock on BMW, but more a testament to how far Volvo have come in the past couple of years.
The XC90 T8 is also more efficient than the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, while still trailing behind the Audi Q7 e-tron in terms of average fuel consumption, but that’s because the Audi is using diesel power. Here’s a thought: maybe they all should have.
The spot is pretty basic, and it points out the fact that the XC90 T8 has a dual personality of sorts (much like its rivals as well). On one hand you can go the “Zero Emissions” route while on the other hand you could unleash its 400 HP (318 HP + 82 HP) so that you’d never have to feel like you compromised in any way by buying a PHEV SUV.
We look forward to watching how this battle unfolds between Volvo, Audi, BMW, Porsche and pretty soon Mercedes-Benz as well with a plug-in hybrid version of the upcoming GLE.