The details have emerged of the XC90 T8, which is the first Volvo designed from the ground up for plug-in/electrification compatibility, but it delivers all the performance of a luxury SUV, and with emission levels that even small hybrid cars will struggle to match. The car is powered by a super efficient 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Drive-E petrol supercharged and turbocharged engine with a total output of 318bhp and 400Nm of torque, powering the front axle. It is also supported by an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that produces 80bhp and 240Nm of torque – which adds up to a total output of 400bhp and 640Nm. The 8-speed automatic gearbox has also been specially adapted for the hybrid and uses a shift-by-wire technology that allows drivers to control the transmission electrically.
While other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, Volvo has managed to overcome this challenge by placing the battery centrally in the tunnel of the car. There are several advantages to this position. For example, the battery does not impact the amount of available space inside the car. This means that there is room for three rows of seats – plenty of space for people and luggage. These new technologies along with different driving modes in the all-new XC90 T8 will make it one of the most powerful and cleanest SUVs in the world.
