Volvo lifts lid on XC90 Plug-in Hybrid

Built on the new modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the T8 features the 314bhp 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine with supercharger and a turbocharger plus an 81bhp electric motor and a specially adapted 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is 395bhp combined with 59g/km and a zero to 62mph time of 5.9s according to preliminary data. 

Five different driving modes are offered, including hybrid – which is the default model for everyday use. There’s also a pure electric mode, which a range up to 25 miles, and a power mode that better torque at lower revs, equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8. Finally there’s an AWD option with constant all-wheel drive on demand and a “Save” mode where the driver can choose to “freeze” the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric drive.

The battery is sited centrally in the tunnel of the car so that it doesn’t impact available space and also bringing about a low and central centre of gravity to improve handling.

Drivers can pre-condition the XC90 T8’s drivetrain, battery and cabin, either directly from within the car or by using the Volvo On Call mobile app.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.

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