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Volvo S90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid- Brilliant, baffling or a bit of both?

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Volvo S90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid Review: Brilliant, Baffling, or a Bit of Both?

The Volvo S90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid offers a combination of luxurious Scandinavian design, impressive hybrid efficiency, and advanced safety features. It's part of Volvo's push toward electrification, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of the S90 T8.
1. Overview


The Volvo S90 T8 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of Volvo’s flagship luxury sedan. It pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engine with an electric motor, making it a compelling choice for those who want luxury, performance, and eco-friendly driving. The S90 T8 is part of Volvo’s “Recharge” lineup, which focuses on electrified vehicles.
2. Engine & Powertrain

Hybrid Powertrain:
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, paired with an electric motor.
Combined output: 455 horsepower and 709 Nm (523 lb-ft) of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard.
Electric Motor: Mounted on the rear axle, delivering electric-only propulsion.


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3. Electric Range & Battery

Battery Capacity:
18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Electric-Only Range:
Up to 53-63 km (33-39 miles) on a full charge, depending on driving conditions.
Cold Weather Range: Cold temperatures can reduce the range to around 35-45 km (22-28 miles) due to battery performance degradation.
Hot Weather Range: Minimal range impact, though heavy use of air conditioning can slightly reduce efficiency.
Charging Time:
Level 2 Charger (240V): Takes approximately 4-5 hours to fully charge.
Standard 120V Outlet: Can take 7-8 hours for a full charge.

4. Performance

Top Speed:

250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited).
Acceleration (0-100 km/h):
4.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest luxury sedans in its segment.
Driving Modes: Multiple driving modes are available, including Hybrid, Pure (electric-only), Power (performance mode), and AWD for different driving conditions.

5. Fuel Efficiency

Combined Fuel Economy:
Hybrid mode:
1.8-2.1 l/100 km (112-130 mpg) when the electric motor is fully utilized.
Gasoline-only mode: Around 7-8 l/100 km (29-33 mpg) when the battery is depleted.

6. Dimensions

Length:
4,963 mm (195.4 inches).
Width: 1,879 mm (74 inches).
Height: 1,443 mm (56.8 inches).
Wheelbase: 2,941 mm (115.8 inches), offering ample interior space for passengers.
Curb Weight: Approximately 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs), making it a relatively heavy sedan due to the hybrid battery system.

7. Trunk Space

Trunk Capacity:

391 liters (13.8 cubic feet), which is slightly smaller than non-hybrid variants due to the placement of the battery.
The rear seats do fold down to expand cargo space if needed, though the sloping roofline slightly limits total cargo volume.

8. Seating and Interior

Seating Capacity:
5 passengers.
Seat Materials: Premium Nappa leather comes standard, with options for wool-blend upholstery for a more sustainable choice.
Front Seats: Heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable with memory settings. Massage function available as an option.
Rear Seats: Heated with generous legroom, thanks to the long wheelbase.
Interior Quality: Volvo’s cabin is characterized by minimalist Scandinavian design, with premium materials like wood, leather, and metal accents. The fit and finish are top-notch.

9. Warranty

Volvo Warranty:

4 years/50,000 miles (80,000 km) bumper-to-bumper.
Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles (160,000 km), covering the electric powertrain components.

10. Pricing

Base Price (as of 2024):

The Volvo S90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid starts around $71,000 USD.
Depending on additional features, options, and packages, the price can exceed $80,000 USD for a fully loaded version.
Tax Incentives: Buyers in certain regions may qualify for tax rebates and incentives, which can reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.
11. Manufacturing

Made in:
The Volvo S90 T8 is primarily produced in Volvo’s plant in Daqing, China, though some models are also assembled in Torslanda, Sweden.

12. Tire Sizes

Standard Tire Size:

245/45 R18 (front and rear).
Optional Tire Sizes: Available with larger 19-inch or 20-inch wheels for enhanced performance and aesthetics.

13. Technology & Features

Infotainment System:
Volvo’s Android Automotive OS powers the infotainment system, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface.
Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that displays essential driving information.
Pilot Assist: Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Bowers & Wilkins Audio: Optional premium sound system for audiophiles.
Advanced Safety Features: Volvo is known for safety, and the S90 T8 comes with a comprehensive suite of features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras.

14. Cold & Hot Weather Performance

Cold Weather:
The battery pre-conditioning feature helps mitigate range loss in colder climates. Heated seats and steering wheel, along with an optional heated windshield, ensure comfort during the winter.
Hot Weather: The air conditioning system is efficient, though extended use can slightly reduce the electric range. Battery cooling systems prevent overheating.

Conclusion: Brilliant, Baffling, or Both?

The Volvo S90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid is certainly brilliant in many respects, offering impressive performance, luxurious comfort, and advanced technology, all while reducing emissions. The electric range is practical for daily commutes, and the gasoline engine ensures long-distance driving is hassle-free. However, some might find the high price and smaller trunk space limiting, and the heavy curb weight can affect handling dynamics.

Overall, for eco-conscious luxury buyers who want Scandinavian elegance and top-tier safety, the S90 T8 is a brilliant choice. However, it might be baffling for those who prioritize sporty handling or need maximum cargo space.
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