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Volvo’s XC90 SUV range steps up a gear this month with the arrival of the range-topping plug-in hybrid model.
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine is expected to prove attractive to business users due to its tax-friendly emissions figures, though only the entry-level Momentum version will qualify for the government’s plug-in car grant, as the other models are priced above the new £60,000 threshold. The T8 Momentum will be eligible for £2,500 off its £59,850 price under the revised plug-in grant rules that come into force in March.
The second-generation XC90 arrived in the UK in July 2015 with its SPA (Scaleable Product Architecture) platform and Drive-E engine specifically designed from the start to accept a plug-in powertrain. In the T8 the petrol engine drives the front wheels, an electric motor the rear wheels, allowing the car to be variously front, all or rear-wheel-drive depending on which of the powertrain modes are selected.
A 16-cell 400-volt lithium-ion battery is housed in the central transmission tunnel where the propshaft would normally be located, and charging is achieved through a standard socket, a typical domestic 10A setup taking 3.5 hours.
There are seven drive modes in all, including the ability to travel up to 27 miles in zero-emission all-electric form. The default hybrid setting is accompanied by one that majors on performance, including a 5.6-second 0-62mph time, while there are also AWD, off-road, a battery saving mode and the ability for the driver to personalize their own settings.
The combined power output is 407hp, alongside 640NM of torque, while the car quotes an official combined cycle fuel economy figure of 134.5mpg and emissions of 49g/km.
While the stated fuel economy is unlikely to be achieved in real-world motoring, it does result in benefit-in-kind tax ratings of just 5%, a 100% write-down allowance for employers in the first year, and other fleet driver advantages such as zero road tax and congestion charge and low national insurance contributions.
Alongside the Momentum Volvo is also offering the XC90 T8 in R-Design and range-topping Inscription models, costing from £62,750 and £63,600 respectively. Standard equipment, too, is enhanced on UK versions of the car compared to European equivalents, highlights including navigation, LED bending headlamps, DAB radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and leather upholstery.
Volvo dealers, meanwhile will become very familiar with the plug-in hybrid drivetrain in future – the technology is a central part of the rollout of new models on the SPA platform and with Drive-E engines, and according to Volvo Cars product engineer Lars Lagstrom, plug-in versions will be added to every model line where the market deems them viable.
