The Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid: Swedish Luxury with a Plugin
The Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid makes a strong case for Sweden’s expertise extending beyond meatballs and universal healthcare, incorporating luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs to the list. This midsize SUV stands out due to its elegantly sophisticated design, useful EV range, and quick acceleration. However, the premium price tag may make some potential buyers rethink their options.
What’s the XC90 T8?
The T8 shares its turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder gas engine with the standard, gas-only XC90 T6 model and adds electric power to the mix via a battery pack and two electric motors. The total system output is a robust 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, making the T8 the most powerful and quickest accelerating model in the XC90 lineup.
However, the additional weight of the hybrid components causes the T8 to feel more ponderous and ride a bit firmer than its gas-only siblings. Inside, the elegant cabin design and first-rate materials are immediately apparent. It’s also spacious, and its newly standard third row is one of the least claustrophobic of any mid-size SUV.
Highs and Lows
Highs:
- Elegant and sophisticated design
- Useful EV range
- Swift acceleration
Lows:
- Gravel-voiced powertrain
- Aloof driving dynamics
- Significant price increase compared to the non-hybrid version
What’s New for 2018?
Volvo made some notable improvements to the XC90 T8 hybrid for 2018. Highlights include:
- Battery Upgrade: The battery pack increased to a 10.4-kWh unit from the 9.2-kWh pack of the previous model year.
- Extended EV Range: This larger battery boosts the T8’s all-electric driving range to 19 miles, five more than before.
- Standard Third Row: Three-row seating is now standard, with the Excellence trim as the two-row exception.
- Pilot Assist: Volvo’s new Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring comes standard on all XC90s.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Finally, these features became standard rather than paid options.
Pricing and Value
With prices in the range of $67,895 to $105,895 depending on trim and options, the XC90 T8 is not inexpensive. Unless the 19-mile all-electric range and slightly improved fuel economy make a significant difference in your everyday life, carefully consider the conventionally powered, nonhybrid XC90, which may be a better value.
- Momentum: $67,895
- R-Design: $71,895
- Inscription: $72,995
- Excellence: $105,895
The base T8 Momentum trim offers the core driving experience of the higher-end models and comes with standard features like four-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity locking doors, and a hands-free power tailgate.
The Inscription trim provides a more luxurious feel, with Nappa leather upholstery and walnut wood trim.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The XC90 T8’s hybrid powertrain is intricate. The 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder from the standard XC90 is coupled with a 10.4-kWh battery pack, a rear-mounted 87-hp AC motor, and a 46-hp electric motor between the gas engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission. The combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque can fluctuate based on the selected of the mode, with a total of seven available. The XC90 T8 can travel up to 19 miles in electric-only mode, with the battery rechargeable via the gas engine using battery-saver mode, allowing for an additional five miles. It is also equipped with all-wheel drive and the option for gas and electric propulsion simultaneously using power mode. Even so, the complexity of the powertrain can create issues. Difficulties in communication between the T8’s gas and electric systems can lead to acceleration surging and fishtailing in slippery conditions. The additional 450 pounds is noticeable, resulting in less agile handling.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EPA estimates that the newest 10.4-kWh battery pack allows the 2018 XC90 T8 to travel up to 19 miles on a full charge. Recharging the pack using the battery-saver mode will add an additional five miles. Recharging the battery on a 240-volt system is estimated to take at least three hours, but this may vary depending on amperage.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2018 XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid at 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, a two mpg city and three mpg highway increase over the previous model year. The new battery pack is responsible for this improvement. Visit the EPA’s website for more detailed information about the XC90 T8’s fuel economy.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid features the same elegant interior as the standard non-hybrid model. It’s a beautiful space, from the softly sculpted dash and its central tech stack to its brushed aluminum trim. The Inscription trim ups the refinement with Nappa leather seating surfaces and walnut wood trim. Three-row seating is now standard, and the XC90 provides one of the roomiest third rows in the mid-size SUV category.
Optioned to its maximum, the highest trims of the XC90 T8 can have massaging seats, a crystalline shifter knob, and a rear-seat beverage cooler featuring handcrafted Swedish-crystal tumblers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a centrally mounted 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment duties. The infotainment screen runs Volvo’s Sensus user interface, which now includes integrated native apps. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Spotify are standard. The XC90 T8 also has a 10-speaker Sensus High-Performance Audio System and a 6-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo has a great reputation for safety, and the XC90 includes a suite of driver-assistance technology.
Key safety features include:
- Standard electronic stability control
- Standard driver alert and lane departure warning
- Standard automatic braking after initial collision
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The XC90 T8 comes with a comparable warranty plan to other competitors.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
