Volvo’s flagship electric SUV, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, won the Best Electrified Seven-Seater award at the recently held DrivingElectric Awards. It is the first honor for the plug-in hybrid version of the large SUV since it benefited from a series of performance, technology, and styling upgrades.
“This award is greatly appreciated because it recognizes how we are committed to giving customers the performance and efficiency benefits of electrified powertrains with no compromise in the qualities they expect of a Volvo — beautiful design, genuine desirability, exceptional safety provisions and supreme quality and practicality,” said Kristian Elvefors, managing director, Volvo Car UK.
DrivingElectric associate editor Vicky Parrott notes that the hybrid powertrain adds extra appeal to a model that’s already established in the market.
“The Volvo XC90 has long been the king of the large family SUVs, and in T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid form it makes transporting seven people in comfort very cost-effective indeed. Recent updates have freshened up its looks and improved its electric technology, ensuring it stays at the front of the class,” she said.
For the 2020 model, the XC90’s T8 Twin Engine high-voltage lithium-ion battery will be increased from 10.4 to 11.6 kWh. This will increase the car’s pure-electric driving range more than 30 percent or from 35 to a maximum of 46 km. This will make the XC90 complete typical commuting journeys with no exhaust and gas consumption.
The XC90 Twin Engine has also exceptional efficiency in the large SUV segment. It only offers 52 g/km of CO2 emissions (NEDC correlated figures), with combined cycle fuel economy of up to 40 km/l (WLTP data) giving you low running costs and less money spent filling up.
The technology deployed in the T8 Twin Engine versions of the XC90 in no way compromises the car’s style or practicality. The cool, contemporary Scandinavian design has been further refined recently, with new treatments for the grille and front bumper, and new alloy wheel designs and paint color options.
The interior remains an object lesson in combining luxury, comfort and everyday practicality with space intelligently used to accommodate up to seven adults with ease.
Features dedicated to the T8 Twin Engine models include four-zone electronic climate control with a cooled glovebox, air-conditioning for the third row of seats, a 4.5-meter charging cable and a dedicated cable storage bag.
The T8 Twin Engine powertrain comes with a wealth of standard equipment features. These include all-wheel drive (via a rear-axle electric motor), power-operated tailgate, rear parking camera, LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment, Sensus Connect connectivity system with nine-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, voice-activated control, along with Volvo’s City Safety comprehensive package of active safety systems.