Volvo is not holding anything back with the next generation Volvo XC90. We have already seen the beautifully crafted interior of the all-new large crossover. Now we learn more details about the chassis and power train of Volvo’s next flagship.
How about 400 total horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque from a plug-in hybrid system? Volvo calls the new drive system “T8 Twin Engine”. If the “T8” makes you think it has a V8 under the hood, that is not the case at all. Up front sits the 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four cylinder gasoline engine that is driving the front wheels. We have already sampled this twin-charged wonder in the 2015 Volvo XC60. It’s a smooth operator and delivers plenty of thrust. It uses the supercharger at lower rpms to eliminate any would-be turbo lag. Once the engine spools up, the supercharger in the XC90 disengages and the turbo takes over. This switch is seamless and the power is always there.
The 80 horsepower electric motor powers the rear wheels. The whole system can work together for maximum performance and AWD capability. However, it can also run in electric-only mode for up to 25 miles. We do not know the fuel efficiency estimates yet, but Volvo says the XC90 will have ultra-low emissions of 60 g/km. The next XC90 aims to combine performance and efficiency in one package.
Speaking of packaging, this is Volvo’s first use of Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). It allows for a wider range of design variations and incorporates the latest safety and technology. It also accommodates for the plug-in hybrid battery pack without sacrificing passenger or cargo volume, according to Volvo. The battery pack sits in the center of the vehicle, where the traditional drive-shaft would have been. It is still a seven passenger crossover SUV with AWD. Hopefully, the battery does not intrude on rear passenger legroom or center console storage.
The next XC90 will offer not three or four, but a total of six selectable drive modes: Off-road, AWD, Save, Pure, Hybrid, and Power. It sounds daunting at first, but it makes sense if you think about it.
Volvo says that there will also be two turbo-diesel engines available: a five-cylinder D5 and four-cylinder D4. However, there is no indication that either or both of these motors will ever make their way to United States.
Expect the exterior and more details on the Volvo XC90 to be unveiled at the end of August. In the meantime, enjoy these fun TFLcar mashups.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
