The XC60 isn’t the only Volvo SUV getting a major tech overhaul. The larger XC90 also receives a new battery on its Long Range plug-in hybrid versions. The payoff: up to about 100 miles of electric range and a peak output of 461 horsepower in the T8.
The Volvo XC90 primarily upgrades its mechanicals
Already recently modernized, the Volvo XC90 takes this new evolution in stride to stay competitive against newer premium SUVs. Unlike the XC60, which enjoys more visible styling updates, most of the XC90’s novelties lie beneath the bodywork.
The big family SUV benefits from the SPA platform revisions to accommodate a significantly larger battery. A major evolution for this plug-in hybrid that can now handle a much larger share of daily trips without straining the gasoline engine.
The XC90 obviously retains one of its main selling points: an interior that can seat up to seven people.
Thus, the battery is where the main novelty lies. Like its little brother XC60, the XC90 plug-in hybrid adopts a 37.9 kWh net capacity battery.
Its size and heavier weight, however, keep it from matching the XC60’s 200 km claimed range. The XC90 Long Range can now travel up to 160 km in 100% electric mode.
That’s still a considerable step forward and theoretically allows many daily trips to be done without starting the petrol engine.
To fit such a battery, Volvo had to rethink certain elements of its platform. The exhaust line, in particular, was moved to free up the space needed under the vehicle.
The T8 now develops 461 horsepower
The increased battery capacity is also accompanied by an evolution of the hybrid’s electric portion.
In its Long Range T8, the Volvo XC90 pairs its gasoline engine with an electric motor now delivering 248 horsepower. The combined output reaches 461 horsepower.
That ensures strong performance despite the sizeable dimensions of this family SUV. This new generation of plug-in hybrid propulsion is designed primarily to allow the XC90 to be used more often as an electric car, while preserving the gasoline engine for longer trips.
The concept remains different from an extended-range electric vehicle. The gasoline engine stays directly involved in propulsion when conditions warrant.
With nearly 38 kWh usable, the XC90’s battery now approaches the capacity of some small electric cars. Yet Volvo still does not offer DC fast charging for it.
Charging is thus only via AC, with a maximum charging power raised to 11 kW, versus 6.4 kW before.
A choice that may seem surprising given the battery size. You’ll need a compatible charging station to fully exploit this new range on a daily basis. A simple household outlet will naturally take considerably longer.
The XC90 extends its career yet again
Volvo isn’t counting exclusively on all-electric to refresh its lineup. Alongside its new battery-electric models, the Swedish maker continues to evolve its long-running plug-in hybrids.
With 160 km of electric range advertised, a 37.9 kWh battery and up to 461 horsepower in its T8 Long Range variant, the XC90 makes a significant leap without flipping its well-known recipe.
It remains less dramatic than the XC60 with its 200 km, but it offers more space and up to seven seats. A way for Volvo to extend the life of its flagship SUV by giving it more current tech credentials.
