• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for March 2, 2018

The Electrified 2018 Volvo S90 T8

March 2, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

T8 represents maximum power and efficiency.

2018 Volvo S90 T8
The Volvo S90 T8 is a plug-in hybrid, providing about 14 miles of electric-only range.

Certainly, Volvo doesn’t have the product reach or market sales of such luxury stalwarts as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Nevertheless, the Swedish automaker continues to make a name for itself with the vehicles it has.

For example, the 2018 S90 is its midsize sedan, delivering modern styling, advanced technologies and safety features, as well as electrification options. Our recent weekly driver was a Volvo S90 T8 Inscription, representing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Volvo offers the 2018 S90 in three trims. Unlike most other brands, the PHEV version is not marketed as a standalone model. Instead, it is this model’s top trim. First, we’ll look at all three trims and the various upgrades and packages available. Next, we’ll dissect the T8.

2018 Volvo S90 T8
This Volvo’s extended wheelbase provides excellent legroom all around.

S90 T5 FWD/AWD ($48,100; $50,300)

The standard 2018 Volvo S90 Momentum comes well equipped. This sedan offers front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this model earns a stellar EPA rating of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Opt for all-wheel drive and those numbers come in at 23/32. Both figures are impressive for a large sedan.

2018 Volvo S90 T8Here, you’ll find 18-inch alloy wheels, retractable mirrors, a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade, and dual tailpipes. Inside, the standard model supplies leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, zoned climate control and wood inlays. Volvo also provides a 224-watt, 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, a USB connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and navigation. You’ll also find a semi-autonomous drive system with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, rear park assist and a rearview camera.

Available packages include a T5 Momentum Plus Package ($1,000, with four-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument panel display, headlight high-pressure cleaning and active bending lights) and a Heating Package ($750, with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats). A Convenience Package ($2,550) adds a power-operated trunk lid, heated washer nozzles, front and rear park assist and a 360-degree front camera.

S90 T6 AWD ($54,100, $58,600)

Move up to the T6 and Volvo adds a supercharger to its turbocharged engine. As a result, performance improves to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With the same eight-speed transmission present, this model delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2018 Volvo S90 T8This trim adds fog lights, 19-inch wheels and puddle lights. Volvo also brings in heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, upgraded wood inlays, rear side window curtains, a rear window sun curtain, a blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and a touring chassis.

Upgrades include the Momentum Plus Package ($700) and the Convenience Package ($2,550). The Inscription adds a Luxury Package ($3,450, with front seat backrest massage, deluxe and heated rear outboard seats, ventilated rear seats and interior upgrades.

S90 T8 eAWD ($63,650, $68,150)

The top-end T8 takes the T6 powertrain and adds a hybrid electric motor system to deliver an amazing 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. With the same transmission present, the T8 delivers a combined 29 mpg once electric power is exhausted. Volvo says this sedan’s electric-only range is 15 to 27 miles, depending on several factors, including temperature and climate as well as your driving style.

2018 Volvo S90 T8This model features electric rear axle drive, a touring chassis, a charge connector and cord, and drive mode settings.

Upgrades include the Convenience Package ($2,550) and a Momentum Plus Package ($700, with headlight high pressure cleaning and active bending lights). Inscription models offer the Luxury Package ($3,450).

Individual S90 Upgrades

Like other luxury manufacturers, the Volvo S90 has its share of individual upgrades. And as is often common to media fleet vehicles, nearly every possible add-on was present.

For the model at hand, these items included Crystal White metallic paint ($595), 20-inch wheels ($800), rear air suspension ($1,200), head up display ($900), a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system ($3,200) and a heated steering wheel ($300). The final price came in at $82,140.

You can drive the price higher by adding such accessory or dealer-installed items as a rear spoiler ($495) and double-integrated end pipes with a diffuser ($650). Add $200 for a charcoal headliner and another $2,610 for a rear entertainment system. These options add about $4,000 to your final price.

2018 Volvo S90 T8

T8: Your Full-Fledged PHEV

Volvo’s sub-model naming convention is comprised of the letter “T” followed by a digit. It once represented the number of cylinders on a vehicle, e.g. T5 was its five-cylinder engine. Today, the nomenclature describes the variations of its 2.0-liter inline-four engine — its only internal combustion engine at the moment.

This means a T5 model is turbocharged, a T6 is supercharged and turbocharged, while a T8 builds on the T6 by adding an electric propulsion system featuring an 87-horsepower electric motor for turning the rear wheels. That’s why when you read Volvo sales material you’ll see AWD describing most all-wheel drive vehicles, while eAWD denotes the plug-in hybrid. Two very different drivetrains, but both ultimately send power to the rear wheels. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, by the way.

The Volvo S90 T8 is definitely a sophisticated model, delivering various power options as you desired. There are four drive modes present — AWD, Pure, Hybrid and Power. The Hybrid mode is the default mode and is designed for everyday use. If you want all-wheel drive to kick in, then select AWD. Choose Pure and move the transmission shifter to “B” — as in battery — and the S90 will use electric power mostly until it runs out of power. For full-on performance, choose the “Power” model which supplies sporty driving.

2018 Volvo S90 T8

That sporty driving means that the double-boosted gas engine and electric motor combine to maximize power, to the tune of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Yes, these are incredible numbers from this sophisticated system and more proof that electrification delivers the performance boost you want.

On the road, the S90 delivers a comfortable ride, although it doesn’t match some competing models in swallowing up bumps. The available rear air suspension helps, but the 20-inch wheels seem to make the ride feel firmer.

One important matter about PHEVs is that the car still runs even if you don’t replenish the battery. The hybrid battery pack is also replenished when operating in hybrid mode as power from the engine and kinetic energy from the brakes “feed” the system. Otherwise, look for the charging port on the driver’s side of the vehicle just ahead of the door opening. It takes about three hours to replenish the battery at a public charging station, enabling approximately 14 miles of electric-only drive, depending on the ambient conditions and your driving style.

A Matter of Style

I’ve lauded Volvo in the past for its current design language, which supplies a stately appearance, especially as you move up in the model range. I’ve also heard comments from the brand faithful that they miss the traditional look. At the same time, they understand Volvo’s very survival rests on radical change. That change is here, but it is still unfolding.

The S90’s canvas is bold and elegant, with the Thor’s hammer headlights amplifying the look. Clean lines, tasteful wheel arches, beautiful wheels and minimum chrome grace this sedan. Inside, the cabin is bright and roomy, with controls sensibly placed. Leather, wood, metal and other high-end materials dress the interior.

Only in its second year, the current model’s wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer this year. Volvo offers the S90 in standard and extended wheelbase options, but the US market now gets the long wheelbase model only. That’s important because the 2018 S90 offers the most legroom in the segment. In the luxury market scheme of things, this model is considered a midsize, although its proportions seem closer to full-size models such as the BMW 7 Series and the Lexus LS.

2018 Volvo S90 T8

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Volvo S90

The PHEV model isn’t for everyone, despite the power and efficiency edge. Quite frankly, the price premium may be hard for some to swallow, especially with the base model retailing for about $50,000. That said, Volvo offers three powertrain options, using various boosting techniques to deliver more power from a small engine.

2018 Volvo S90

  • Sticker price from $48,100
  • Price as tested: $82,140
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas
  • 250 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 2.0-liter turbo/supercharged inline-four gas
  • 316 horsepower @ 5,700 RPM
  • 295 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,400 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 2.0-liter turbo/supercharged inline-four gas with an electric motor
  • 472 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,400 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 120.5 inches
  • Length: 200.1 inches
  • Width: 79.5 inches
  • Height: 57.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 13.5 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 24/34 mpg (I4 FWD); 22/31 mpg (I-4 super); 29 mpg (PHEV)
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 15.9/14.5/13.2 gallons (gas)
  • Curb weight: From 3,870 to 4,579 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Incomplete
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 12 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Torslanda, Sweden

Volvo S90 Competitive Set: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lincoln Continental and Lexus GS.


See Also — Unpackjng the 2019 Volvo XC40

Volvo S90 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, luxury, PHEV, plug-in hybrid, sedan, VOLVO, Volvo S90

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Recent Comments

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Retired American Car Brands
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS
  • On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Auto Trends Magazine on The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
March 2018
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Feb   Apr »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in