Meet The Volvo T8: A Lustworthy 400bhp Hybrid XC90

We wouldn’t normally care much for a family-oriented SUV, but the XC90 is a little bit different. This is Volvo, where life is anything but normal. A hybrid school run hero might sound about as anti-CT as possible, but at the end of the day, it’s cold, hard performance figures we really care about, so when Volvo revealed there would be a range-topping 400bhp XC90 we were suitably intrigued - and now we have all the dirty details.

The press release states, “Volvo Cars chose not to compromise on performance, driving pleasure, efficiency or even luggage space.” We hear ‘no compromise’ talk all the time, and it’s hard to believe a high-sided plug-in hybrid SUV provides the kind of performance and driving pleasure that appeal to us, but the on paper figures are mighty impressive.

Power comes from a petrol-electric hybrid setup, which makes a combined 395bhp and 472lb ft of torque. The result is 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds in a seven-seater SUV with emissions of just 59g/km. Not bad.

The 2.0-litre Drive-E petrol powertrain is a four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged unit, which makes 314bhp. Atop the rear axle sits an 81bhp electric motor, which powers just the rear wheels; the petrol engine powers the front wheels, allowing all-wheel drive when both power units are in play. The battery pack is placed centrally in the tunnel of the car so it doesn’t impact space, while keeping the centre of gravity low.

There are five drive modes available. ‘Hybrid’ aims to deliver the most efficient journey possible by using the electric motor and petrol engine together. ‘Save’ stops the electric motor from getting used, preserving the battery charge. ‘Pure electric’ allows up to 25 miles to be travelled without the petrol engine kicking in, while ‘AWD’ lets the driver ensure power goes to all four wheels.

Finally, there’s ‘power mode.’ This is the one you’d be silly to ever switch off, as it utilises the electric motor’s instant torque to improve performance, ensuring you have all 395bhp available at the twitch of your right foot.

Just a few years back, if you’d said appealing hybrid vehicles would be hitting the mainstream you’d have been laughed out of the car meet. But with the Audi A3 e-tron proving you don’t have to sacrifice fun and luxury for that smug, planet-saving feeling, our faith has been restored in the potential for desirable eco cars. Your move, Prius.