The Volvo S90 has gotten the fine plug-in hybrid of the XC90. Should it worry the Mercedes-Benz E350e?
What’s new?
The S90 executive saloon has become the second Volvo in Thailand to go plug-in hybrid. The S90 T8 gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor know-how from the XC90 T8 large-size SUV. The same goes for the shared eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive transmission.
While the internal combustion engine alone produces 320hp and 400Nm, those figures rise to 408hp and 640Nm when combined with the performance of the electric motor. The 0-100kph time is rated at 4.8sec, while all-electric driving range is claimed at 52km.
There are two trims for the S90 T8: Momentum priced at 3.39 million baht and Inscription, as tested here, at 3.79 million baht.
The only other competitor so far with plug-in hybrid tech is the Mercedes-Benz E350e, which comes with 286hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine, 6.2sec acceleration time and 33km EV range. Prices are spread over three grades ranging from 3.58-4.13 million baht.
What’s cool?
It’s no other than the hybrid system. With such an incredibly high amount of power derived from a four-pot engine, the S90 T8 is a blast on the move. Engage the drive mode into “power”, the entire drivetrain comes into action with the electric motors driving the rear wheels for all-wheel drive performance.
Ride is mostly compliant on Thai roads.
As a result, the S90 T8 accelerates from standstill and overtakes others on the road as if it’s a mild version of an Audi RS, BMW M or Mercedes AMG. As well, the AWD set-up nicely contains all that power to road; the same goes for the immense stopping power provided from the brakes.
If left in its default mode, the hybrid system tends to make good use of available electricity in quite a refined manner. And if juice is running low, you can – just like in the E350e – have the petrol motor charge the lithium-ion battery by pressing a button on that iPad-style touchscreen on the centre console.
Sure, manufacturers’ claims of EV driving ranges have always been optimistic due to unfavourable driving conditions in Thailand. But like with plug-in hybrids from other brands, we managed to achieve over 60% of what Volvo claims for the S90 T8. So yes, the S90 T8 significantly betters the E350e in both the performance and eco-credentials game.
As part of Volvo’s drive for a safer future on roads, the S90 T8 comes with a raft of driver-assist technologies ranging from an semi-automated drive within clearly marked lanes to the ability of making parking hassle-free.
What’s not?
The S90 T8 may have a complaint ride quality on Thailand roads and a steering that feels quite feelsome. But hard-footed drivers may find the suspension a little too soft when driving fast in corners. Let’s not forget that keen drivers would be tempted with that 400hp-plus performance.
Four-potter sounds bland but is powerful.
And while the brakes are strong under hard application, the initial feel, particularly when driving at city speeds, feels wooden and unnatural. Lastly, that four-pot sounds boring even if it is trying to make some noise.
Buy or bye?
There’s very much to like about the S90 T8. The attractive figures it has on paper feel justified over the E350e in real-world driving. The semi-electric drivetrain of the S90 T8 is probably the one to beat at the moment.
Combine that with the S90’s newfound levels of interior space and grand exterior design, as well as with an unrivalled price/specification balance, this Volvo easily feels as the one in its class to be had at the moment.
