A Closer Look at the Volvo XC90 T8 E-AWD Inscription Electric/Hybrid
We take a close look at this top-of-the-line Volvo, with unique engineering.
SUV Front
The Volvo XC90 is a classy SUV that starts about $48K for the base T-5. Then upgrades are the T-6,T-7, and T-8. The top of the line and most is the T-8 E-AWD Inscription Electric/Hybrid seen here.
Text by Chad Haire.
Photos by Chad Haire and Volvo Car Corporation.
Engine
So how can a vehicle with tiny 2.0L four-cylinder engine be advertised with a hefty 400 horsepower rating? For starters, not only is it turbocharged, it has a supercharger attached as well. This combo alone offers 313 horses. It is connected to an 8-speed transmission and AWD system. But wait, there is more!
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Rear Drive
An 87 horsepower electric motor is placed on the rear wheels. So add this to what's under the hood, we get the 400 hp rating as advertised. This allows this very heavy SUV to move along at a brisk pace. These 21-inch multi-spoke wheels look nice and are an $800 option. But wait, there is even more!
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Plug-in Hybrid
This Inscription T-8 can also run on electricity only! Just plug it in with the 110v/220v cable, charge it up, and get a claimed range of 18 miles. Once the charge is depleted, the gas engine/electric motor hybrid systems take over with a listed 27 MPG average, which is what we observed in daily commuting. For short trips, this can be a real advantage. Let’s say you drive to work 18 miles electric, then drive home 18 miles on the gas/hybrid at 27 mpg. That would average out to 54/55 mpg overall per trip.
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Cabin
It doesn't do any good to have an economical vehicle if it is not comfortable to drive. The cabin of this SUV is first class all the way, with the finest materials and workmanship around. This is because it is assembled at their EU plant in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Shifter
The gear shifter is made of clear high-grade glass, an odd feature, but it looks great. The actual shifting is not so great. In order to choose DRIVE or REVERSE mode, you have to tap the shifter not once, but twice. This is awkward for first-time users, but you get used to it. This is sure to cause issues with the parking valet, however!
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Starter
Instead of a starter button on the dash, we get a switch on the console. Just twist it to bring the engine to life. While unusual, it works very well. Below the starter is a drive mode selector. It offers CONSTANT AWD, HYBRID EVERY DAY DRIVE, POWER-SPORT, and OFF-ROAD options.
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Info Screen
Many functions are conducted through this large infotainment screen. Ordinarily, this would be an awkward procedure, but to our surprise, this setup is very easy to operate.
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Seats
The second-row seats fold down offering access to the compact third-row seats. The charger cable is kept under the rear cargo floor. There is no room for a spare tire, so we don't get one.
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Ground Clearance
With high ground clearance and an off-road program, the XC90 T8 can be home when driving in the dirt. However, it's a good idea to find a spare tire before doing so.
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Headlights/Paint
Our Test Volvo had the optional white metallic paint, which looks great. It is worth the extra $645. We also ordered the advanced package at $2,450. It includes these high output LED headlights that swivel in the same direction as the steering wheel is turned, as well as a water pressurized cleaning nozzle.
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Cost Sheet
The base price of a T-8 Inscription is $67,000. Loaded with all options, it comes to a tidy $84,440. While some of this fee can be blamed on the potent 14-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system at $3,200 extra, it made driving on long trips enjoyable.
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Vehicle
The Volvo T-8 Inscription is not for everybody. There are less expensive versions of the XC90 for less money worth looking at as well.
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