Volvo Touts T8 as World’s Cleanest and Most Powerful Crossover

Volvo Car Corp. says its new XC90 T8 hybrid luxury crossover is the most powerful and cleanest-running vehicle in its category.

The seven-passenger T8 is Volvo's first to ride on the company's new modular "scalable product architecture platform."

The car is powered by a Drive-E system that generates 400 hp, accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and emits only 50 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide. Volvo says the so-called "twin-engine" powertrain has a U.S. fuel economy rating of 59 mpg-e.

The architecture starts with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged engine that delivers 318 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. The engine is assisted by a 34-kW starter motor mounted on the crankshaft between the engine and 8-speed transmission. The unit acts as a combination starter motor, generator and 110 lb-ft electric engine booster.

A second motor, this one making 82 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, powers the rear wheels. Fed by a 65-kW battery mounted below the floor along the car's centerline, the unit can propel the T8 solely on electricity for 25 miles.

Volvo has equipped the T8 to operate in five driving modes: hybrid, electric, power, all-wheel drive and save. The latter mode enables the driver to override the automatic hybrid system to conserve or replenish battery power for later use.