SPEED IS THE

ELEVENTH TESTAMENT‍‍‍

And the new rule should be called, “You’re not to think this is just an ordinary Volvo” for the new S90 T8. Yes, that’s another new addition that we think it fits the Law of Jante, a principle that all Scandinavians live by on a daily basis. We take a quick glimpse at Gothenburg’s newest creation that’s set to stun its competition locally when it arrives.

words by KEEGAN DORAI

ike the new S90 T5 and T6 R-Design which was launched recently, Volvo Cars Malaysia is embarking on another mission to bring us the new S90 T8. For those who are unfamiliar, the S90 is Volvo’s new premium flagship sedan that sits on the new Scalable Product Architecture, or best known as SPA.

The latest platform will will underpin all new Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series. At surface, the S90 T8 gets the same treatment like how all of its latest siblings are entitled to by combining the marque’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key design cues include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the ‘Volvo’ word mark behind.

Inside, it musters the same approach as the XC90, albeit a little crisper as it raises the bar with new details on the dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface. Blending alongside the swanky dashboard fascia is a long wood trim and various chrome touches to enhance the overall appeal inside the cabin.

L‍‍‍

Like the S90 and V90, the S90 T8 uses the same dash architecture. Though for the T8, it gains the new and exquisite-looking Orrefors gear shifter that’s seen in the XC90 T8. While its flagship‍‍‍ sibling also lacks in other ni‍‍‍ceties — this time — the S90 T8 will come complete with a set of Bowers & Wilkins stereo system.

INTERIOR

POWERTRAIN

Outputting an extremely potent 407bhp and 640Nm in combined power, Volvo’s latest T8 Twin Engine delivers all the benefits of a high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that channels instant power when demanded with virtually close to zero emissions. Likewise, the battery pack is able to offer you up to 43kms worth of petrol free commute in full charge.

The all-wheel drive system in the T8 differs from the run-of-the-mill versions you see on the market today. A compact and lightweight coupling distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. Under normal and dry co‍‍‍nditions, it practically delivers all of the power to the front wheels for efficiency. The system constantly calculates the need for torque to the rear wheels and can instantly redistribute up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.

PERFORMANCE

Aside from its stonking 4.8-second sprint from 0-100km/h, the S90 T8 is able to return an impressive 1.9L/100km as claimed officially— a number that none will be able to deliver within this segment to date. By making this happen, Volvo uses a state-of-the-art twin-charging system that doesn’t only delivers improved fuel economy, but leading the class in performance and drivability.

This advanced boosting method found in the S90 T8 takes compact engines to a whole new level. It can deliver similar performance you can find in larger six-cylinders, or V8 mills. Besides that, it also ensures high torque availability across a wider speed range.

TECHNICAL MARVEL

Unlike regular plug-in hybrids, the S90 T8’s SPA platform places the battery pack right in the middle, and not close nor under the boot. In return, it offers an uninterrupted bootspace that’s also effective in maintaining precious cabin room for occupants in return. Apart from that, the platform also enables Volvo to shorten the overhangs of the S90 T8, even while in favour for a longer wheelbase to boost interior space. In return, the exterior proportions are balanced gracefully.

THE FUTURE
ELECTRI‍‍‍FIED

Starting from 2019, Volvo Cars will be only producing electrified vehicles for the end user market in a bid to make another new chapter in the ever-expanding automotive industry. There will be five new electric vehicles coming around 2019 and 2021, and these five cars will be supplemented by a range of petrol and diesel plug in hybrid and mild hybrid 48 volt options on all models, representing one of the broadest electrified car offerings of any car maker.