Dressed for success Feature
FROM the builders of the world’s safest cars, comes Volvo’s S90 T8 Twin Engine All-Wheel Drive (AWD) flagship sedan which not only impresses with safety but also with fuel efficiency, performance and presence.
It’s design cues exude sophistication, elegance as well as strength and has been intelligently bound together by its Scandinavian heritage - as its ‘Thor’s hammer’ (Mjolnir) headlights would suggest.
Underneath it all, lies a technological wonderland that not only provides exceptional safety, power and comfort, but also efficiency.
“Volvo Cars has made a clear commitment to electrification across our entire product range. Our Twin Engine technology is a confident first step forward. This technology delivers a no compromise balance of clean, efficient performance and exceptional driving pleasure,” said
Volvo Car Group senior vice president (research & development) Dr Peter Mertens.
The S90 T8 Twin
Engine benefits from greatly from its powerful 2.0-litre (1,969cc) Drive-E petrol engine with 320hp and 400Nm for the front wheels - thanks to the use of supercharging and turtechnologies. bocharging
To further supplement the engine is an electric motor with 87hp and 240Nm of torque that’s been mounted on to the rear axle for a combined system out of 407hp and 640Nm, which is then managed by an eightspeed automatic gearbox.
A 10.4kWh Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery is used to power up the motor and has been incorporated into the centre tunnel console for a few added benefits for the vehicle and its occupants.
For one, a hybrid’s battery pack is usually found under the boot’s floorboard and with its new location, it’s even more protected, making the boot free of restriction while allowing the rear seats to be folded down once more - something that’s not possible for other hybrid sedans.
The position of the hybrid battery, low in the centre console, also means a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution which ultimately improves the overall handling of the car.
Inside, the cabin is left seemingly unintruded as occupants rest in one of the most comfortable seats in the automotive world, thanks to Volvo’s collaboration in the 1970s with chiropractic surgeons and researchers at Chalmers University to develop ergonomic seats that featured lumbar support.
The Crystal Gear Lever that is exclusively available on Volvo’s hybrid variants is handcrafted by renowned Swedish crystal-makers, Orrefors, while the drive controls, including the steering wheel controls have been crafted to feel like the ribs on the crown of a luxury watch or a jewel.
The interior fittings of the S90 was chosen by Volvo to incorporate the open-pore, linear walnut that is held into place by chromed aluminium splines and the combination helps create a warm modern look that’s also quite refreshing.
Of course, the level of safety in any Volvo is outstanding and with the inclusion of Intellisafe, it has taken not just the Swedish carmaker’s safety standards to new level, but also the industry’s as a whole with its autonomous emergency braking and steering evasion that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals in addition to other vehicles on the road.
Not just that, it also possesses the Pilot Assist systems that helps to autonomously navigate busy highways or parking the car in a tight spot as well as Blind Spot Information, Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert and 360 Surround View, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist to name a few.