Built on the new modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the T8 features the 318PS 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine with supercharger and a turbocharger plus an 82PS electric motor and a specially adapted 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is 400PS combined with 59g/km and a zero to 62mph time of 5.9s according to preliminary data. 

Five different driving modes are offered, including hybrid – which is the default model for everyday use. There’s also a pure electric mode, which a range up to 25 miles, and a power mode that better torque at lower revs, equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8. Finally there’s an AWD option with constant all-wheel drive on demand and a “Save” mode where the driver can choose to “freeze” the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric drive.

The battery is sited centrally in the tunnel of the car so that it doesn’t impact available space and also bringing about a low and central centre of gravity, making the XC90 T8 easier to handle and safer to drive.

Drivers can pre-condition the XC90 T8’s drivetrain, battery and cabin, either directly from within the car or by using the Volvo On Call mobile app.

‘The XC90 T8 is a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one,’ said Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice president research and development of Volvo Car Group. ‘The Drive-E engines already offer highly competitive performance versus the competition. The T8 takes it further into a leading position.’