TESTED 22.2.20, HAMPSHIRE ON SALE NOW: VOLVO XC90 B5

摘要

Mild hybrid becomes the new entry point for Volvo's regal seven-seat SUV. Volvo's shift to electrification is happening faster than with most manufacturers, to the extent that it's now impossible to buy a new XC90 without some form of hybrid assistance. A pure-electric version of the company's seven-seat flagship SUV might be a long way off, and a plug-in powertrain remains the preserve of the flagship T8 Twin Engine, but even the entry-level models now use a 48V starter motor/generator and a small battery. The system assists the 2.0-litre engine under acceleration and recuperates power through braking, which Volvo says helps cut down emissions over the outgoing, combustion-only car and gives real-world fuel economy a boost, too.