With the launch of the XC90 we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. With US$11 billion of investment over the past five years we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be, we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand.

—Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group

The T8 Twin Engine powertrain combines a T6 2.0L gasoline engine with an 8-speed automatic, a crankshaft-mounted Integrated Starter-Generator (C-ISG), a 65 kW traction motor on the rear axle, and a 9.2 kWh Li-ion battery pack—essentially the same powertrain as deployed in the very attractive XC90 Twin Engine (earlier post).

The Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) propels the S90 in electric mode, and also provides electric boost torque and power during acceleration. ERAD give the S90 electric all wheel drive functionality and also performs the brake energy recuperation.

The C-ISG charges the battery, starts the combustion engine and can support the combustion engine with electric boost power.

The battery pack, mounted in the center tunnel, has a 9.2 kWh (nominal) capacity, with 6.7 kWh usable.

The S90 also introduces a world-first function to City Safety—large animal detection—a system capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision. The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.

More details will come later.