2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Review

In the Executive-class luxury sedan market, the 2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription has always been one of the top choices for consumers who value safety and environmental protection. This plug-in hybrid model combines a 2.0T turbocharged engine with an electric motor, retaining the power response of a fuel vehicle while enabling pure electric commuting. With an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, it stands out in its class for performance. The main focus of this test drive is to assess its actual performance in daily commuting and long-distance driving, as well as whether its luxury configurations align with the positioning of an Executive-level vehicle.

In terms of exterior design, the S90 T8 continues Volvo's family-style design language, with overall sleek and steady lines. The front's vertical waterfall grille paired with "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights creates high recognizability, which has become one of Volvo's most iconic design elements in recent years. The sides of the body are free from overly complex lines, transitioning smoothly from the A-pillar to the rear, complemented by 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that maintain the elegance of an executive sedan. The "Viking Axe" tail lights at the rear are equally distinctive when illuminated, although the overall tail design is relatively simple with few decorative elements. The overall exterior design is not overly aggressive, leaning more towards a mature and stable style.

Sitting inside the car, the interior design style is consistent with the exterior, following a minimalist luxury approach. The layout of the center console is well-organized, with the majority of physical buttons integrated into the 9-inch vertical touchscreen, though commonly used air conditioning adjustments have been retained as physical knobs for convenience. Regarding interior materials, most contact areas are wrapped in soft materials, complemented by metallic trims and wood-grain panels, creating a good sense of luxury. The configuration features several highlights, such as the fully digital instrument panel and the HUD (head-up display) as standard. The former provides comprehensive driving information, while the latter reduces the need to look down while driving. The seats are worth mentioning as well — the front seats support electric adjustments and memory functions. The cushions and backrests offer excellent support, ensuring comfort during long periods of sitting. The rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents and even come with integrated child safety seats, which is particularly practical for families with children.

In terms of space, the S90 T8 has a wheelbase of 2941mm, offering ample legroom for both front and rear rows. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable driving position, rear passengers still have about two fists of legroom, and headroom does not feel cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 500 liters, which is sufficient for daily family use, and the rear seats support a 6:4 split-folding setup, allowing for expanded space when carrying large items. Storage space details are well thought out, with the front center armrest console and door panel storage compartments offering considerable capacity, making it easy to store everyday personal items.

In terms of performance, this car is equipped with a combination of a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 324 horsepower. During daily driving, in default hybrid mode, the power output is smooth. At startup, the electric motor engages first, providing light and effortless acceleration. Once the speed exceeds 60 km/h, the engine kicks in, offering ample power reserves. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator pedal deeply provides a noticeable pushback sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds can indeed be felt during actual driving, especially when switching to sport mode, where the power response becomes more immediate.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards comfort. The steering wheel has moderate steering force and relatively precise direction, but it is not as aggressive as a sports sedan, making it more suitable for daily cruising. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, which does a good job of filtering road bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can absorb most of the vibrations, ensuring the comfort of rear passengers. However, when cornering at high speeds, the body will have a certain amount of body roll. After all, this is an executive sedan, and handling is not its core selling point.

As a plug-in hybrid model, we focused on testing its range and fuel consumption. In pure electric mode, the official claimed range is about 50km. In actual urban commutes with smooth road conditions, it can run about 45km, which basically meets daily commuting needs. In hybrid mode, the overall fuel consumption performance is good. In congested urban traffic, it is about 6L/100km, and during highway cruising, fuel consumption can be controlled within 5L/100km, which is more fuel-efficient than pure internal combustion engine models of the same class. The braking performance is also relatively stable, with a linear feel to the brake pedal. During emergency braking, the body posture is well maintained, and there is no obvious nose-dive phenomenon.

In terms of ride comfort, the S90 T8 performs commendably. The sound insulation inside the car is excellent. At speeds below 80km/h, there is hardly any noticeable wind or tire noise. Wind noise slightly increases during high-speed driving but does not affect the conversation of the passengers inside the car. The comfort of the seats has already been mentioned earlier. The rear space and seat support are also good, ensuring that long-distance rides are not tiring. The energy recovery system offers different levels of adjustment. At low levels, it feels similar to coasting in a fuel car, with no obvious dragging sensation. At high levels, the dragging sensation becomes stronger but is acceptable after getting used to it.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription are quite evident: comprehensive safety features (active braking, lane departure warning, etc., are standard across all models), rich luxury configurations, balanced power delivery, and low fuel consumption. Notably, the integrated child safety seat in the rear is very practical for family users. Compared with competitors in the same class, its safety features and environmental attributes are highlights. However, its brand influence may not be on par with BBA, but it offers a higher cost-performance ratio.

The target audience for this car is relatively clear: First, families who prioritize safety and environmental protection, especially those with children. The child safety seat in the rear and comprehensive safety configurations meet their needs. Second, consumers who need to balance business and family use. Its executive position and luxurious features can handle business occasions, while the hybrid system reduces daily usage costs.

In conclusion, the 2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription is a well-balanced executive plug-in hybrid sedan with no significant shortcomings. It combines safety, luxury, power, and fuel economy, making it suitable for consumers who value practicality and environmental consciousness.