Volvo is updating its entire PHEV range with larger batteries and more powerful electric motors. In this instance, we’re looking at the S90 (saloon) and V90 (estate) Recharge models. They now feature an 18.8kWh battery and 145 HP rear electric motor. The result is a much more practical official EV range of 52 to 54 miles. When it comes to towing a maximum of 2,100kg is permitted, which is a slight bump over the S60 & V60 Recharge.
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Volvo S90 & V90 Recharge Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 2,100 kg (S60 & V60)
- Availability – Late 2022
- Price – Starting £59,225 (S90) or £58,425 (V90)
- Official MPG – Currently unknown
- Real-World MPG (Fuel Only) – Currently unknown
- Official EV Range – 54.7 miles (S90) or 52.2 miles (V90)
- Real-World EV Range – 38.3 miles (S90) or 36.5 miles (V90) (70% of Official)
- Maximum Charge Rate/Time – 3.5kW (5 hours)
Volvo S90 & V90 Recharge HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol: 310 HP & 295 lb-ft of torque
- Electric Motor provides: 145 HP & 227 lb-ft of torque
Volvo S90 & V90 Recharge Towing Capabilities
If you have previously read my article on the Volvo S60 & V60 Recharge much of this article is going to appear the same. As essentially, the 60 and 90 Recharge models feature the same engine, battery and electric motors. As the 90 Recharge models are larger though there are a few differences.
When it comes to towing capacity, the S90 and V90 get a slight bump up in towing capacity of 100kg over the S60 and V60. Such a small increase in towing capacity is unlikely to be the deciding factor if you’re interested in a Volvo PHEV, the increased storage space may though.
If we look at the estates (V60 and V90) which make the more practical tow cars the V60 has a cargo capacity of 519 litres compared to the V90 which offers 551 litres. There is a price premium though, with the V60 starting from £48,380 and the V90 starting from £58,425.
Only you can decide if you think an additional 32 litres of storage capacity is worth £10K, for me personally, I would go for the smaller V60 as it also has a slight bump up in EV range due to it being a little bit lighter than the V90.
Lots Of Power & AWD With A Twist
As Volvo increased the battery capacity they must have also thought ‘we can now put in a larger electric motor’ so they did. The rear electric motor fitted to the S90 & V90 Recharge has been upped from around 84 HP to 146 HP. As a result, the total output figures along with the internal combustion engine for the new S90 & V90 Recharge are pretty crazy at 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque.
Hence, both vehicles have more than enough power and torque to tow 2,100kg up any gradient you’ll come across on the road. But let’s discuss for a second how the PHEV drivetrains of Volvo cars work. The internal combustion engine drives the front wheels only and the electric motor drives the rear wheels only.
Therefore, these are AWD vehicles, but they can only provide all-wheel-drive traction when the internal combustion engine is also running. They cannot drive around in AWD mode purely on electric power as say a Toyota RAV4 PHEV can for instance.
Furthermore, you cannot lock Volvo PHEV models into EV mode only, if you push the accelerator hard, the internal combustion engine will start. Now, some people don’t like that if they wish to conduct their daily driving (not towing) with only electrical energy, and I get that, but it needs more context.
The dashboard in the Volvo PHEVs shows how you’re accelerating and at what point the ICE will kick in. Hence you do have control to not use the ICE, you just have to be light on your right foot and pay attention to the dashboard.
My Thoughts On The Volvo S90 & V90 Recharge…
As of writing this article in early 2022, there are no journalist video reviews I can reference, so I’ll update this article at a later date. Also, Volvo is still selling the previous generation vehicles with the smaller battery/less range and less power as early 2022 model year. The updated versions above are late 2022 spec cars, so don’t make a mistake if you’re interested in buying one.
In terms of what I think about the new Volvo S90 & V90 Recharge, yeah, pretty impressive, practical EV range for daily commuting and lots and lots of power for towing a trailer/caravan just over 2 tons. However, personally, I’d go for the S60 & V60 Recharge, pretty much the same capabilities for significantly less money.
If there is one feature I find a little disappointing its the 3.5kW charger. Really, Volvo should be offering a 7kW charger at this price point and it should be included in the standard price. But its not even offered as an option which is odd, as it would get the recharging time down to 2.5 hours.