New 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains offered across the board.
T8 Recharge powertrain gets more power and a bigger battery.
New trim level walk for all models.
Volvo has been heading towards a greener future for some time now. In addition to reducing its powertrain lineup to four-cylinder engines only, in various output levels, the brand is introducing mild hybrid assist alongside its existing plug-in hybrid and fully electric offerings.
The brand announced its intention to selling an EV-only portfolio by 2030, and to get there, it will introduce the all-new Volvo EX90 crossover for the 2024 model year. In the meantime, here’s what we can expect from the Volvo brand in 2023, with models listed in alphabetical order.
Volvo C40
The Volvo C40 Recharge is the latest addition to the lineup. The coupe-like crossover is equipped with two electric motors for a combined output of 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, an all-wheel drivetrain and a 78 kWh (75 kwh usable) battery pack, for an estimated driving range of 226 miles in the U.S. and 364 kilometres in Canada. No significant changes are in store for the 2023 model year.
Volvo S60 and V60
The Volvo S60 sedan received a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain for 2022. The B5 unit develops 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and can be matched to either FWD or AWD, while the T8 Recharge gets an output bump, now standing at 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The Volvo V60 now offers the B5 engine as well, in addition to the upgraded T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid system with 455 hp, while the high-riding V60 Cross Country gets the B5 engine only. The trim level lineups are now composed of Core, Plus and Ultimate, in addition to the performance-focused Polestar Engineering variant.
Volvo S90 and V90
The Volvo S90 sedan now features the 295-hp B6 powertrain, in addition to the 455-hp T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid setup. The Volvo V90 Cross Country gets the 295-hp B6 powertrain as well. Trim levels now include Core, Plus and Ultimate.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 receives a mild hybrid variant of the turbocharged 2.0L four, which develops 194 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque in B4 designation, or 247 hp and 258 lb-ft in B5 designation. The B4 engine can only be matched with a front-wheel drivetrain in the U.S., while the B5 is paired with AWD. The Canadian market gets AWD across the board. The XC40 Recharge is also available with the same pure electric powertrain as the C40, which develops 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Core, Plus and Ultimate are the new trim levels.
Volvo XC60
The compact-size Volvo XC60 received new 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains identified by the B5 and B6 badges for the 2022 model year. The B5 engine serves up 247 horsepower while the B6 produces 295 hp, and both provide improved efficiency in city driving compared to the outgoing T5 and T6 units. The plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge now develops 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, while EV-only range increases significantly to 36 miles or 58 km. Core, Plus and Ultimate trim levels are now offered, in addition to the sportier Polestar Engineered variant.
Volvo XC90
Production of the second-generation Volvo XC90 will soon end, and will eventually be replaced by the new Volvo EX90. However, the 2023 model year brings new mild hybrid powertrains, including the U.S.-only B5 generating 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, as well as the B6 that develops 295 hp and 310 lb-ft for both the U.S. and Canada. The T8 Recharge variant gets an output boost to 455 hp and 523 pound-feet, while EV-only range increases to 36 miles or 58 km. As with the rest of Volvo’s lineup, Core, Plus and Ultimate trim levels are now offered.
