XC90 T8 Plug-in-Hybrid
Hello,
I am looking to update my old XC90 D5 as I have a larger caravan now that is 2000kg when full and I want a better weight ratio when towing. Has anyone any experience of towing with the XC90 T8 Plug-in-Hybrid - it ticks the boxes of being heavier and suits my daily use when not towing, as I only do a small commute so want to avoid a diesel. My concerns are once the battery depletes, as it surely will when towing, how the car tows with the petrol engine. I am aware fuel consumption will be high but I only tow about 8 times a year so could live with that as I'd benefit at all other times. Any advice would be appreciated.
Jonny
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I can't comment on the XC90 specifically, but I tow with an XC40 plug-in hybrid.
Yes, the battery depletes when driving, but the car will always use regenerative braking to recharge the battery a little, and in "power" mode keeps some charge (about 25% in my XC40) in the battery all the time so there's always that extra kick of power and torque when you need it.
You can also choose to have the car recharge the battery while driving.
I used to tow with diesels, but having switched to a petrol plug-in hybrid I'm never going back!
Jon
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Again I cannot comment on the XC90, we had similar worries when when changed our from a Ford Kuga diesel to a 202 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 PHEV, the Outlander PHEV powertrain system is a bit outdated by modern standards. Let the battery discharge down to 50/60% for best regeneration on the Outlander use SAVE the vehicle will use the ICE unit and Charge mode will use the ICE and battery, both plus regeneration. We never had a problem its just a steep learning curve which you will soon master.
Last year we changed to a Suzuki Across PHEV again let the battery discharge to 50/60% then use HV mode (hybrid mode) that simple drive on site 178 still with 50% in the battery.
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I had a Volvo V60 PHEV which I replaced with a RAV4 PHEV. The Volvo was not great for a variety of reasons. However the RAV is proving to be a great towcar and after 35 years of diesels I doubt I would go back to the engine type. Unlike Oscarmax I do not tow in EV mode save for manoeuvring on site. The range in EV mode is such it isn’t worth it and I preserve the battery charge for use when at the destination for local running solo. The towing range in EV mode will at best be half that solo. The economy with the RAV is as good as any diesel towcar I have had however I cannot say how the Volvo will fare. I am sure one of the magazines will have carried out a towing test with the Volvo so suggest you search on Google. There might be a YouTube too.
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Jonny, it's interesting to see others are enjoying towing larger vans with a petrol engine. I tow something lighter and would not go back to a diesel as the overall package is a better fit. Modern petrol engines are far more efficient than those of old, infact mine is comparable with previous diesels that I've owned. Add to this modern diesels tend to have a narrower power band and the ease of towing with a petrol starts to show.
If you are buying new then keep a track on the Volvo website. The dealer no longer sets the price and you are buying direct from Volvo. They go through the model range offering some very attractive deals if you catch them at the right time. As an example, a while back I noticed £4K of all XC40's and interest free credit on 50% of the remaining purchase price.
Looks like £9K off at present and 50% down with 50% at interest free. https://www.volvocars.com/uk/l/offers/
Colin
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I am considering an XC90 T8 but can't find any economy figures for towing with the petrol engine. I have a 1900kg coachman currently towed with an XC90 B5 and get around 23-25mpg. I did read that in a testbof the T8 back in 2019 they were only getting 16mpg. If that's true with the latest T8, I will stick with the B5. Any experience of economy out there?
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Thanks all, sorry I’m not a regular user of the site so not replied in a timely manner. I took the plunge and upgraded my diesel XC90 to the T8 Recharge. I’ve towed over 1000 miles (West Wales and Mid France) and it is absolutely fine. I save the battery and use it when I think is best. Economy is not great when using petrol only but it tows my 2000 outfit very well and when not towing is a great family car.
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Hi Jonny C, I too am interested in the XC90 T8. You say that the petrol only economy is not great but I would be interested to know just how bad. I currently tow with an XC60 B4 which is due for replacement. Are you able to share some actual averages for both solo and towing? I too have looked for these but can find little useful info.
Many thanks,
Pete
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Come on Johnny c, let us know the good/news.
I’m currently looking to change my disco4 and a xc90 is on the shortlist but volvo are no longer doing diesel engines. A T8 recharge as you say fits the bill for everyday driving and somewhat offsets the drop in mpg whilst towing. I currently get around 28mpg solo and 23mpg towing. But to make a decision I need to establish what I’m likely to get towing my 1950kg outfit. I read an old road test in 2017, in practical caravan I think, where they were down to 16mpg. I’m hoping technology has moved on and that’s improved. Couldn’t live with that. Can anyone else help with some real world info?
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The XC90 T8 Recharge is a lovely machine but call me a dinosaur I don't think it is a match for the old XC90 D5. I occasional use a mates old model to tow a horsebox loaded with two hefty nags. It's a faultless tug, plenty of grunt and very stable.
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