Hybrid and electric SUVs are becoming more and more popular nowadays and the European standard allows a considerable amount of grace to hybrid models rechargeable by weighting consumption by autonomy when in electric mode. Among the most popular hybrid electric vehicles, the BMW X5 xDrive40e and the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine both weigh more than two tons and develop more than 300 hp, but which one is more efficient?
One significant difference between the two vehicles is that BMW's X5 xDrive40e uses a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine bred to an electric motor, both of which drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic, while the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine uses a 2.0 turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine mated to two electric engines which drives the eight-speed translex gearbox and the rear wheels. The former has a combined power output of 309 hp and can go from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the latter has a 316 hp engine along with a 46 hp electric motor driving the gearbox and an 87 hp electric motor at the rear wheels enabling the XC90 to go from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.
However, the packed hardware of the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine results in a lot of added weight making it suffer in the fuel economy department as it gets around 21 mpg. In comparison, the BMW X5 xDrive40e gets around 22 mpg with both gas and electric motors working together.
A review by Quebec Telegram also compares the two SUVs interior designs. According to them, the Volvo XC90's interior is more beautifully designed especially with its nicely trimmed cabin. However, they did prefer the BMW X5's iDrive system over the Volvo XC90's touchscreen system.
BMW created one of the very first hybrid electric vehicles with the X5 xDrive40e, while Volvo more recently entered the plug-in hybrid game with its XC90 T8 Twin Engine. Personally, which do you think is the better hybrid electric vehicle? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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