Volvo Unveils New B-Engines for the XC60: Mild Hybridization as the Key to Sustainable Mobility

Volvo has further optimized the globally popular XC60 with a range of new mild-hybrid powertrains, branded under the new 'B' badge. These recent adjustments underscore Volvo's commitment to an electrified future while continuing to utilize 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. A significant statement from the brand was released last year: Volvo's plan to offer a fully electrified fleet by 2025 includes mild-hybrid vehicles alongside BEVs and PHEVs. This marks a notable development phase, following Volvo's commitment to only install 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. While competitors like Mercedes and JLR continue to rely on low-emission six-cylinder engines, Volvo’s six-cylinders are a thing of the past. Volvo sees itself well-positioned for the future. Production capacity has been expanded, allowing up to 25 percent of total production to be plug-in hybrids. The new 'B' badge powertrains are expected to become the standard and support the goal of having a fully electrified model range by the middle of the next decade. Alongside the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, the XC60 now offers the B5 and B6 gasoline mild hybrids, as well as the B4 and B5 diesel engines. All new powertrains feature a kinetic energy recovery system via wire break, and some models are optionally available with all-wheel drive. The AWF8G55 eight-speed automatic transmission is sourced from Aisin Warner, and Volvo claims fuel and CO2 reductions of up to 15 percent are achievable. The new diesel engines' performance data is impressive: the B4 diesel delivers 190 hp and 420 Nm of torque, complemented by a 10 kW motor adding 40 Nm. The B5 diesel provides 235 hp and 480 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. However, from model year 2021, Volvo will limit the top speed of its vehicles to 180 km/h. After a week with the XC60 B4, it is apparent that Volvo's engineers have done an excellent job further developing the Drive-E 2.0-liter diesel engine. The new engine runs surprisingly smoothly and produces less noise than previous diesel engines. The XC60 remains the ideal companion for those who value comfort, while sportier drivers might prefer the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. Due to its design and comfort, the XC60 remains attractive, and a comprehensive facelift is scheduled for 2021. Production is divided between two factories: Torslanda in Sweden and Chengdu in China. 2019 was a record year for Volvo with 705,452 vehicles sold worldwide, an increase of 10 percent compared to the previous year. The XC60 significantly contributed to this success, as did the XC90 and XC40. Despite the global challenges remaining uncertain, Volvo defies the trend in markets such as the UK, where sales figures in January increased by 3.0 percent.