Battle of the Hybrids. BMW 530e vs Volvo S90 T8!

December 2, 2018 benautobahn Off BMW, Reviews, Volvo,

Malaysian car buyers are in a unique position thanks to the tax incentives given to locally assembled hybrid vehicles. In the lower-end we have the Honda Jazz Hybrid, followed by the BMW 330e and Mercedes-Benz C350e in the D-segment, and then the BMW 530e and the Volvo S90 T8 in the E-segment which we tested. The Mercedes-Benz E350e was recently discontinued locally which is why it’s not included in the test.

We first tested the Volvo S90 T8 when we were handed the keys to one for us to attend the new Volvo dealership opening in Batu Pahat down south. Finished in the debut color of Mussel Blue Metallic, the S90 T8 we tested was also the top-of-the-line Inscription Plus model.

The difference between the Inscription and Inscription Plus variant is that the latter comes with Active Chassis with 2-corner air suspension in addition to the impressive 19-speakers, 12 Channel 1400W Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System. The price difference is around RM19k and I would say that it’s worth the cost even just for the sound system alone.

Based on Volvo’s latest Scalable Architecture Platform (SPA) which has hybridization in mind, the S90 T8 plug-in hybrid houses its 10.4Kw lithium ion batteries in the center tunnel which improves center of gravity without affecting valuable trunk space.

How does it drive and handle?

The image of Volvo making chunky vehicles built like tanks is probably still embedded in most people’s minds. Nevertheless, Volvo’s current range of stylish vehicles should change peoples’ mindset and even attract younger customers without affecting the “built like tanks” image. Increasing desirability without affecting its image of durability is a win-win.

Volvo’s current range of vehicles are mostly powered by their 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine and the S90 T8 is no exception. Both supercharged and turbocharged with individual electric motor powering the rear wheels without requiring a prop shaft, the S90 T8 delivers a staggering 407hp and 640Nm worth of torque and does the century sprint in just under 4.8 seconds.

During my drive down to Batu Pahat I had to constantly keep an eye on the speedometer as it’s way too easy to exceed the speed limit without even knowing it. The distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” DRLs also gets noticed, and motorists tend to get out of your way as you approach closer.

Handling wise, it’s definitely on the safe side. It’s fair to say that all the fun to be had driving the S90 T8 is from the immense power alone. With over 400 combined horsepower, there’s still a class leading 320hp when the battery is drained. This makes for totally effortless overtaking, and hilarious off-the-line acceleration when you put your foot down.

In-Car Tech & Interior.

Specced pretty much to the brim, the S90 T8 Inscription Plus comes equipped with 16-way, powered comfort seats covered in Nappa leather upholstery and memory function for the driver and front passenger. This being a range-topping T8, the illuminated Orrefors crystal gear lever is standard, exactly like what you’ll find in the XC90 T8 Twin Inscription sold in Malaysia.

As for drivers assistance, Volvo’s extensive suite of safety systems (Intellisafe) including City Safety comes as standard, which includes intersection support and pedestrian, cyclists, and large animal detection with full auto emergency braking (AEB).

Other systems include front and rear Collision Mitigation Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-off Road Mitigation Support and Run-off Road Protection. The car also comes with a few additional driver assistance systems like Hill Start Assist, 360-degree view camera, Park Assist Pilot and adaptive cruise control.

You honestly won’t find a better equipped vehicle in the segment. If ultimate safety if your priority, there’s no need to look anywhere else.

So you want a bit of fun in your hybrid sedan? Meet the BMW 530e. This car doesn’t require any introduction to its driving dynamics as it drives as well as you’d expect. The test unit handed to us was in Sport Line trim as it’s the sole spec offered locally.

Finished in elegant Mediterranean Blue, our test unit also came with the black leather interior, though we would prefer the optional Cognac Dakota (brown) leather upholstery seats as that would be a good combination with the blue.

While we’d expected the 530e to drive better than the S90 T8, we were also curious to find out how it drives compared to the petrol-powered 530i M-Sport we tested last time.

The first thing we discovered was the lack of lag in the 530e which was significantly noticeable in the 530i. Power delivery was buttery smooth and linear thanks to the batteries filling in the power gaps, unlike the sudden nudge of power when the turbos kicked-in in the non-hybrid 5 Series. Sure, it weighs around 230 kg more than the 530i which is definitely noticeable, but it still holds itself well when driven enthusiastically.

Combined with the combustion engine and electric motor, the 530e outputs a total of 252 hp and 420 Nm of torque – identical in horsepower but an increase of 70 Nm compared to the petrol 530i. All this means that the 530e is capable of sprinting from zero to a hundred km/h in just 6.2 seconds (identical to the 530i) before hitting a top speed of 235 km/h.

Under the rear seats lies a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling the 530e to run in electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h, with an all-electric range of 48 km – 13 km further than the smaller 330e. Fun fact, coasting down Genting Highlands without using the brakes managed to get us a full charge!

In-Car Tech & interior

As for standard kit, the 530e loses compared to the 530i, let alone the S90. Aside from missing out on the M Sport appearance package, it also doesn’t get adaptive LED headlights (full-LED headlights still remain), a sunroof, the gimmicky Gesture Control system, the touchscreen-equipped BMW Display Key and the 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Adaptive cruise control, which was deleted from the 530i with the move to local assembly, is also missing here.

The rest of the equipment remains, including LED fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels (in a different V-spoke design), BMW Individual satin aluminium exterior trim, Comfort Access keyless entry, power-adjustable sports seats with driver’s side memory, four-zone auto climate control, sunblinds for the rear windows (manual) and windscreen (electric), 11-color ambient lighting, a hands-free powered bootlid and Dynamic Damper Control.

You also get the upgraded Professional navigation system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, along with a full 12.3-inch multi-function instrument display, a reverse camera and Park Assistant for automated parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres, plus a 12-speaker, 205-watt HiFi sound system.

As for drivers assistance, the 530e comes with the Driving Assistant package that adds Approach Control Warning and Person Warning with City Brake function, operating at speeds between 10 km/h and 60 km/h for pedestrians and 80 km/h for vehicles.

Other features included in the pack include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, rear collision prevention and rear crossing traffic warning.

Picking between these two is actually pretty straightforward. You want the most performance and safety for the money? Volvo S90 T8 period. People who are looking at the BMW would probably not even consider a Volvo in first place, though they very well should.