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Volvo B Series Engines Performance & Fuel Economy
The Volvo B Series engines offer impressive performance and savings at the gas station. Our customers have been curious about the inner workings of these new mild-hybrid mechanical hearts – and about how they compare to their outgoing pure-gasoline alternatives.
Below, we've laid out all the details of the Volvo B Series engines so you can learn more about them and their advantages over the previous T series engines. Once you're more familiar with the great strides that have been taken in these luxury SUVs, get in touch with Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte to set up a test drive of your preferred Volvo model with a B Series engine.
What Are the Volvo B Series Engines?
At their core, Volvo B Series engines are fairly similar to their now-discontinued T Series counterparts. Like those T series models, the gas-powered engine in the B Series is typically a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the T Series didn't offer a boost of efficiency from a gas/electric hybrid system; that's where the mild-hybrid B Series engines come into play.
No matter if it's a B4 or B6 engine, the "B" represents a standard 48-volt mild hybrid system under the skin. So, how does it work?
"Mild hybrid" means that the electrified part of the powertrain does not drive the wheels. Instead, the Volvo B Series engines use an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) to enhance the gas engine's performance. First, the ISG helps your B Series Volvo vehicle fire up faster.
Once you're on the road and in motion, the ISG will provide extra power to the gas engine, easing its load to unlock higher fuel economy ratings and lower tailpipe emissions. You'll find that this boost typically comes in as a couple of dozen additional horsepower.
The mild-hybrid system plays another role when you ease off the gas pedal: regenerative braking. It can help slow your vehicle more effectively and capture the energy that would otherwise be lost. With this seamless regeneration of electric power, the mild-hybrid Volvo B Series engines accomplish their goal without intruding on your driving enjoyment. More importantly, the Volvo B Series engines are the groundwork for a fully electrified, eco-conscious future of luxury driving.
Volvo B4 Engine
As of May 2024, the B4 engine is not being produced for new Volvo vehicles. You can, however, find it in recent models of the Volvo XC40. Like the other B Series engine lineup members, the B4 powertrain is paired with an eight-speed Geartronic™ automatic transmission for smooth, precise acceleration. It mates a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
The B4 configuration is one of the most efficient Volvo B Series engines. Let's see what it's capable of and how it compares to the previous Volvo T4 engine.
Volvo B4 vs. T4: Performance
The Volvo B4 engine typically makes 194 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Its predecessor, the Volvo T4 engine, had 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Both power outputs are achieved at the same rotations per minute (RPM). But remember, the B Series mild-hybrid system can kick in with a little extra horsepower.
The Volvo XC40 B4 eclipses its T4 counterpart's 0-60 mph time, completing the sprint in 8.1 seconds, while the most recent Volvo XC40 T4 model did the same 0-60 run in 9.2 seconds.
Since towing capacities rely on structural strength as much as power, the Volvo B Series engines can typically tow with the same capacity as their T series counterparts. In this case, the Volvo XC40 B4 has the same stout maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds1 that the Volvo XC40 T4 offered.
Volvo B4 vs. T4: Fuel Economy
A jump in performance over the Volvo T series engines is only part of the story. Naturally, the mild-hybrid efficiency is the other.
For this engine specifically, the 2023 Volvo XC40 B4 FWD delivers an EPA-estimated 24/32/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 With the outgoing engine, the 2022 Volvo XC40 T4 FWD delivered an EPA-estimated 23/32/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 When considering the gas tank size, this means that the 2023 Volvo XC40 can deliver an extra 14 miles of EPA-estimated range.2
Keep in mind that the Volvo B Series engines deliver a reduction in harmful tailpipe emissions while achieving those extra MPG.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Volvo B4 Engine
What does Volvo B4 mean?
The B in B4 signifies a standard 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides faster startups, smooth acceleration with an extra dose of power, and higher gas mileage ratings compared to the outgoing T4 engine. While Volvo T4 models are strong and efficient, the next-generation B4 setup is more powerful and provides better fuel economy for drivers of all stripes.
What are the differences between the Volvo B4 and T4 engines?
The main difference between a Volvo B4 and T4 engine is that the B4 engine adds a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the powertrain. Both versions use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline-fed engine, but the B4 engine's mild-hybrid system offers seven extra horsepower, better gas mileage ratings, and lower tailpipe emissions. It can help you save at the pump.
Since the B4 powertrain has been discontinued for the 2024 model year, the chart below places the B5 Volvo XC40 next to the 2022 T4 Volvo XC40 to illustrate even further advancements in this compact SUV.
2024 Volvo XC40 Core B5
|
vs. |
2022 Volvo XC40 Momentum T4
|
|---|---|---|
| 247 hp @ 5,700 rpm | Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4,700 rpm |
| 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm |
| 6.1 sec | 0-60 MPH Time | 9.2 sec |
| 24/30/262 | EPA-est MPG (cty/hwy/comb) | 23/32/262 |
| 341/426 mi | Range (cty/hwy) | 327/454 mi |
| 3,500 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
Volvo B5 Engine
Next in the lineup of Volvo B Series engines, the B5 engine with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 48-volt mild-hybrid system comes standard on the new Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, and Volvo S60. The Volvo SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive, while the Volvo S60 sedan has front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available. Previous model years have seen B5 front-wheel-drive options for the Volvo XC40 and Volvo XC60.
So, let's take a close look at the new Volvo XC60 B5 and other B5-powered models.
Volvo B5 vs. T5: Performance
Within the Volvo T Series engines, the T5 engine provided 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With the B5 engine, you'll get 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, the B5 engine's torque output peaks at a higher rpm than the T5, and the B5 engine's horsepower peaks at a lower rpm than the T5 engine. What does this accomplish?
It offers more powerful mid-range acceleration and better gas mileage across the board. Take this into account when comparing 0-60 times, as the extra power may come in after the 60 miles per hour mark is passed; as a benchmark, the 2024 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD launches from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 made the same sprint in 6.1 seconds.
Volvo B Series engines once again retain their predecessor's towing capacities, and the Volvo XC60 B5 AWD can tow with the same 3,500-pound capacity1 as the Volvo XC60 T5.
Volvo B5 vs. T5: Fuel Economy
A main draw of the Volvo B Series engines is their improved fuel economy; the B5 engine is no exception.
Focusing on the Volvo XC60, a 2024 model with the B5 AWD powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 22/28/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 For the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 FWD, one can expect an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
But what about other B5-equipped Volvo vehicles like a new Volvo S60 B5 model? You'll see a similar rise in efficiency.
Specifically, the 2024 Volvo S60 B5 FWD scores an EPA-estimated 26/35/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 while the 2021 Volvo S60 T5 FWD makes an EPA-estimated 23/34/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
Frequently Asked Questions About the Volvo B5 Engine
What does Volvo B5 mean?
The Volvo B5 engine is an efficient turbocharged gasoline engine that has been enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to achieve better gas mileage ratings and lower harmful emissions. The Volvo B5 engine comes standard in the new Volvo XC90, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC40, and Volvo S60. Please contact the Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte team today to learn more.
What are the differences between the Volvo B5 and T5 engines?
The Volvo B5 and T5 engines are similar in format, as the B5 engine adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. As a result, models like the 2024 Volvo S60 B5 FWD offer an EPA-estimated 26/35/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 contrasting T5 counterparts like a 2021 Volvo S60 T5 FWD with its EPA-estimated 23/34/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
2024 Volvo XC60 Core B5
|
vs. |
2021 Volvo XC60 Momentum T5
|
|---|---|---|
| 247 hp @ 5,400 rpm | Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| 6.5 sec | 0-60 MPH Time | 6.1 sec |
| 22/28/252 | EPA-est MPG (cty/hwy/comb) | 22/29/252 |
| 414/526 | Range (cty/hwy) | 414/545 mi |
| 3,500 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
Volvo B6 Engine
The ultimate member within the lineup of Volvo B Series engines is the B6 configuration. Like the other B Series engines, this powertrain includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. What it adds, however, is a supercharger. It comes standard on the Volvo S90 sedan and Volvo V90 Cross Country wagon and is available on the Volvo XC90 SUV. Every Volvo vehicle with the B6 engine comes standard with AWD.
Let's see how the final comparison between Volvo T vs. Volvo B Series engines plays out.
Volvo B6 vs. T6: Performance
Within our Volvo XC90 B6 inventory, the update from T6 to B6 power involves a reshuffling of specs. The B6 engine makes 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque; the T6 engine makes 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Torque and horsepower peak at equal RPM for both engines. So what does this do? It can optimize the Volvo XC90 for better stoplight-to-stoplight city-driving efficiency.
You'll notice that the Volvo XC90 B6 takes 0.3 seconds longer to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, but focusing on the 0-25 mph acceleration that is typical of city driving likely favors the Volvo B Series engines. Regardless, a Volvo XC90 B6 and Volvo XC90 T6 can both tow up to 5,000 pounds.1
Volvo B6 vs. T6: Fuel Economy
As mentioned, the Volvo XC90 B6 shifts its priorities to city-street efficiency. You'll find this takes shape with the 2024 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD delivering an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 vs. the 2022 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD delivering an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
But the Volvo B Series engines power most of the new Volvo lineup. You'll find similar results in the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD, which delivers an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 while the 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD delivered an EPA-estimated 20/30/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
Frequently Asked Questions About the Volvo B6 Engine
What does Volvo B6 mean?
The Volvo B6 engine is the most powerful member of the range of Volvo B Series engines. It puts out 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and boasts a standard 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improves the gas mileage of models like the Volvo XC90. With plenty of power and lower tailpipe emissions, the Volvo B6 means eco-friendly fun.
What are the differences between the Volvo B6 and T6 engines?
The main difference between the Volvo B6 and T6 engine is a standard mild-hybrid system and an effective flip in performance specs. To be specific, the Volvo B6 engine makes 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 engine makes 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Also, models with the Volvo B6 engine typically have higher city mileage ratings than their T6 counterparts.
2024 Volvo XC90 Core B6
|
vs. |
2022 Volvo XC90 Momentum T6
|
|---|---|---|
| 295 hp @ 5,700 rpm | Horsepower | 316 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| 310 lb-ft @ 2,200 rpm | Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2,200 rpm |
| 6.4 sec | 0-60 MPH Time | 6.1 sec |
| 20/26/232 | EPA-est MPG (cty/hwy/comb) | 19/27/222 |
| 376/489 mi | Range (cty/hwy) | 357/508 mi |
| 5,000 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 |
Take Command of the Volvo B Series Engines Today
Now that you've seen the ins and outs of the Volvo B Series engines, you're probably eager to jump in and experience the eco-conscious power for yourself. If that's the case, swing by Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte today to take a test drive of our comprehensive Volvo B Series engine-equipped inventory and find attractive Volvo lease deals to make driving home your favorite model a breeze.
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1When properly equipped.
2For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.