Volvo Trim Levels Explained

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Volvo Trims Explained

Getting the technology and amenities you need should be an easy process. Unfortunately, many manufacturers organize their features across five or more trim levels with large price jumps despite minimal feature increase. On the other hand, Volvo strives to streamline the process with a condensed and standardized list of trims across its lineup. Even better, instead of reserving all premium features for the upper trims, Volvo includes many of them as standard equipment.

On this page, you'll find a basic explanation of Volvo's powertrain and trim-level hierarchies.

Volvo Powertrains

Volvo models come in different variants based on their powertrain. An eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission is common to all Volvo engines.

  • T4: Currently, the T4 is only found on the XC40 compact crossover. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It is only available with front-wheel-drive.

  • T5: The T5 engine can be equipped across the Volvo lineup. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generates 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. On the Volvo XC40, the T5 engine pairs with all-wheel-drive. All other T5 engines come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive as an available option.

  • T6: T6 models add a supercharger to the T5's turbocharged engine. This "twincharged" engine produces 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive comes standard with all T6 engines. 

  • T8: The eAWD Plug-in Hybrid equips the T6's twincharged engine with an electric motor and battery pack. This combination increases both power and efficiency. Total system output reaches 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard.

Volvo Trim Levels

Momentum

Volvo ensures that customers can enjoy a complete Volvo experience regardless of trim level. Though technically the entry-level tier, Momentum models come generously equipped with many premium features. The exact feature list varies depending on the model, but some of the standard amenities you can expect to find include:

  • Alloy wheels
  • LED headlights with automatic high beams
  • Automatic climate control
  • A 9-inch Sensus infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Volvo City Safety (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking)
  • Lane Keeping Aid
  • Run-off Road Mitigation
  • Road Sign Information
  • And more

40-, 60-, and 90-level models offer increasing levels of standard equipment. For example, XC40 has standard automatic climate control, the XC60 has standard dual-zone automatic climate control, and the XC90 has standard four-zone automatic climate control. The XC60 adds an additional advanced safety technology to the XC40's list. The XC90 features a full suite of advanced driver aids as standard equipment, including blind-spot monitoring and Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control.

R-Design

The next two trim levels emphasize different aesthetic characteristics. The performance-inspired R-Design trim provides features like sporty style enhancements (black roof, trim, and inserts), unique wheels, illuminated door handles, LED fog lights, sport seats, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and more. Depending on the model, you may find a hands-free liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, ambient lighting, Harmon Kardon Audio, and more.

Inscription

The Inscription trim is often equipped similarly to the R-Design, but with an emphasis in a model's luxurious characteristics. Notable available Inscription features include genuine wood and chrome details, ventilated and massaging seats, a cooled glovebox, a leather- and wood-wrapped dash, and more.

Test Drive a New Volvo Model near Elgin and Algonquin, IL

To learn more about the trim levels of a specific new Volvo model, feel free to contact the team at McGrath Volvo Cars Barrington at your convenience. If you'd like to experience any of these exciting amenities for yourself. We welcome you to visit our Volvo showroom serving Palatine, IL, for a test drive. We'll be happy to give you a tour.

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