Serving Schaumburg, IL & the Northwest Suburbs

At Patrick Volvo Cars, we know Volvo model names can look confusing at first glance - Core, Plus, Ultra, B5, P8, Twin, Black Edition - but once you understand the structure, choosing the right Volvo is easy.

This guide breaks it all down simply, whether you're shopping for a gas, mild hybrid, or fully electric Volvo near Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, or Palatine.

Volvo Trims Explained (Features & Luxury Level)

All modern Volvo models use the same three trim levels:

Core

  • Entry-level trim
  • Strong safety technology
  • Clean Scandinavian interior
  • Best value option

Plus

  • Most popular trim
  • Adds panoramic sunroof, upgraded interior materials, and comfort features
  • Great balance of price and luxury

Ultra

  • Top-of-the-line trim
  • Premium sound system
  • Advanced driver assistance
  • Largest wheels and luxury finishes

Trim = features and comfort


Volvo Appearance Packages (How It Looks)

These change the style only, not performance.

Standard (Bright)

  • Chrome or bright exterior accents

Dark

  • Gloss-black trim and accents
  • Sportier appearance

Black Edition

  • Available on select Ultra models
  • Black wheels, black badging, full blackout design
  • Same performance - bolder look

Appearance = styling only


Volvo Powertrains Explained: Gas, Mild Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), & Fully Electric

If the Volvo has B4, B5, or B6 in the name, it's a gas mild hybrid.

Volvo B4

  • Turbocharged gas engine with mild hybrid technology
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Focused on efficiency

Volvo B5

  • More horsepower
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Quicker acceleration and better traction

Volvo B5 = more power + AWD | Shop B5 models

Volvo B6

  • Turbocharged + supercharged 2.0L engine
  • 48-volt mild hybrid system
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) standard
  • More horsepower and torque than B5
  • Smoother acceleration and stronger highway passing

Volvo B6 = the strongest gas engine Volvo offers before going plug-in hybrid or electric. | Shop B6 models

Volvo T8

  • Plug-in hybrid (you can charge it at home or drive on gas)
  • Turbocharged gas engine + electric motor
  • All-wheel drive (AWD)
  • Longest total driving range (gas + electric combined)
  • Most horsepower of any Volvo that isn't fully electric

T8 is the bridge between gas and full electric. | Shop T8 models

If a Volvo is listed as Single Motor, Twin Motor, or Twin Motor Performance - or shows P6 or P8 in the specifications - it is a fully electric Volvo.

Why Volvo Uses Both

  • Single / Twin Motor → easier for customers to understand
  • P6 / P8 = internal, ordering, and technical designation

Single Motor = P6 | Twin Motor = P8 | Twin Motor Performance = P8 (higher output)

You'll Often See:

  • P6 / P8 in specs, ordering guides, backend systems
  • Single Motor / Twin Motor on websites, window stickers, and ads

P8 identifies Volvo's dual-motor AWD electric powertrain, delivering maximum performance on fully electric models.


Volvo Fully Electric Models Explained (Single, Twin, Performance)

Electric Volvos use a different naming system:

Single Motor

  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Best range and efficiency

Twin

  • Dual motor
  • All-wheel drive
  • Strong acceleration and traction

Twin Performance

  • Dual motor AWD
  • Maximum horsepower
  • Fastest acceleration Volvo offers


 

PowertrainFuel TypeHow It WorksDrivetrain Best For 
  B4Gas + Mild Hybrid      Gas engine with small electric assist (no plugging in)Usually FWDBest efficiency, everyday driving
B5  Gas + Mild HybridMore powerful gas engine with electric assist AWD  Balance of power, AWD, and comfort
B6 Gas + Mild Hybrid  Most powerful gas engine with electric assistAWD Maximum gas power without plugging in 
T8 Plug-In Hybrid  Gas engine + large battery + electric motor (plug in) AWD Electric driving + gas backup + performance
P6  Full Electric Single electric motor RWDBest EV range & efficiency 
 P8Full Electric  Dual electric motors AWDMaximum EV power & acceleration 
Single Motor | P6  Full Electric One electric motor RWDBest EV range & efficiency 
Twin Motor | P8 Full Electric  Two electric motorsAWD  Electric AWD with strong acceleration
Twin Motor Performance | P8 Performance Full Electric  Dual motors, performance tunedAWD Fastest electric Volvo 



Seating Options on Electric Volvos

Some electric SUVs (like EX90) offer:

  • 7 Passenger - standard bench seating
  • 6 Passenger - captain's chairs in the second row

 Volvo XC40 B5 Plus Dark

  • Gas mild hybrid
  • AWD
  • Mid-level trim
  • Blacked-out exterior accents

Volvo EX40 Twin Ultra

  • Fully electric
  • Dual motor AWD
  • Top trim
  • Maximum tech and comfort

 Volvo EX90 Twin Performance Plus (6 Passenger)

  • Fully electric
  • Highest performance AWD
  • Plus trim
  • Captain's chairs


Why Buy or Lease at Patrick Volvo Cars?

Located at 1600 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg, IL, Patrick Volvo Cars proudly serves drivers from:

  • Schaumburg
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Arlington Heights
  • Mount Prospect
  • Palatine
  • Elk Grove Village
  •  Rolling Meadows

 We offer:


Visit Patrick Volvo Cars in Schaumburg, IL

Whether you're choosing between Core vs Plus, B5 vs electric, or Twin vs Performance, our team is here to help you find the right Volvo for your lifestyle.