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
| Powertrain | Fuel Type | How It Works | Drivetrain | Best For |
| B4 | Gas + Mild Hybrid | Gas engine with small electric assist (no plugging in) | Usually FWD | Best efficiency, everyday driving |
| B5 | Gas + Mild Hybrid | More powerful gas engine with electric assist | AWD | Balance of power, AWD, and comfort |
| B6 | Gas + Mild Hybrid | Most powerful gas engine with electric assist | AWD | 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 | RWD | Best EV range & efficiency |
| P8 | Full Electric | Dual electric motors | AWD | Maximum EV power & acceleration |
| Single Motor | P6 | Full Electric | One electric motor | RWD | Best EV range & efficiency |
| Twin Motor | P8 | Full Electric | Two electric motors | AWD | Electric AWD with strong acceleration |
| Twin Motor Performance | P8 Performance | Full Electric | Dual motors, performance tuned | AWD | 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
- 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
- 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
- New Volvo gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles
- Certified Volvo service & parts
- Volvo lease and finance specials
- Expert EV guidance and charging support
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.
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