• New petrol variants of S90 saloon and V90 estate aimed at business drivers
• T4 petrol engine with standard automatic transmission returns more than 40 mpg
• S90 T4 P11D prices from £34,500, V90 T4 from £36,500
• Petrol BIK rates 29% and 30% against 25% for diesels

IN the quest to offer greater choice to company car drivers Volvo has extended the range of the premium S90 and V90 models. Both variants are now available with the economical Volvo T4 petrol engine.

For many business users a diesel engine is still the preferred choice but for those seeking an alternative the T4 versions of the S90 saloon and V90 estate offer plenty of incentive.

The Euro VI compliant four-cylinder petrol engine generates 190bhp and offers impressive fuel economy figures of around 42mpg in the S90 and 40mpg in the V90. As well as power and efficiency the mating of the T4 engine with an automatic gearbox as standard also offers a relaxed driving experience. Exactly what you would expect from a Volvo.

The T4 engine joins the S90 and V90 ranges alongside the T6 in the V90 Cross Country, which was the first V90 variant to be offered as a pure petrol.

The Volvo T4 petrol engine is available right across the range from entry-level Momentum to luxurious Inscription Pro form. Each model shares the same high level of standard features as their existing diesel and petrol-electric hybrid siblings.

Available features include Volvo’s excellent Sensus nine-inch touch screen control system, satellite navigation with Real Time Traffic Information, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and leather-faced upholstery.

You also get Volvo’s meticulous attention to detail as standard.

Renowned for their safety, it can be easy to overlook just how much of a premium brand Volvo has become. Offering the T4 petrol engine across the S90 and V90 ranges means the premium feel can now meet the requirements of a wider range of business users.

Volvo Car’s head of business sales, Steve Beattie, commented:

“Petrol is becoming an increasingly popular choice with motorists, including business users. It’s imperative we offer the range of engines that our customers demand, and we expect strong interest in the S90 and V90 T4.”

However, company car drivers need to consider suitability before opting for a petrol Volvo over a diesel version. Certainly urban and lower mileage company car drivers may find the petrol more suitable, particularly if air quality is an issue. For higher mileage drivers, the diesel may still be the preferable option.

There are also important company car tax considerations, too.

The Volvo T4 has a slightly higher P11D price but far higher CO2 emissions: 153g/km plays 116g for the diesel saloon version.

It’s the same story for the estate model: 156g/km CO2 emissions for the petrol model against 119g for the diesel version. It means much higher benefit in kind (BIK) than the diesel versions, even though there is a 3% diesel company car tax surcharge. And the CO2 levels mean on both body styles the T4 is penalised with £500 first year VED against £160 for the diesel.

Volvo T4 petrol v D4 diesel on company car tax & VED

The new petrol S90 and V90 T4 are available to order now with prices starting from around £34,500.