Volvo B-Series Engines: B4 vs B5 vs B6 Mild Hybrid - What's the difference?
Currently, the Volvo vehicle lineup is primarily powered by the brand's unique T-series of engines, most commonly known as the T5 and T6 variants. Let's think of the T in T-Series of the T5 and T6 to stand for Traditional engine type. While the T-series engine has performed admirably and provided Volvo vehicles with plenty of power, Volvo is taking a step towards greener emissions and more efficient MPG by updating their T-series of engines to the new mild-hybrid B-series engine configuration. This switch can be found in many of the 2022 models currently available, effectively marking the end of traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) options in Volvo vehicles. This direction looks ahead at all future Volvo engine options either being a traditional hybrid, mild-hybrid, the plug-in hybrid, or fully electric choice as the brand moves closer to an all-electric future.
The T-Series Engine vs. the B-Series Engine
- T5 → B5 Turbocharged with regenerative braking
- T6 → B6 Turbocharged & Supercharged with regenerative braking
The Basics: In what might be an oversimplified explanation, the B series engines, are for all intents and purposes, to be thought of as the same engine as the T series that you’re familiar with but with the addition of regenerative braking to the propulsion system that adds additional power to the drivetrain, thus extending the traditional T-series MPG rating by a few miles per gallon in the new B-series configuration. The improved MPG is most notable with the B5 over the T5 and the B6 over the T6. The B-Series engine will continue to come with available AWD just like the T-Series.
What's the Same: Now let’s look a little deeper at the T-series and B-series to understand their shared attributes and newfound differences. For instance, both series still utilize a traditional multi-cylinder engine that runs on gasoline. Neither the T nor B engine options are fully electric and do not require any charging, unlike the T8 Hybrid engine that does require charging for it's fully electric drive mode option.
In a nutshell, the B-Series engine is a step forward, providing greater range and use of energy than the T-Series as well as providing longer times between needing to fuel up. The T5 and B5 remain turbocharged and the T6 and B6 take it up a notch with the help of their additional superchargers. But at the heart of it all, the differences between the T engine and B engine options are mostly performance-based as their driving experiences are similar in practice.
The Difference Between the B4, B5, and B6 Mild Hybrid Engines
Since the B-series engines are replacing the T-series, it’s only natural to be wondering what each of these new engines can offer. The three new engines that are coming out are the B4, B5, and B6.
You’ll find plenty of power in these updated new mild-hybrid engines. The B6 is the quickest, offering 300 horsepower and the ability to go 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Not far behind is the B5 engine. The B5 can produce 250 horsepower and can go from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. Last but by no means least is the B4 engine. The B4 engine isn’t the fastest comparatively, but it still offers more than enough speed while out on the road, as it can travel 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and output 197 horsepower. It's not likely that we'll see the B4 option in models sold in the US unless Volvo introduces a smaller vehicle to their lineup without the use of turbochargers or superchargers. The B5 and B6 can be found today, in late 2021, already available on the XC60 and S60 models.
Discover More About Volvo’s B-Engines
You can find them in our inventory by choosing FUEL TYPE and selecting the 48V MILD HYBRID option. As more of the Volvo lineup adopts these engine choices you'll be able to find them on our website or on display at our Goodwin's Volvo dealership in Topsham, ME. If you’re a Topsham, Brunswick, Yarmouth, or really any mid-coast or southern Maine resident wondering what vehicles these hybrid engines are offered in, then speak to the Goodwin's Volvo team in Topsham to learn more. We can't wait to help you out.