Volvo has stated its intent to be the first premium car maker to electrify its entire portfolio of vehicles.

With that ambitious goal in mind, the current range of Volvo twin engines mark a vital step into the future.

The S90 hybrid, tested here, is among the current crop of Volvos that leave you in no doubt about the Swedish firm’s commitment to cleaner, greener power.

This ultra-smooth saloon comes with the impressive T8 Twin Engine, which is also available in the Volvo XC90, V90 and XC60.

The car’s plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers a substantial 390hp, with the majority coming through the petrol engine and extra grunt through the electric battery, whilst emitting just 48g/km CO2.

I found that emissions-free motoring was easily achievable for a range of around 25 miles, covering my varied and hilly commute in and out of Bradford.

Drivers with a similar commute and workplace charging could realise real benefits from this vehicle, effectively using no fuel at all. However, it’s worth noting that I tested the S90 hybrid in the recent warm weather, when its electric range was unhampered by heated seats, steering wheel and windscreen - things that might otherwise be in use for much of the year in West Yorkshire.

Even taking that into account, with a full tank of unleaded petrol, the S90 T8 can feasibly cover a range of around 350 miles. Longer journeys inevitably place more reliance on the engine, with average fuel consumption significantly affected by how frequently you’re able to top up the batteries.

With many hybrid vehicles, it’s noticeable how eager the petrol engine is to take over from the electric motor. But things are different with the S90, which can get up to 70mph purely on electric power, so long as you’re not too heavy-footed with the accelerator. The front wheels are driven by the petrol engine through a smooth-changing eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile, the electric motor sends its power to the rear wheels. Effectively, this means the S90 T8 is an all-wheel drive vehicle, which could prove useful if another ‘beast from the east’ hits the Broad Acres this winter.

The car can reach 62mph in just over five seconds, with a potential top speed of 155mph, while you can also throw the S90 into a tight bend swiftly and trust it to be well balanced enough to pull you through.

In terms of appearance, this is a vehicle with a rather elegant and traditional saloon look.

But there are a number of design tweaks that bring it into the modern era, especially in terms of the stylish headlights.

Instead of the squarish lines on some previous Volvos, the S90 has a more streamlined appearance with aerodynamic lines.

But it remains instantly recognisable as a Volvo thanks to the massive rectangular front grille with its diagonal band.

Once you get inside, there’s the usual feel of quality that you come to associate with Volvo. The chunky steering wheel is typical of the solidity found throughout the cabin.

The rather splendid Bowers & Wilkins speaker system, which makes a graceful appearance on the top of the dash, gives out a crystal clear sound.

When it comes to space, the car’s lengthy external appearance translates to the interior, where there’s loads of headroom and acres of space to stretch out your legs. There’s an imposing central storage space between the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat, with a deep cubby hole for phones, keys and wallets.

Equally, rear seat passengers don’t go short of space, while the S90’s length means there’s still space at the back for a deep 500-litre boot.

In conclusion, the S90 T8 is a good-looking car, it’s great to drive, and comes equipped with an excellent hybrid powertrain.

THE LOWDOWN

Volvo S90 hybrid T8 R-design

PRICE: £57,305 on the road

ENGINE: 2.0-litre unleaded with electric motor

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds

TOP SPEED: 155mph

EMISSIONS: 48g/km

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto