What is the difference between Volvo T4 and B4?
3 Answers
Volvo T4 and B4 have certain differences in terms of the motor and fuel consumption. The following are the differences between Volvo T4 and B4: Motor: The B4 engine uses a 48V motor, which provides smoother starts. The 2022 models have also removed the auto start-stop switch button, making it impossible to manually turn off the start-stop function. During the vehicle start-up process, the motor intervenes to bring the engine to the required starting speed before the engine ignites, making the start-up vibration almost imperceptible and not affecting the driving experience. In this aspect, the B4 engine has an advantage. However, during rainy weather, especially on waterlogged roads, it is advisable for 2022 models to avoid wading through water to prevent the engine from stalling and requiring a restart. Fuel consumption: Compared to the T4, the 2022 B4 models have slightly lower fuel consumption, mainly due to the benefits of the auto start-stop function, but the difference is not significant, and the fuel efficiency is generally comparable. There are not many other differences between these two engines. Some 2022 model owners have mentioned that the B-series engines occasionally display engine fault codes, which disappear after upgrading the related software at the dealership. Therefore, this should be an issue related to the engine's software debugging rather than a hardware problem, and it is not a major concern.
When I first got into Volvo, I didn't quite understand the difference between T4 and B4, but now I have a better grasp. The T4 is a traditional gasoline turbocharged engine, primarily fuel-driven, with an output typically around 190 horsepower. It drives quite steadily, but the pure gasoline setup tends to consume more fuel in city traffic. The B4, on the other hand, is a mild hybrid system. It builds on the T4 by adding a 48V electric motor for assistance, automatically switching during startup and acceleration, making it much smoother. It also recovers braking energy to save fuel, averaging about 0.5 liters less per 100 kilometers compared to the T4. This difference is particularly noticeable in models like the XC60 or S90. If you frequently drive long distances, the B4's fuel savings can add up significantly. However, in terms of price, the B4 is generally 10,000 to 20,000 RMB more expensive, but it's more environmentally friendly, making it suitable for regions with strict European emission standards. Overall, the T4 is ideal for those with a limited budget who prefer a pure driving experience, while the B4 represents the future trend of energy efficiency and technology. Having test-driven both, I found the hybrid system makes city driving much easier. Volvo's strategy is quite smart, balancing performance and sustainability.
As a long-time Volvo owner, I've compared the daily driving experience between the T4 and B4 engines. The T4 is purely gasoline-powered, driving like a conventional petrol car with occasional slight jerks during acceleration, but its 197 horsepower output is adequate for straightforward driving. The B4, however, features a 48V mild hybrid system - it starts silently like an EV, with smoother acceleration thanks to electric motor assistance. This technology proves particularly useful in the XC40, reducing fuel consumption by about 10% in traffic (saving me ¥200 monthly on commutes). The battery regeneration function also cuts emissions significantly. While the B4 typically costs slightly more upfront, long-term maintenance costs are comparable. I'd recommend the B4 for eco-conscious drivers or those with frequent urban stop-start needs, whereas the T4 suits traditionalists less concerned with advanced tech. Volvo's thoughtful engineering shows hybrids are clearly the mainstream direction.
