Why doesn't Volvo use longitudinally mounted engines?
4 Answers
Volvo does not use longitudinally mounted engines because they are considered less safe. Volvo is a Swedish brand, and Swedish regulations stipulate that domestically produced cars must prioritize front-wheel drive for better safety on icy and snowy roads, which are common in Sweden. Transversely mounted engines are primarily used in front-wheel-drive vehicles, which is why Volvo insists on using them. Transversely mounted engines: A transversely mounted engine refers to an engine that is parallel to the front axle of the car. Simply put, if you stand in front of the car facing the engine and the engine is placed horizontally in front of you, it is a transversely mounted engine. In a transversely mounted engine, the crankshaft, the input and output shafts of the transmission, and the axle are all parallel. Therefore, for front-wheel-drive vehicles, a front transversely mounted engine is the most suitable, as it allows for shorter power transmission distance and consistent direction, resulting in higher transmission efficiency. Longitudinally mounted engines: A longitudinally mounted engine refers to an engine that is perpendicular to the front axle of the car. Simply put, if you stand in front of the car facing the engine and the engine is placed vertically in front of you, it is a longitudinally mounted engine. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles generally use longitudinally mounted engines because the power needs to be transmitted to the rear axle. When the transmission distance cannot be shortened, it is necessary to reduce the directional changes in power transmission.
From an owner's perspective, I understand that Volvo chose a transverse engine layout for safety and space considerations. Having driven their models like the XC series myself, the compact front-end design with a transversely mounted engine shortens the hood length. In the event of a frontal collision, the impact force won't be directly transmitted to the cabin, as the longer crumple zone provides more reliable passenger protection. Volvo has always prioritized safety, pioneering innovations from three-point seatbelts to autonomous emergency braking—this layout aligns perfectly with their brand philosophy. Moreover, in family vehicles, a smaller engine bay means more interior space, resulting in roomier rear seats and a larger trunk, which is especially practical for families like ours who frequently travel with kids. Longitudinal engines require longer driveshafts, adding weight and fuel consumption, which contradicts Volvo's environmental commitments. Now, as they transition to electrification, transverse platforms make it easier to integrate battery and motor modules. Ultimately, this design not only saves costs and fuel but also delivers greater peace of mind for everyday driving.
From a design enthusiast's perspective, Volvo's transverse engine layout ingeniously optimizes practicality. Having worked with numerous vehicles, I've observed that the transverse configuration reduces engine bay volume, lowers the vehicle's center of gravity for enhanced stability, and delivers quicker handling response. Take Volvo's SUVs for example - the transverse engine paired with all-wheel-drive systems minimizes slippage on muddy roads, making them ideal for urban and light off-road use. While longitudinally mounted engines are traditionally standard for rear-wheel-drive cars, they increase manufacturing costs and maintenance complexity. Volvo's focus on the family car market makes adopting luxury sports car conventions unnecessary. Modular platforms like the SPA architecture enable flexible combinations, where transverse mounting simplifies production processes, reduces pricing, and improves accessibility to safe vehicles. This approach aligns with the electrification trend, as Tesla and others also favor compact designs - Volvo's choice demonstrates high cost-effectiveness. Historically, their commitment to this philosophy since the 1970s has made it a distinctive brand trait, ensuring consistency and avoiding blind trend-following.
As an average car owner, let me share my thoughts: Volvo doesn't use longitudinal engines because they better suit daily needs. Having driven several Volvo models, the transverse layout saves fuel and offers easy handling. While longitudinal engines look cool in sedans, they occupy more space; Volvo prioritizes safety and spaciousness, with transverse engines making the interior as comfortable as a living room. The driving experience is smooth with minimal vibration, making long trips less tiring. With the rise of electrification, Volvo's hybrids and EVs adopt similar designs to accommodate batteries more easily—longitudinal setups would just add complexity. From a market perspective, this approach helps control costs and appeals to practical buyers.
