The method can control a powertrain in order to maintain the charge temperature at a desired value regardless of exhaust manifold pressure or altitude. The method includes the following steps: (a) receiving a torque request; (b) determining a desired air charge based, a least in part, on the torque request; (c) determining an actual air charge based, at least in part, on input signals from a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and a mass airflow (MAF) sensor; (d) adjusting an intake valve timing of the intake valve such that the actual air charge is equal to a desired air charge, and (e) adjusting throttle position and actuator positions of boosting devices such that the actual intake manifold pressure is equal to the desired intake manifold pressure.