Volvo's V60 mid-sized premium estate is at its most sophisticated in Plug-in hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

In T6 plug-in hybrid form, Volvo's V60 mid-sized premium estate combines turbocharging, supercharging and electrification for potentially astonishing efficiency returns, despite this ambitious Swedish model's huge power output. There's a significant price to pay for this technology and you'll need to tailor your motoring life to suit what this car can offer but if you can deal with these caveats, then this is a potentially very likeable package.

Background

If you've resisted the allure of SUVs and you're determined to choose a mid-sized premium-badged estate car, you might expect a near-£50,000 budget to buy you something with a six cylinder petrol or diesel engine. Volvo's V60 plug-in hybrid model can't offer that, but it can deliver plenty else in compensation. In return for the relatively high sticker figure, the usual PHEV virtues feature here in a car that has less direct competition than Volvo plug-in models in other market segments. As with the brand's other designs, its technology is based around the 2.0-litre four cylinder engine block that the company's been using for the last decade. Here though, you get it in the most sophisticated form the marque can offer.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet of this Plug-in hybrid V60, you'll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine which is mated to an electric motor sited on the back axle. For this Recharge T6 variant, the only one available on the V60, the engine's output is 253hp, while the electric motor contributes a further 145hp. The whole set-up is aided by a 25bhp starter motor/generator that pitches in from time to time to smooth any gaps in torque delivery between the two main power sources - engine and electric motor. It's all enough to deliver a set of stats that it's rather hard to get your head around. That big combined power output - close to 400hp - offsets the extra weight of all these mechanicals, so 62mph from rest can be dispatched in just 5.2, though top speed (as with all current Volvos) is limited to 112mph. Alongside all of this is the potential for the kind of fuel and CO2 readings that theoretically could equal those of a frugal supermini. Which of those two extremes you reach in a V60 Plug-in model will depend on your choice between the five driving settings that owners of all Volvo Plug-in hybrid models are offered. Ultimate speed is delivered by a 'Power' mode that sees both petrol and electric units permanently working together. Alternatively, there are four other drive choices: a 'Hybrid' setting that sees the two engines cutting in and out as necessary: an 'AWD' mode that gives you permanent 4x4 traction: plus a 'Pure electric' setting that only uses the battery power and is EAER-rated to take you up to 54.1 miles (more than most people's daily commuting distance) on a single charge. There's even a 'Save' option so that on a longer trip, you can hold that charge until you get to the city driving you might have to do at the end of the journey.

Design and Build

This V60 Plug-in hybrid model looks pretty much identical to the more conventional petrol variants lower down the range. The eagle-eyed will spot special badging and an extra charging flap but that's about it. The original V60 model was quite a departure from the conventional boxy Volvo station wagon shape and this MK2 model continues that trend. To look at, it's very much like the larger V90 estate model that shares its sophisticated 'SPA' architecture. In fact, from a casual glance, you might easily mistake this V60 for its larger stablemate. Get up a little closer though, and you'll find that the front apron is more aggressively styled with this more compact wagon. There's some design inspiration from the XC60 mid-sized SUV in places too. The 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights for example, though they're a bit more sculpted here, while the front apron is more aggressively styled in comparison to the smooth face of the V90. Inside, there's much more borrowed from those V90 and XC60 models, the interior boasting Volvo's current pared-back interior design language with a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system. Plus there's a digital instrument panel, with virtual dials separated by a customisable central space that can display a navigational map, trip computer info or your chosen phone or media settings. Out back, boot space isn't compromised by the plug-in system's battery in the way that it is with other rival PHEVs. Capacity comes in at 519-litres with the rear seats in place, outstripping the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate. The rear bench splits 40/20/40 and drops down flat to the floor to free up as much as 1,431-litres if you load to the roof.

Market and Model

You'll have expected there to be a price to pay to add in sophisticated plug-in tech to the V60, but you might not have expected it to take the price of this Volvo right up towards £50,000. But that's the reality here. The 253hp T6 version of this AWD model comes in 'Plus' or top 'Ultimate' trim and costs from around £51,000. That's around £8,000 more than an equivalent front-driven B4 petrol V60 but is a similar amount to that which you'd pay for an equivalent version of this model's closest rivals, the BMW 330e Touring and the Mercedes C300e Estate. At least every version of this V60 PHEV is very well equipped. As standard, even the 'Plus' variant comes with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with a 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and alloy wheels of at least 18-inches in size. Volvo's Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9" portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation and an intuitive voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp. Volvo's City Safety system is fitted to every V60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle. There's also Pilot Assist, Volvo's innovative semi-autonomous drive feature. This assists with the steering (up to 80mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front.

Cost of Ownership

The T6 plug-in V60 variant achieves a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range that's EAER-rated at between 31.1 and 54.1 miles, a figure which assumes of course that the car is driven in its 'Pure' all-EV mode. As for the WLTP fuel and CO2 stats, well the T6 Plug-in hybrid is WLTP-rated for combined economy at between 141.1 and 352.6mpg, which only goes to show just how wildly inaccurate the WLTP testing process is for Plug-in hybrid models. In reality, if you expect the kinds of economy returns you might have expected from a frugally-driven version of the old V60 D4 diesel, you won't be too far out. Of more use is the officially-quoted WLTP CO2 return - between 18 and 46g/km; the lower figure is what your Benefit-in-Kind taxation will be based upon, which is why this V60 T6 has a BiK rating of just 8%: compare that to 33% for an equivalent B4 conventional petrol variant. If you're a business buyer browsing in this segment, these are figures that'll reward a bit of thought if you're just about to blindly sign on the dotted line for a conventional six cylinder diesel model from a rival brand. As with any plug-in hybrid, there's little point in purchase unless you establish a regular recharging regime for the battery pack, which in this case is 11.6kWh in size. Customers will be able to buy a wallbox from Volvo that will charge their cars on 16-amp power in about two and a half hours. If you're out and about and find a 10-amp pubic charging point, the charging time will be slightly longer - three and a half hours - while connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 6-amp supply will take six hours.

Summary

The sort of buyer likely to be considering an upper-spec V60 diesel model is, we think, likely to be sorely tempted by this Plug-in hybrid version. But will conquest customers be so easily won over? Possibly. BMW's 330e Touring and Mercedes' C300e Estate models represent strong competition to this model but this Volvo can better those rival German-made contenders when it comes to safety provision and equipment. It also arguably has a classier cabin. And it's better equipped - for a slightly lower price. As with any PHEV, the combination of low taxation and the potential for virtually fuel-free commuting mileage is a tempting one. And when you match it all to this car's cool, Scandinavian vibe, the resulting package feels very complete. On the other hand, the asking figures are substantial and in an era where government assistance is absent, you'd have to be very sold on the plug-in remit here to opt for this Recharge model. After all, if you merely want your premium mid-sized Volvo estate to be in some way electrified, the brand now offers very acceptable mild hybrid petrol versions of this car lower down the range. We think those B3 and B4 variants might be a better pick for most customers. But if you have to have technology superiority in your V60, only the PHEV variants offer it.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Front and rear power windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Heated front windscreen

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Brakes

Hill start assist

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Stability and Traction Control with Spin control, Engine Drag Control and Corner Traction Control

Power parking brake with auto hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Charcoal carpets and floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic chassis

Electric rear axle drive

Communication

Volvo on call app

Android Auto

E-call

Apple CarPlay

Bluetooth handsfree system

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Speed sensitive steering

Front and rear park assist

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Drive mode settings

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate with handsfree opening and closing

Driver Information

Information centre

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

9" centre console touch screen

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant

Volvo cars services with app

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior + exterior mirrors

High gloss black autofolding heated power door mirrors

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Fresh air subwoofer

Low speed exterior sound speaker

High performance sound, 2 x front and rear Type C USB,10 speakers/220W output

Exterior Body Features

Roof antenna

Roof spoiler

Visible VIN plate

Integrated roof rails in high gloss black

High gloss black window surround

High gloss black mesh front grille with high gloss black surround

Rear side wing doors

High gloss black front and rear bumper deco

Exterior Lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

B Pillar ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter

Air purifier PM2.5

Interior Features

Load cover

Centre console storage

Front cupholders

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Heated steering wheel

Rear armrest with cupholder

Load protection net

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Glovebox compartment with illumination

Front/rear door pockets and front cupholder illumination

Underfloor cargo storage

Luggage compartment illumination

Luggage compartment load hooks

12V socket in front tunnel console and cargo compartment

Recharge aluminium tread plates

3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim

Luggage compartment divider with grocery bag holder

Bright metal luggage scuff plate

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Front footwell illumination

Tailgate illumination

Front and rear courtesy and front reading lights

Rear footwell and front and rear side step illumination

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Tyre pressure monitoring system

5 x 3 point seatbelts

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Protection

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake

Seats

Heated front seats

Front head restraints

Extended front seat cushions

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Multi directional lumbar support

ISOFIX attachment on outer rear seats

Power folding rear headrests

Heated rear seats outer positions

Single front passenger seat

Power height adjustable passenger seat

60/40 versatile split folding 3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Keyless drive includes keyless entry and keyless start

Care key with user defined top speed

Private locking luggage compartment

2X Key integrated remote control central locking with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows

Transmission

Automatic transmission with start/stop and manual change functions

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

Recharging port located in nearside front wing

On board charger - 6.4 kW 2 phase/3.7kW single phase

6m 3 phase 16amp Type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 420

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 240

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 180

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 18.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 91

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 91

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 75

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.5

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 56.5

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 46.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 56.5

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 14.7

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 23

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1969

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 352.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 282.1

General

Coin Series: Plus Dark

Coin Description: T6 [350] PHEV AWD

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 350

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.4

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 350

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 257

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 258

Engine Torque - NM: 350

Engine Torque - RPM: 2500

Engine Torque - MKG: 35.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/40 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/40 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 6 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4778

Width: 1916

Wheelbase: 2872

Width (including mirrors): 2040

Height: 1430

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1994

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2530

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 536

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 519

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1431

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Driver Aids

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

Nappa soft leather/textile upholstery with contour sports seats

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Vapour grey

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Onyx black

Special metallic - Denim blue

Special metallic - Aurora silver

Special metallic - Forest lake

Trim - Leather

Leather - Charcoal + Charcoal interior + blond headlining + metal mesh inlay + tailored charcoal steering wheel

Leather - Blond + blond interior and headlining + driftwood inlay + Tailored leather blond/charcoal steering wheel

Trim - Part Leather

Nappa soft lthr/textile contour sports seats - Charcoal/Dark open grid interior + metal mesh inlay + Tailored sport steer + Orrefors Crystal gearknob

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 Triple spoke diamond cut/black alloy wheels