Volvo's XC60 is at its cleverest - and priciest - in Recharge T8 Plug-in hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised version

Ten Second Review

The top Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid version of Volvo's XC60 mid-sized premium SUV combines turbocharging, supercharging and electrification for potentially astonishing efficiency returns, despite this Swedish crossover'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, especially in this improved 18.8kWh model with its much higher EV range.

Background

Quite a few brands have only recently jumped aboard the plug-in hybrid bandwagon but Volvo has long planned for it. The company's current petrol and diesel cars are all based around a single 2.0-litre four cylinder engine block unveiled by Volvo's then R&D Chief Peter Mertens way back in 2011. It was a configuration fundamentally designed around the requirements for plug-in tech and as a result, Volvo was quickly able to launch plug-in electrified versions of all its larger models, including the XC60 mid-sized SUV we feature here. Since then, plug-in variants of rival Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC rival SUVs have also hit the market. Can this XC60 Recharge Plug-in hybrid still appeal in that company? Well its much more competitive since an Autumn 2021 update which saw the original 11.6kWh drive battery replaced by a much larger 18.8kWh unit delivering a big boost in EV drive range. Plus, as part of a mid-term model update, this car's been embellished with extra media and safety technology.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet of the Recharge Plug-in hybrid AWD XC60 models, you'll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine which is now mated to an 145hp electric motor sited on the back axle (updated from 87hp as part of this mid-term update). The main powerplant comes in two levels of output: 350hp for the base Recharge T6 or 455hp for the Recharge T8 version. In each case, the 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. It's all enough to deliver a set of stats that it's rather hard to get your head around. In the case of the T8 variant we tried, an enormous 455bhp combined power output offsets the extra weight of all these mechanicals, so 62mph from rest can still be dispatched in just 4.9s. Yet there's also the potential for the kind of fuel and CO2 readings that theoretically could better those of a frugal supermini. Which of those two extremes you reach in an XC60 T8 will depend on your choice between the five driving settings that owners of all XC60 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: a 'Constant AWD' mode that gives you permanent 4x4 traction: plus a 'Pure' electric setting that only uses the battery power and can take you up to 49.7 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

The revised version of this PHEV Volvo hasn't visually changed much. The Swedish brand has slightly tweaked the styling of the front grille and the front bumpers and added fresh exterior colour and wheel options that's about it. This Recharge Plug-in hybrid model looks pretty much identical to the more conventional petrol and diesel variants lower down the range. The eagle-eyed will spot special badging and an extra charging flap but that's about it. At first glance with this second generation XC60, much seems similar to its larger XC90 showroom stablemate. Move to the side though, and the differences between the two SUVs become more obvious. Though this car is only 9mm narrower than its bigger stablemate, dimensions that see it 261mm shorter and 118mm lower make it clearly a more compact and sportier proposition. At the wheel, you sit lower than you would in an XC90 and the muscular-looking door creases, extended 'Thor's Hammer' headlights and revised grille give this model a sportier look. There's a longer bonnet than a rival Audi Q5 - and a longer roofline too. As you'd expect, there are plenty of cabin resemblances to the XC90, especially when it comes to the dashboard, seats and upholstery, plus the same 9.0-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dial displays feature.  Key to the changes made with this revised model is the introduction of Volvo's latest Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and services built in. This intuitive, next-generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation and unparalleled connectivity. This is further enhanced through the introduction of a brand-new Digital Services package, the centrepiece of which is access to Google apps and services, which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play. In the back, two adults should be very comfortable and there's also a really unique touch - concealed storage compartments under the rear seat bases which are just the right size to store electronic devices, like a tablet, out of sight. Out back, there's a 468-litre boot (down from 483 in the conventional model), extendable to 1,395-litres once you fold the rear bench (down from 1,410-litres).

Market and Model

You'll have expected there to be a price to pay to add in sophisticated plug-in tech to the XC60, but you might not have expected it to take the price of this Volvo right up into the £69,000 bracket. But that's the reality here. For the 455hp T8 version of this Recharge model, you have to have top 'Ultimate' trim - hence the price. The lesser 350hp T6 Recharge model comes with lesser 'Core' and 'Plus' trims - costing from around £56,000. As standard, all XC60 Recharge models come 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 19-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 XC60. 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 Recharge plug-in XC60 variants achieve an all-electric EAER-rated driving range of around 48 miles and (theoretically) up to 282.1mpg on the combined cycle, along with around 23g/km of CO2, all assuming you limit yourself to the car's 'Pure' all-EV mode. The important thing of course, is that the government believes the fantasy-land CO2 stats, so business users can enjoy a BiK tax rating of just 8%. Compare that to the 37% rating applied to the conventional mild hybrid petrol B5 XC60 model. 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 now 18.8kWh in size. To compensate for the fact that the battery's larger, Volvo has upped charging speed from 3.7kW to 6.4kW, which has quickened things considerably. A 7-metre Type 2 charging cable's provided. A three-phase AC garage wallbox will be able to replenish the battery completely in around 3 hours; with a single-phase AC supply, you're looking at around 5 hours. Connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 10amp supply will take about 7 hours. We should also mention that it's possible to replenish the battery of your PHEV XC60 on the move, via a 'Charge' option you'll find in the 'Battery Usage' section of the centre screen. This forces energy into the battery on the move, but strains the engine to do it, increasing fuel consumption. Honestly, we wouldn't bother using it unless you absolutely have to.

Summary

The sort of sensible buyer likely to be considering an XC60 is, we think, likely to be sorely tempted by this Plug-in hybrid version, especially in this improved bigger-battery form. The combination of low taxation and the potential for virtually fuel-free commuting mileage is, as with any model of this type, a tempting one. And when you match it to this car's class-leading safety standards and cool, Scandinavian vibe, the resulting package offers a refreshing alternative to rival German-branded SUVs. Even if you regretfully set your sights on the 350hp T6 PHEV model rather than the 455hp T8 version we've tried here, 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 a Recharge XC60 model. After all, if you merely want your premium luxury mid-sized SUV to be in some way electrified, Volvo offers a very acceptable mild hybrid B5 petrol version of this car lower down the range. We think that B5 variant might be a better pick for most customers. But if you have to have technology superiority in your XC60, only the Recharge variants offer it.

Body Glass

Electric front+rear windows

Rear wiper

Tinted windscreen

Heated front windscreen

Dark tinted windows for rear side windows and cargo area

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

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

Hill descent control - Off-road drive mode

Carpets/Rugs

Charcoal floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Active four-C chassis + four corner adaptive damper with electronic rear air suspension

Electric rear axle drive

Communication

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Volvo on call with App

Google Automotive Services

Apple carplay (wired)

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Speed sensitive steering

Front and rear park assist

Speed limiter

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Drive mode settings

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Driver Convenience

Emergency services call system

Power operated tailgate with handsfree opening and closing

Driver Information

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

9" centre console touch screen

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Head up display in windscreen includes road sign information, distance alert, set speed and navigation

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

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior + exterior mirrors

High gloss black door mirrors and window surround

Electric adjustable/heated/auto power folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Tailored instrument panel with contrast stitching

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Premium Sound by Bowers and Wilkins, dirac live, dolby pro logic II surround sound, 14 speakers/1100W output and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Roof antenna

Roof spoiler

Visible VIN plate

Power glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with sun curtain

Integrated roof rails in high gloss black

Rear side wing doors

High gloss black front and rear bumper decoratives

High gloss black rear model, engine and volvo logo badges

High gloss black mesh front grille, Surround, Strikethrough and Ironmark

Exterior Lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

Active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Headlight cleaning system

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

B Pillar ventilation

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

Air purifier particulate matter (PM) filter

Interior Features

Load cover

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Heated steering wheel

Rear armrest with cupholder

Underfloor stowage compartment

Load protection net

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Charcoal headlining

Bright metal luggage threshold

Rear seat concealed storage

Centre console cupholders and storage

Glovebox compartment with illumination

12V socket in front tunnel console and cargo compartment

Recharge aluminium tread plates

3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim

Front and rear door pocket illumination

Front cupholder illumination

Nappa soft leather perforated and ventilated upholstery with front seat backrest massage and power side support

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

Front reading lights

Illuminated luggage compartment

Tailgate illumination and ambient door lighting

Rear footwell and front and rear side step illumination

Front and rear courtesy lights

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

5 three point seatbelts

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

Power child locks on rear doors

Run off Road Protection

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

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

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Versatile split folding rear seat - 60/40

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Multi directional lumbar support

Power passenger seat with memory

ISOFIX attachment on outer rear seats

Front seat cushion extensions

Power folding rear headrests

Heated rear seats outer positions

Single front passenger seat

Power height adjustable passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

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

Key integrated remote control central locking + fuel flap with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows

Private locking for tailgate

Keyless Drive (includes Keyless Entry and Keyless Start)

Transmission

8 speed automatic transmission with start/stop + manual change functions

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

Recharging port located in nearside front wing

7m 10amp charge cable with 3 pin plug and 6m 3 phase 16amp type 2/mode 3 charge cable

2 phase on board charger 6.4kW (home charging limited to 3.7kW)

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 Double spoke high gloss black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit + 12v 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): 180

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

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: 75

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

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 67

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 19.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 21.2

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.2

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 46.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 41.6

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

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: 25

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 25

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 30

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: 1.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.3

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 256.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 217

General

Coin Series: Ultimate Black Ed

Coin Description: T8 455 Recharge PHEV

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: 43E

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: 455

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.9

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 455

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 335

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4708

Width: 1999

Wheelbase: 2865

Width (including mirrors): 2117

Height: 1656

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2093

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2660

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 71

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2250

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 567

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 468

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1395

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Onyx black

Trim - Leather

Nappa soft leather perf + ventilated + front seat back massage + power side support - Charcoal seat,interior,Orrefors crystal knob, Metal Mesh inlays