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“The EV with a back-up plan” – that’s Volvo’s tagline for its refreshed XC60 and XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid fashions.
It has greater batteries and extra highly effective electrical motors, each of which let you use the XC60 extra typically as an electrical automobile (EV), with the again up of a petroleum engine and gasoline tank must you run out of cost.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have by no means actually taken off in Australia, and whereas your writer is among the believers, it’s straightforward to see why the Aussie shopping for public could not have gravitated to them just like the Europeans.
We’re solely simply getting onto hybrids now, led by none apart from Toyota, with different manufacturers scrambling to leap on the bandwagon. These have been round for the reason that first Toyota Prius debuted within the late Nineteen Nineties.
PHEVs took off in Europe round mid-way by final decade, because the European Union enforced more durable emissions legal guidelines on automobile producers.
One thing of a stepping stone to full electrification, they’re able to performing the common every day commute with no native emissions, and provide the pliability of hybrid energy on longer journeys when the battery runs out of cost.
Whereas these sorts of automobiles are incentivised and subsidised in different markets, in Australia they carry hefty premiums over equal petrol and diesel fashions, in addition to common hybrids, in some circumstances requiring greater than a decade of use in good situations to recoup the premium paid on the seller.
Nevertheless, my private view is a bit more wide-reaching than simply the monetary advantages. Lowering my CO2 output one full cost at a time is not only higher for the surroundings, it helps me really feel like I’m doing my bit regardless of whether or not I can get a subsidy or a tax break from the federal government. It additionally means I spend much less time on the pump.
Within the case of the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, the discount in gasoline use (when used as designed) additionally permits for extra efficiency and a extra refined drive expertise.
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV value?
When the improved MY22 Volvo XC60 line-up was detailed in February, the T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid listed for $97,990 plus on-road prices.
Nevertheless, Volvo has elevated costs by round $3000 throughout the board for the 2023 model-year, which means when you went in and ordered a brand new XC60 Recharge as we speak, the listing worth has risen to $100,990 earlier than on-roads.
Not like elsewhere on the planet, the XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid is obtainable in a single trim degree regionally, primarily based on the newly-named Final Darkish specification that bundles within the sporty R-Design bundle as normal. There’s no Final Brilliant (or Inscription) model of the PHEV accessible in Australia.
Be aware: Our take a look at automobile is an MY22 instance, which appears to be like and the identical because the MY23 mannequin apart from some minor spec adjustments
2023 Volvo XC60 pricing:
- 2023 Volvo XC60 Plus B5: $72,990
- 2023 Volvo XC60 Final B5 Brilliant: $79,990
- 2023 Volvo XC60 Final B6 Darkish: $85,990
- 2023 Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: $100,990
Costs exclude on-road prices
Key rivals embody:
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV like on the within?
If you happen to’ve sat in any latest Volvo there’s no actual surprises concerning the XC60’s cabin.
Like the broader vary, there’s a sweeping sprint with a portrait-oriented centre touchscreen, combined in with luxurious Nappa leather-based, alloy inlays (as examined), and an general impression of high-quality craftsmanship.
What’s higher is that Volvo’s interiors don’t actually copy some other model, so there’s a way of familiarity inside the Swedish model’s steady with out feeling like a German knock-off.
The entrance seats function full electrical adjustment and reminiscence presets, with my private favorite aspect being the extendable under-thigh cushions which might be so superbly sculpted you’re feeling supported from each angle.
The steering wheel is distinctively Volvo and it looks like a strong merchandise within the hand. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now runs the identical Android Automotive interface because the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electrical in addition to the Polestar 2, and like the inside design it has its personal character in comparison with rival makes.
Nevertheless, there’s solely actually two layouts, one with the maps projected within the centre and one with out. Given the true property, it’d be nice to see extra configurability to match the likes of Audi.
The 9.0-inch central touchscreen is acquainted from the Volvo steady, and presents on-line performance in tandem with the Google Assistant. It’s all fairly straightforward to make use of and you may add your Spotify account, for instance, however Apple CarPlay remains to be a wired affair.
Whereas Volvo has moved to a new-age infotainment interface, the precise feel and appear is a bit dated. The place the Polestar 2 will get a flat-skinned, fashionable look, the Volvo’s icons and menus don’t look notably flash. Fortunately, the software program is snappy and features like Google Maps built-in are helpful inclusions.
A spotlight of Volvo interiors is the accessible Bowers and Wilkins premium audio, which is fitted as normal to the Final T8 Recharge. With 15 audio system and 1460W output, the model’s flagship {surround} audio providing presents deep, clear sound with a lot of cool settings and modes – strive the Live performance Corridor profile and also you’ll thank me later.
Storage is fairly good for the category, with two cupholders between the entrance seats, a wi-fi telephone charger in addition to a storage cubby beneath the front-centre armrest. There’s additionally deep bins within the doorways that may maintain bottles and different free objects.
The rear seat is among the extra spacious within the class, although there’s a fairly hefty driveline hump within the center seat – although Volvo has trimmed it in rubberised plastic to take care of muddy sneakers.
Leg- and headroom is great and there’s facilities like pillar-mounted vents, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, rear map pockets, and twin USB-C shops. Sadly, the Recharge misses out on separate local weather controls for the rear like different XC60 fashions.
It’s tremendous kid-friendly again right here too, courtesy of outboard ISOFIX anchors, top-tether factors throughout all three rear seats, in addition to built-in youngster booster cushions on the outer seats.
The rear seats additionally split-fold 60:40, and there’s a ski port to permit longer objects to feed by with out folding your complete rear bench.
Volvo quotes 468L of bags capability for the XC60 T8 Recharge, down barely on the 483 litres for B5 and B6 variations.
The T8 Recharge’s normal air suspension comes with top controls within the boot modify the rear load top in case it must be lowered or raised to assist with ingress and egress, and there’s additionally a 12V socket.
Underneath the boot flooring there’s no space-saver spare wheel like different XC60 grades as a result of battery pack being situated beneath; as a substitute there’s a tyre restore package.
Volvo features a handbag-like tote to carry your charging cables too, which incorporates a clip-in tether so it doesn’t go rolling round whilst you’re driving. Intelligent.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The XC60 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid groups a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electrical motor and 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack – gone is the supercharger from older variations.
The petrol motor makes 223kW (6000rpm) and 400Nm (3000-5400rpm) by itself, whereas the rear-mounted electrical motor develops 107kW (15,900rpm) and 309Nm (0-3280rpm). System outputs are 340kW and 709Nm, and Volvo claims the XC60 PHEV can dash from 0-100 in 4.8 seconds.
Like all variations of the Volvo XC60 in Australia, the PHEV is all-wheel drive and options an eight-speed automated transmission. Nevertheless, the Recharge has a model of all-wheel drive the place the petrol engine solely drives the entrance wheels and the e-motor drives the rears.
The XC60 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid formally makes use of 1.6L/100km on the mixed cycle, and emits 81g/km of CO2.
Volvo claims the PHEV can journey 77-81 kilometres in electrical mode, and consumes power at a price of 19.0kWh/100km. All fashions are fitted with a 71-litre gasoline tank.
How does the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV drive?
With the extra highly effective electrical motor and greater battery pack, the XC60 Recharge can genuinely be pushed as an EV for every day commuting.
Leaving the XC60 in its Hybrid mode leaves the automobile’s techniques to do their finest work, balancing efficiency and effectivity, and tailoring to the driving situations.
It’ll default to EV mode on start-up, and there’s a bit indicator on the facility meter the place the petrol engine will kick in – i.e. when you enter a certain quantity of throttle enter in Hybrid mode, the petrol engine will bounce in for max efficiency.
Altering to EV mode (Pure) will mainly push that again to full throttle, and can add a number of kilometres of vary to your journey pc because it attracts as a lot energy from the battery as potential to maximise zero-emissions vary. In Hybrid the XC60 will save a sure degree of energy to proceed operating as a Toyota-style hybrid to minimise gasoline use.
You may as well cycle by Energy, Off-road and Fixed AWD modes to tailor the drivetrain to your liking.
Energy primes each the petrol and electrical engines for max efficiency and stiffens the adaptive chassis techniques, Off-road engages each energy sources for all-wheel drive traction and raises the air suspension, and Fixed AWD performs an identical operate with out placing the XC60 into off-road mode.
I spent most of my time with the XC60 T8 Recharge in its Hybrid mode, letting the automobile determine probably the most environment friendly option to get me to the place I wanted to be. Particularly in comparison with the XC90 Recharge I drove final yr with the older motor and battery setup, it looks like a marked enchancment.
With 309Nm accessible from idle courtesy of that electrical motor, the XC60 will get together with fairly first rate tempo in EV mode and is greater than able to getting as much as 100km/h with out the petrol engine turning over.
The hushed drivetrain on this setting makes for a serene on-road expertise throughout all situations, because the cabin is likewise properly insulated from the skin world – even on the Final specification’s 21-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres.
I charged up the XC60 at residence every night time and had an indicated 63-65km of electrical vary every morning, which is greater than sufficient for most individuals’s every day commutes however a bit down on Volvo’s 77-81km declare. It’s an achievable determine although – I managed to do over 60km of driving on a number of days with out utilizing the petrol engine in any respect.
Not solely is the shortage of ambient noise luxurious, however the usual air suspension supplies a rather well sorted trip that’s not too floaty and never too agency. The XC60 has by no means been overly sporty, however the fluid, correct controls and measured physique management imply it’s a simple automobile to navigate metropolis streets in addition to winding B-roads.
The eight-speed auto and a couple of.0-litre turbo 4 work effectively with the rear-mounted electrical motor, by no means clunking between energy sources or awkwardly kicking down while you bury your proper foot.
While you wish to flip the wick up a bit you’ll be able to, although. In its energy setting, the XC60’s drivetrain presents as much as 340kW of energy and 709Nm, which is a good quantity of grunt in anybody’s books.
Acceleration is muscular when you really want it, whether or not you’re firing from the lights or overtaking on the freeway. The claimed 4.8-second dash from 0-100km/h feels achievable, and the low-down response from the electrical motor makes the Volvo really feel simply as athletic off the road as one thing like an Audi SQ5 or BMW X3 M40i.
Volvo’s full suite of driver help options come as normal, and the XC60’s numerous options are a number of the higher calibrated techniques accessible as we speak.
The model’s Pilot Help function combines adaptive cruise and lane centring features for semi-autonomous freeway cruising and site visitors jam help, and it really works easily and predictably. All you must do is ready and preserve your arms on the wheel.
Likewise the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic features are helpful, even with the XC60’s normal surround-view cameras and beneficiant glasshouse. Not like many rival SUVs with slim home windows and tapered tailgates, the XC60 is fairly straightforward to see out of bar the thick D-pillars, and parking is a cinch when you get used to the considerably warped viewing angle of the parking cameras.
General, the XC60 presents as one of many extra convincing premium plug-in hybrid choices, bringing much more to the desk than simply a super-low official consumption determine.
What do you get?
XC60 Plus B5 highlights:
- 19-inch diamond-cut alloys (NEW design)
- LED headlights with energetic bending
- LED entrance fog lights
- 9.0-inch Android Automotive infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation incl. Google Maps
- DAB radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital Service, 4-year subscription
- Wi-fi smartphone charger
- 4-zone local weather management
- Electrical tailgate
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
- Energy-folding rear headrests (NEW)
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
XC60 Final B5 Brilliant provides:
- 20-inch diamond-cut alloys
- Head-up show
- Air Air purifier (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW)
- Heated entrance seats
- Tailor-made instrument and door panels
- Crystal gearshift
XC60 Final B6 Darkish provides:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- R-Design exterior styling
- Nappa leather-based upholstery ($NCO)
XC60 Final T8 Recharge
- Air suspension with Lively Chassis
- Bowers and Wilkins premium audio
- 2-zone local weather management
- Rear privateness glass
- Tyre restore package
- Tailor-made Wool Mix upholstery* (NEW, $NCO)
*Constituted of 30 per cent responsibly produced wool and 70 per cent polyester with contrasting white piping
Choice Packages
Way of life Bundle with Harman Kardon: $3700 (B5 and B6)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Harman Kardon premium audio
Way of life Bundle with Bowers and Wilkins: $6100 (Final)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Bowers and Wilkins premium audio
Local weather Bundle: $850 (Plus B5)
Colors
- Black Stone
- Crystal White*
- Onyx Black*
- Denim Blue*
- Fusion Pink*
- Thunder Gray*
- Platinum Gray*
- Silver Daybreak*
- Brilliant Nightfall*
*Metallic and pearl finishes value $2050
Is the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV secure?
Petrol variations of the Volvo XC60 put on a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP exams in 2017. Plug-in hybrid fashions stay unrated.
The XC60 scored 98 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 76 per cent for pedestrian detection and 95 per cent for security help.
Commonplace security options embody:
- Adjustable velocity limiter
- Adaptive cruise management incl. Pilot Help
- Lively lane centring
- Cease&Go operate
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Ahead and Reverse
- Pedestrian, Bicycle owner and Animal detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- 360-degree cameras
- Entrance, rear and facet parking sensors
- Hill begin help
- Hill descent management
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV value to run?
Like the broader Volvo line-up, the XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with eight years of complementary 24/7 roadside help. Recharge fashions are additionally coated by an eight-year hybrid battery guarantee.
Volvo presents three- and five-year service plans for the XC60 vary, priced at $1750 and $3000 respectively. Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
I managed to complete 200 kilometres of testing over a course of 4 days with an indicated gasoline consumption readout of 0.5L/100km, which was achievable by every day charging and every day mileage of 40-65 kilometres.
Price noting is that when Paul took it right down to our filming location, that determine jumped rapidly with extra performance-oriented driving, an prolonged freeway run and a depleted battery.
In my expertise with the XC90 Recharge nonetheless, holding the automobile in Hybrid mode on an extended journey ought to be capable of preserve the consumption underneath 5-6L/100km which remains to be spectacular for such a big and highly effective automobile.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge PHEV
Whereas the worth equation for some plug-in hybrids raises query marks, the Volvo XC60 Recharge presents greater than only a discount in gasoline consumption and emissions.
Certain the $15,000 upcharge over the Final B6 is a steep, however you’re additionally getting considerably extra efficiency, normal air suspension (a should with these massive wheels), and that candy Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system – each of that are expensive choices on decrease grades which might shrink the value hole.
The added flexibility of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain (which has been lately upgraded) means you are able to do your every day commute and then some on pure electrical energy, providing you with an EV in the course of the week and a hybrid with no vary anxiousness on weekends.
My favorite half about PHEVs usually is that they feel and appear like a standard automobile, and within the case of the XC60 Recharge there’s minimal influence on the automobile’s packaging, and the luxurious drive expertise is simply improved with the high-tech electrified powertrain.
In comparison with its rivals the XC60 T8 Recharge presents extra efficiency and extra vary, and whereas a bit dearer than the Lexus NX450h+ and Mercedes-Benz GLC300e, it comfortably undercuts the BMW X3 xDrive30e and Vary Rover Evoque P300e, particularly when you evaluate spec-for-spec.
If you wish to electrify your every day drive with a premium badge however aren’t fairly prepared for an EV but, the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is among the most convincing plug-in hybrids available on the market.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Everything Volvo XC60
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