The XC60 is Volvo’s best-selling model in the world – and it’s easy to see why.
Luxurious, practical and safe – a medium-sized SUV that meets many criteria.
This version, the Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 R-Design, offers an excellent mix of performance and efficiency.
With the 2.0-liter petrol engine with 253 hp and 87 hp from the electric motor, the driver has a lot of power available, so that the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h is possible in less than six seconds.
One might expect such a punchy performance to be punished by a bulky family crossover with hefty fuel economy and high emissions, but that is nowhere near the case.
In the combined WLTP cycle, the vehicle can achieve over 100 mpg, while Volvo gives an official emission value between 55 and 64 g / km.
While such impressive economics are seldom achieved in real driving conditions, they are the kind of numbers that help justify the addition and cost of plug-in hybrid technology.
Like many Volvos, it glides fairly effortlessly over the road thanks to gentle acceleration, a well-insulated cab and a relatively quiet engine. As a result, it doesn’t feel quite as fast as it really is as it goes about its business with a minimum of fuss and excitement.
The XC60 Recharge tested here is not cheap, even in the T6 entry-level model. That’s partly because it’s crammed with impressive standard equipment, while the car’s cutting-edge powertrain is likely another factor.
In Volvo’s sophisticated all-wheel drive system, the front wheels are powered by the conventional gasoline engine, while an electric motor and battery pack drive the rear wheels.
In addition to the speed and low emissions, one of the rewards is an official all-electric range between 45 and 33 miles.
If the 11.6 kWh high-voltage battery pack runs out of juice, it can be recharged in just two and a half hours using the optional 16 A fast charging cable.
It takes between three and a half hours (at 10 amps) and six hours (at six amps) to fully charge using the standard three-pin plug cable.
In terms of looks, it’s a lovely vehicle that benefits from the more modern and less boxy design language that Volvo has seen in recent years.
It has the same clean, simple lines that you see on other Volvo models these days.
The characteristic headlights of the Swedish manufacturer with their T-shaped daytime running lights now extend to the edge of the front grille.
Inside you will find an interior with a distinct premium feeling. The long, wide cabin offers plenty of space for all five occupants.
At the same time, the generous glass surface – especially in models like this one that is equipped with the optional panoramic sliding roof – ensures plenty of daylight in the interior.
A high seating position gives the driver a confident view
their environment.
The large trunk of the Recharge Hybrid holds 468 liters when the standard rear seats are folded up and an impressive 1,395 liters when they are folded down – just a little less than the normally powered counterpart.
The XC60 has adopted industry-leading technology from Volvo’s larger 90s series, including the intuitive nine-inch touchscreen that allows you to conveniently control most of the vehicle’s entertainment, comfort and safety functions via one interface.
It is an innovative system that works more like a smartphone or tablet than a conventional car control screen, supported by its portrait format and the swipe, pinch and zoom functionality.
In summary, it can be said that the vehicle has a lot to please – especially the rapid acceleration, the impressive savings and the high-quality interior.
The low point
Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD R-Design
PRICE: £ 52,570 (87hp)
ENGINE: T6 (petrol and electric) 253 HP + 87 HP
PERFORMANCE: 0-100 km / h in 5.9 seconds and top speed of 180 km / h (limited)
TRANSMISSION: Automatic four-wheel drive
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY: 100.9-113mpg on a combined WLTP scale
EMISSIONS: 64-55g / km
