By Ian Strachan.
Volvo’s XC60 Recharge brings another very welcome plug-in hybrid to the SUV market sector. The Swedish manufacturer is committed to a fully electric or hybrid range.
The XC60 hybrid gives you up to 32 miles of all-electric driving before the vehicle reverts to its 253 bhp two litre petrol engine, which supported by an 87 bhp electric motor. After that you switch seamlessly from petrol to electric power depending on the demands of the vehicle.
Volvo’s range shows a lot of confidence, pitching in with the best. And the Discovery-sized XC60 is no exception. It more than holds its own and offers a genuine premium alternative to the other big hitters, bringing new levels of connectivity, interior comfort and safety.
Its soft Scandinavian curves, classy interior and car-like handling blur the lines between a true 4×4 and a big estate. But don’t be fooled – the XC60 is the real deal when it comes to all-wheel-drive off-roading. Its high ground-clearance and host of electronic features will keep you motoring safely in all terrains.
The XC60 also looks good. I tested the T6 AWD Inscription which has smooth and sporty good looks despite its rugged capabilities. The result is a car which is the ultimate in practicality, but which still looks smart on the road.
In design terms, there’s no doubt that this is a Volvo. Solid, sturdy-looking and roomy, it’s all Volvo from front, back and side.
It has a high stance, superb traction and a host of electronics to keep you safe (this is a Volvo, after all). I took the XC60 across some pretty hairy country tracks and muddy fields and it didn’t miss a beat. With its chunky tyres on big 20- inch alloys (an £850 option over the standard 18-inch wheels) and good ground clearance I was impressed how good its off-road capabilities were.
I test drove the petrol and electric-powered 2.0 litre four cylinder version. This is a superb engine; very quiet, with smooth, unfussed power delivery. Linked to an effortless automatic transmission, driving it is a pleasure, particularly when you need mid range power.
Ride is comfortable in the extreme, with nicely damped suspension, no sea cruise body roll on cornering, and supportive, supremely comfortable seats. The front seats are heated, and my test car had the £550 climate option which adds heated windscreen, rear seats and steering wheel. Worth having on cold winter mornings.
The interior is nicely trimmed with soft trim materials. The dash is uncluttered and clear with all controls falling nicely to hand. Most functions are controlled from a centrally mounted nine-inch touchscreen. There’s plenty of leg and elbow room inside the cabin, and the load space is impressive, with spare wheel and extra stowage under the boot floor.
Trim levels are high. Standard equipment on this specification includes a good satnav system with traffic information, Google maps and voice control. Remote controlled tailgate release and electric closing, surround-sound 10-speaker sound system with DAB radio and MP3 player with Bluetooth, wireless mobile phone charging, two-zone electronic climate control with air quality system, automatic stop/start, cruise control with speed limiter, steer assist and lane control, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, electric front seats and electrically heated folding door mirrors.
This XC60 plug-in hybrid in T6 Inscription spec comes at £56,965 on the road. My test car came with £5,000’s worth of extras including active bending headlights with cleaning system, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and metallic paint. Volvo motoring at this level isn’t cheap, but you get a great deal of car and comfort for your money.
