A MORE SENSIBLE SIXTY (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 92

The top Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid version of Volvo's XC60 mid-sized premium SUV was launched in 2018, combining 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. Here, we look at the early 2018-2021-era 11.6kWh battery versions of this model as a potential used buy.

Modelsword count: 6

5dr SUV (EV) (petrol) [T8 PHEV]

Historyword count: 189

Quite a few brands took some time to jump aboard the plug-in hybrid bandwagon but Volvo had long planned for it and introduced this XC60 Recharge T8 Plug-in Hybrid T8 model back in 2018. Like all the company's models in this period, this PHEV derivative's powerplant was 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 subsequently, plug-in hybrid variants of rival Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC rival SUVs also hit the market. In 2021, a slightly less powerful 350hp T6 Plug-in Hybrid version arrived to join this T8 model. At about the same time in Spring 2021, a lightly facelifted XC60 range arrived complete with the new Android-based infotainment system. In Autumn 2021, the 11.6kWh drive battery fitted to all XC60 PHEVs was replaced by a larger 18.8kWh drive battery - and the rear electric motor upped in power from 87 to 145hp. It's the earlier 11.6kWh 2018 to 2021 versions of this T8 model though, that we look at here.

What You Getword count: 206

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. Up-front, high-quality materials, intelligent use of space and attention to detail work together to create a distinctly Scandinavian cabin that's simple and elegant. The first thing you'll probably notice is the 9-inch portrait-style touchscreen on the centre console that de-clutters the cabin of buttons and gives it a classy, sophisticated air emphasised by intricate detailing and rich Scandinavian design. There's more technology in the instrument binnacle where the normal conventional dials and read-outs are replaced by virtual ones in an 'Active TFT Crystal Driver's Information Display'. In the back, two adults should be very comfortable and three would fit at a pinch. 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. That's down from 483-litres in the conventional model. If you need more room, folding the rear bench releases up to 1,395-litres of space - down from 1,410-litres in the conventionally-engined XC60.

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