Over the past few years, Volvo has grown from a station wagon brand into a real SUV expert. And instead of high-torque diesel engines, cars with plugs have long set the tone – like the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
Volvo is redesigning its most important model, the XC60. The chic Swede has been one of the most successful mid-range SUVs in the European premium league for years. The Swede has to stretch a lot against the competition from Germany and England; he’s the only one who has to get along without diesel or a real sports version and is powered by four-cylinder engines alone. To make matters worse, the Volvo managers clipped the wings away from his desk some time ago, because at 180 km / h has been electronically sealed off for a long time. But since Volvo customers are hardly known for their particularly sporty aspirations and a corresponding driving style, this has not done anything to the success of the models. That will hardly change with the latest facelift of the Volvo XC60, because apart from the all too early braking at 180 km / h and a slightly strained engine sound at high speeds, the Scandinavian can hardly be blamed for anything. Why the designation “Polestar Engineered” as a sporty top version contributes 15 HP and its name remains rather a secret.
Much noticeable has not happened after the facelift. What is important, however, is the new electronics platform, with which, after the Volvo XC40, the big brother is now also on the road. Visually, there are also slight retouches on the radiator grille, front apron, rear and aluminum rims – inside, new displays, easier operation and the integration of Google Auto set the tone. The XC60 is as easy to use as your own smartphone – known from Polestar 2 and the XC40 – now also one size larger and always convincing. Navigation, voice control and the still somewhat sparse apps as small auxiliary programs through everyday life – everything works fine and easier than with most of the competition.
The interior of the 4.69 meter long Volvo XC60 is high quality and chic as usual. Versatile, adjustable leather seats with plenty of contour and plenty of long-distance comfort make the Swedes look great even on long passages. The driver and the co-pilot are not only pleased about the ease of use, but also that the large, dark plastic block behind the inside mirror has become two sizes smaller because the radar sensor has moved back into the radiator grille. Contrasting belts in chic Sweden yellow – not only looks great in a sports car, but also fits in a mid-size SUV. The XC60 space is not opulent, but okay for this league. It doesn’t look quite the same with the payload, because due to its impressive curb weight of more than 2.2 tonnes, the Swedish all-wheel drive can only carry 435 kilograms. That bothers more than the load volume behind the electric tailgate, which with 483 liters is enough for most transports. And if you need more, fold down the rear seats and recharge.
When it comes to propulsion, Volvo has long since said goodbye to its high-torque and efficient diesel engines, much to the displeasure of some customers. So you can hardly avoid one of the two plug-in hybrids with the suffix “Recharge”. The charged two-liter four-cylinder is supported by an 87 hp electric motor on the rear axle and the engine output increases to 298 kW / 405 hp and a lush 670 Nm maximum torque with a small vitamin injection from Polestar. A top speed of 250 km / h would hardly be a problem, but the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 drives into the limiter too early, even with the Polestar package, at just over 180 km / h.
Its competitors Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC or Jaguar F-Pace do better, but the hybrid version also only fires four cylinders. I like the tuning of the chassis. Double wishbone front suspension and integral rear axle made of composite material are supported in the top equipment by an adaptive air suspension with active damper control. In the comfort area, the Swede should like to be a little more sensitive and cautious, especially with his 21-inch wheelset. Here the look shines at the expense of the spring level.
It stays that way under load – the engine sound is strained and may not suit a classy SUV, because without a doubt this is exactly the Volvo XC60 T8, which costs over 80,000 euros in the top equipment and is over 95,000 euros with a few other amenities. And even the weaker T6 variant starts well equipped at 67,600 euros. But the thrust offered by the turbo four-cylinder and the electric module with its 65 kW / 87 PS and 240 Nm is powerful and in normal driving you don’t notice anything from the exhausting cylinder quartet. Also not because, especially at slow or medium speeds, depending on the selected driving mode, the electric motor takes over the majority of the drive power and often makes the combustion engine unemployed. The standard consumption: 3.3 liters and in three hours the battery pack with its 11.6 kWh is strengthened again.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of electric range, because the prospect of 45 to 47 kilometers is only enough to be subsidized this year. From the beginning of 2022, full funding for a plug-in hybrid will only be available if the battery pack installed in the underbody has an electrical range of at least 60 kilometers. Some of the current plug-in hybrids have to lay down their arms and from January 1, 2022 this will also include the Volvo XC60 Recharge in its three performance levels. So better get hold of it this year and hope that the ongoing semiconductor crisis, which is gripping most automakers, does not prevent delivery this year. That would be a shame, because after the latest facelift, the Volvo XC60 is what it has always been: one of the best SUVs in the premium league.
I am a 24-year-old writer and journalist who has been working in the news industry for the past two years. I write primarily about market news, so if you’re looking for insights into what’s going on in the stock market or economic indicators, you’ve come to the right place. I also dabble in writing articles on lifestyle trends and pop culture news.
