2021 (21) Volvo XC60 2.0 T8 Recharge PHEV R DESIGN Pro 5dr AWD Auto

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

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.

History

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 Get

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.

What to Look For

Dealers will tell you that the XC60 is the brand's most reliable model (the XC90 is the least reliable). There aren't many major issues here, other than a few electrical and software things to look out for; go thoroughly over all the dash and infotainment functions of the car you're looking at. We've come across a few issues with the Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, so make sure that everything on that works as it should. These problems all seem to relate to earlier versions of this system and include things like the infotainment screen on the dashboard display constantly restarting, incompatibility with various apps such as Sirius XM and radio.com, problems with voice commands and the Google Assistant, Bluetooth disconnections, telematics failures and failed over the air updates. We've come across a few electrical issues. One owner of a PHEV variant found that his headlights malfunctioned, and that a propulsion system alert appeared without warning when driving, plus the battery drained for unknown reasons while charging. Another owner complained of engine surging between 3000 and 4000rpm. Otherwise, it's just the usual things; look out for stone chips and alloy wheel scratches. Check the interior for child damage. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2021 XC60 Recharge Pure Electric Twin Motor T8 ex VAT) A wiper blade will cost you from about £12. Front brake pads sit in the £51-70 bracket; rears will sit in the £34-39 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £61 bracket; a pair of rear discs are about £95. A pollen filter is around £11-£35. An oil filter is in the £10-£22 bracket. An air filter is in the £20-£29 bracket. A water pump is in the £51-£70 bracket. A thermostat is in the £43 bracket.

On the Road

Under the bonnet of the 2018-2021-era Recharge Plug-in hybrid AWD XC60 models, you'll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine which is mated to an 87hp electric motor sited on the back axle energised by an 11.6kWh battery. The main powerplant comes in three levels of output: 253hp for the base Recharge T6, 303hp for the Recharge T8 and 318hp for the top Recharge T8 'Polestar Engineered' version. In each case, the set-up is aided by a 25bhp starter motor/generator that pitches in from time to time to smooth any gaps in torque delivery between the two main power sources. It's all enough to deliver a set of stats that it's rather hard to get your head around. In the case of the standard T8 variant that most XC60 Plug-in hybrid customers choose, an enormous 407bhp combined power output offsets the extra weight of all these mechanicals, so 62mph from rest can still be dispatched in just 5.3s on the way to 140mph. Yet there's also the potential for the kind of fuel and CO2 readings that theoretically could equal those of a frugal supermini. Which of those two extremes you reach in an XC60 T8 will depend on your choice between the five driving settings that owners of all XC60 Plug-in hybrid models are offered. Ultimate speed is delivered by a 'Power' mode that sees both petrol and electric units permanently working together. Alternatively, there are four other drive choices: a 'Hybrid' setting that sees the two engines cutting in and out as necessary: an 'AWD' mode that gives you permanent 4x4 traction: plus a 'Pure electric' setting that only uses the battery power and can take you up to 28 miles (more than most people's daily commuting distance) on a single charge. There's even a 'Save' option so that on a longer trip, you can hold that charge until you get to the city driving you might have to do at the end of the journey. As with any plug-in hybrid, there's little point in purchase unless you establish a regular recharging regime for the battery pack, which in this case is 11.6kWh in size. Customers will need a wallbox that will charge their cars on 16-amp power in about two and a half hours. If you're out and about and find a 10-amp pubic charging point, the charging time will be slightly longer - three and a half hours - while connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 6-amp supply will take six hours.

Overall

The sort of sensible buyer likely to be considering an XC60 is, we think, likely to be sorely tempted by this Plug-in hybrid version. The combination of low taxation and the potential for virtually fuel-free commuting mileage is, as with any model of this type, a tempting one. And when you match it to this car's class-leading safety standards and cool, Scandinavian vibe, the resulting package offers a refreshing alternative to rival German-branded SUVs from the 2018-2021 period. But the asking figures are quite substantial, so you'd have to be very sold on the plug-in remit here to opt for this Recharge model. After all, if you merely want your premium luxury mid-sized SUV to be in some way electrified, Volvo offered very acceptable mild hybrid petrol and diesel versions of this car lower down the range. We think those mildly electrified variants might be a better pick for many customers. But if you have to have technology superiority in your XC60 in the form of this PHEV version and you need to have it at a price that's halfway reasonable, only these early 11.6kWh versions of this XC60 Recharge variant will do.