Volvo has been diligently carving its niche as a true premium automaker, offering compelling alternatives to the established German giants. While models like the V40 and the groundbreaking XC90 spearhead this new wave, the V60, a more seasoned member of the Volvo family, continues to impress. Volvo has refined the V60, imbuing it with a distinct character that shuns mere imitation of its Teutonic rivals, opting instead for a more understated and sophisticated approach – a unique selling proposition in a crowded market.
However, Volvo’s innovation with the V60 extends beyond aesthetics and subtle refinement. They transformed it into a groundbreaking vehicle: the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. We spent time with the Volvo V60 PHEV D6 AWD Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav – a name as substantial as the car itself. Thankfully, the tailgate remains free of excessive chrome badging.
The V60 PHEV embodies the promise of “having it all”: the potential for eco-conscious, electric, emissions-free urban driving combined with the robust performance expected from a powerful vehicle when the open road calls. This duality, however, comes at a significant price. The initial sticker shock is considerable, starting at £51,675 and escalating to a hefty £58,150 with the array of optional extras fitted to our test model. Government incentives offer a £5,000 rebate, yet even after this reduction, the test car still commands a price of £53,150. To put this into perspective, it surpasses the cost of the high-performance V60 Polestar we evaluated just a few years prior. This price point positions the Volvo V60 PHEV firmly within the premium segment, competing with brands like Mercedes Benz. For customers in locations like Long of Chattanooga, considering premium vehicles, the V60 PHEV presents an intriguing option to weigh against established luxury brands.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid: Design and Interior Refinement
The automotive industry has thankfully moved beyond the era where “eco-friendly” cars were synonymous with uninspired design. The V60 PHEV is a testament to this evolution, embracing its green credentials without sacrificing visual appeal. Clad in the R-Design body kit, it exudes a sense of purposefulness without resorting to ostentation. The stylish alloy wheels complement the crisp white paint, creating a presence that commands attention on the road. Subtle “Plug-In Hybrid” badging on the tailgate and front wings, along with an additional fuel flap for charging, are the only visual cues distinguishing the PHEV from its conventional V60 siblings.
Alt text: Volvo V60 PHEV R-Design interior showcasing the dashboard and comfortable leather seats, emphasizing Scandinavian design.
Inside, the V60 PHEV maintains the Volvo tradition of understated yet sophisticated luxury. The cabin reflects a distinctly Swedish design ethos: clean lines, intuitive controls (once acclimated), and supremely comfortable seats. Our test car featured leather-faced R-Design seats with electric adjustments and heating, thanks to the extensive option list.
This impressive specification included the Driver Support Pack (£1900) encompassing Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring, enhancing both safety and convenience. The Winter Illumination Pack (£675) further elevated comfort with heated front seats, a heated windscreen, Active Bending Xenon headlights, ambient lighting, and auto-dimming mirrors.
Individual options further enriched the experience, including a Power Glass Roof (£850), Keyless entry (£550), Sensus infotainment with Harmon Kardon Premium Sound (£500), Rear Camera (£375), front and rear Park Assist (£325), and extended plug-in cables (£50). These features collectively transform the V60 PHEV into a highly desirable and well-equipped vehicle.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid: Driving Dynamics and Performance
While the standard Volvo V60 may have been previously underestimated by those predisposed to German marques like Mercedes Benz, it offers a compelling driving experience with competent steering, balanced dynamics, comfortable ride quality, and adequate performance. The V60 PHEV builds upon this foundation, adding a new dimension of versatility and capability.
Powering the front wheels is Volvo’s robust D5 diesel engine, delivering 215 horsepower, complemented by a 70 horsepower electric motor. This combination provides ample power and allows drivers to tailor the driving experience to their needs and preferences using the intuitive driving modes.
“Pure” mode prioritizes electric-only driving for zero-emission commutes. “Power” mode unleashes the full combined output for maximum performance. “Hybrid” mode, the default setting, intelligently manages both power sources for optimal efficiency and responsiveness.
Alt text: Volvo V60 PHEV charging port on the front fender, highlighting the plug-in hybrid capability and ease of charging.
Additional modes further enhance adaptability. “AWD” mode ensures all-wheel drive engagement at lower speeds, ideal for slippery conditions. “Save” mode conserves battery charge by primarily utilizing the diesel engine, reserving electric power for later use in urban environments. The system operates seamlessly and effectively.
Charging is straightforward at home via overnight charging, providing approximately 20 miles of real-world electric range, or at public charging stations. However, the charging rate is relatively slow, and fast public chargers are not fully utilized, making home charging the most practical option.
In electric mode, daily commutes become a serene and silent experience, with fuel consumption figures exceeding 100mpg according to the car’s computer. On motorways, with adaptive cruise control engaged, the V60 PHEV cruises effortlessly, achieving around 60mpg.
However, spirited driving on back roads inevitably impacts fuel economy. Despite its weight, the V60 PHEV delivers brisk acceleration, reaching 0-62mph in under 7 seconds. Overall, the Volvo V60 PHEV lives up to expectations, performing admirably in diverse driving scenarios. For car buyers considering premium estates, and perhaps comparing options like Mercedes Benz offerings available at dealerships such as those long of Chattanooga, the Volvo V60 PHEV presents a compelling blend of luxury, efficiency, and performance.
