Back a few years ago, when EV mania was at what turns out to have been its peak, Volvo was one of the first to say that its objective was to build nothing but electric vehicles by the end of the decade.
But as the EV mania cooled in the face of the technology and infrastructure challenges still faced by the EV industry, many came to the conclusion that the best way to get into an electrified vehicle today, and for the foreseeable future, is with a plug-in hybrid vehicle, offering a usable electric-only range for daily commuting, and an engine to eliminate range and charging anxieties.
Volvo, among a few other manufacturers, is well-placed to offer both levels of electrification, and in the very competitive premium compact two-row SUV arena, its XC60 T8 Ultra PHEV is a solid contender. It has been one for several years in this generation, although you may have heard it called different names, such is Volvo’s penchant for changing model names seemingly every year. What was known as Recharge in 2024 is now T8, and what was Ultimate is now Ultra.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre four cylinder, which has become the replacement for V6’s across the industry. This one has a few power adders, starting with both supercharger and turbocharger that cover the lower end and higher end of the power band, respectively. But of course, being a hybrid means electrification, too, and there are two electric motors, a bigger one driving the rear wheels and yielding all-wheel drive.
The result of all this technology is an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, and a claim of zero-to-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. There are pure EV SUVs that are quicker, but not by much; this Volvo is quick and feels it, too.
The essence of a plug-in hybrid is that the driver can use electric power on its own for daily commuting or local shopping, and still have an engine for longer trips, to eliminate range anxiety and having to deal with recharging arrangements. The XC60 allows up to 62 km (observed), or at least 58 km (according to Volvo) of electric-only power, and you can tailor the source and delivery of the power to your needs. The choices offered are “hybrid” (the computer decides on the mix of electrons and gas), “power” (the engine runs all the time), “pure” (the electric motors move the car, as long as the batteries have charge), off-road, and constant AWD (engine and rear motor run all the time).
On top of that, the driver can modify how the battery is used. On “hold” it will save what electrons are left for the driving where they are most advantageous (stop-and-go, for example). And, the battery can be charged by the engine on-the-fly. The driver who wants to be involved in the process, beyond just driving down the road, has full control available.
Given all the speed available under the driver’s right foot, this Volvo is noticeably less performance-focused in the way it is presented. Yes, the optional ($1,000) 21-inch wheels shod with 255/40 tires look the part, and the optional ($2,350) Active Air Suspension does a great job of both handling and ride comfort, given those low-profile tires, but the brakes aren’t huge, and there is no provision for manual shifting, just to name two missing factors.
Having said that, any sporting driver will be more than happy with the seats, as, in Volvo tradition, they are very supportive in all the right places, and adjustable in multiple directions including the taller driver’s most important one, under the thighs. Our tester had optional ($1,300) Seat Massage, which was sublime.
While in the interior, and speaking of options, our XC60 tester had the optional Bowers and Wilkins audio system. When the standard-on-Ultra Harman-Kardon 600-watt 14-speaker system just isn’t enough for you, Volvo offers the B&W 1,410-watt 15-speaker system for only $3,750 extra.
As for connectivity, the XC60 is all Google built-in. Showing its age a bit, the central screen is a smallish 9-inches, the Apple Car Play is wired, and there is no mobile charging pad. Not big deals, but what was aggravating was the audio volume, which had a mind of its own, and could take many seconds, and/or changing audio settings, to actually turn on.
Aside from that little issue, one has to mention price. The Ultra (top-of-the-line) model starts at $82,750. With all the options listed above (and who wouldn’t want them all), you will be looking at $92,005. This, for a compact SUV; Volvo is clearly pushing its positioning into the upper reaches of the luxury segment, beside the other vaunted European brands. With all the technology on board, it is not a far-fetched concept.
But in the big picture, the XC60 plug-in hybrid is a clear indication from one of the strongest proponents of pure EV vehicles that there will still be a place for engines in their cars for the foreseeable future. As Volvo’s current ads say – “Electric, with a back-up plan.”