To sum up
Family SUV
Plug-in hybrid
78 km range
At Volvo, the term “Recharge” refers to models equipped with an electric or rechargeable hybrid engine. Today, these versions account for more than a third of the Swedish brand’s worldwide sales and more than 80% in France! One of Volvo’s best-selling “Recharges” is the XC60, its family-friendly SUV.
Launched in 2017, this second generation offered in 2021 a slight visual but technically important restyling. The battery capacity of the rechargeable hybrid versions has almost doubled thanks to the incorporation of a third row of cells. Thus, the energy capacity has increased from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, thus powering a more powerful rear electric motor that now offers 145 hp. Fully electric range now increases to 78 km in combined cycle according to the WLTP certification cycle and even flirts with 100 km, in the city. More precisely 94 km in “high city autonomy” according to the same cycle.
(accumulated power).
It was behind the wheel of the T6 version, the “most accessible” we did this test. From now on, the combined power reaches 350 horsepower, compared to the previous 341. The thermal part is still entrusted to a supercharged petrol engine of 43 cylinders of 253 CV. The latter is responsible for animating the front axle while the 145 hp electric motor drives the rear wheels. Therefore, the XC60 T6 Recharge is equipped with 4-wheel drive but no drive shaft. The latter housing is used to hold the lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.8 kWh.
Currently, in its category, the XC60 Recharge is above average in terms of fully electric range. Its direct competitors, the Mercedes GLC 300e and the BMW X330 e use lower capacity batteries, about 11 kWh which provide a fully electric range of about fifty kilometers. Only the Range Rover Evoque P300 and comes with a 15 kWh battery.
Known for its comfort and flexibility, the XC60 can be transformed here into a real fighter jet, because the incorporation of the two engines gives it an extraordinary maximum torque of 659 Nm. Suffice it to say that the accelerations and times are worthy of a sports car with a shot from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.7 s. If it can, the XC60 was not designed with that in mind. The Scandinavian relies on comfort, softness and security. Thus, if you travel at the pace of a senator, you will be able to get closer to the announced score in real conditions. Thus we have traveled 69 km in all-electric mode on a route without a motorway in “Pure” mode, that is, 100% electric. For a vehicle over 2 tons
(2,156 kg), is a good score.
Great autonomy and reasonable consumption
Among the different driving modes offered, the “hybrid” mode will be the most used. It is responsible for automatically managing the distribution of tasks between heat and electric motors. With full batteries, you will see an average fuel consumption of about 3.5 l / 100 km as we have seen. Once the power reserve is exhausted, the XC60 functions as a non-rechargeable hybrid thanks to the minimum power left in the battery. In this mode of operation, fuel consumption soars to 9 l / 100 km. Hence the vital importance of recharging regularly to achieve maximum savings. Thanks to the specific location of the batteries in the transmission tunnel, it should be noted that the XC60 retains the same capacity of the fuel tank (71 liters) as conventional thermal versions, thus ensuring a comfortable range even when the batteries are empty. This is not the case with most of its competitors. It is possible to obtain a few additional electrons thanks to the energy recovery system by activating the “B” mode on the shift lever, which allows “single pedal” driving.
Charging is done exclusively with alternating current. The power, on the other hand, is disappointing compared to the competition with a maximum of 3.7 kW. You will need to wait a maximum of 5 hours for a 16 amp jack and a maximum of 13 hours for a 6 amp jack. The Type 2 cable, which can be charged in public terminals, has a turnover of € 390. At this price level, Volvo could have given it away.
The XC60 stands out for a higher level of comfort than its rivals, especially if you check the “air suspension” option (€ 2,430). The latter is a model of this nature, as the absorption is effective and the road defects are almost imperceptible to the occupants of the vehicle. This cushioning goes hand in hand with a 4-star soundproofing and incomparable seat cushions. No doubt the XC60 should seduce travelers. Despite its imposing size, the city is no obstacle for the Swede who enjoys quiet operation and a battery of driving aids to evolve with serenity including a beautiful 360 ° camera.
Outside the cities, the laws of physics are taking over and the overweight is noticeable. Turns are negotiated less quickly than at the wheel of a German competitor, but no matter the XC60 is still the undisputed king in its areas of experience: comfort and safety.
The XC60 can now be equipped with a pack called “Digital Connect”, a collaboration with Google. At the same time, Volvo has simplified the interface of its multimedia system, which was not the most intuitive. Now only one menu step is offered. The system is based on the Android operating system and offers support for Google Accounts. It also integrates services like Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, and the Google Play app catalog. The price of the vehicle includes a four-year subscription to these features.
Despite being 5 years old and unchanged, the cabin is still one of the most cozy and pleasant on the market. the Swede contrasts with the seriousness of his competitors. The quality of the materials is impeccable. It feels like a cocoon, thanks in particular to the very soft seats and light colors of our trial version. Among the wide range of options, we recommend the excellent, very powerful but too expensive (€ 2,700) Bowers & Wilkins 1,460 watts of sound.
Without breaking volume records, the 468-liter boot stands out for its practicality. It benefits from the hands-free opening, a completely flat floor and adjustable load height thanks to the air suspension.