Stodgy Volvo is lengthy gone, and the Swedish firm now has its finger on the heart beat of the market. Its design is elegant, its engineering is purposeful, and it reveals within the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid crossover. For 2023, Volvo has changed the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trim degree names with Core, Plus, and Final, with both Vibrant or Darkish exterior themes on the 2 base trims. The basics of Volvo stay the identical nevertheless: excessive specification ranges, stable construct high quality, and a soothing cabin to spend time in.
Three drivetrains can be found for the XC60 general, designated as B5, B6, and T8. The B5 powertrain makes use of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system making 247 horsepower; the B6 provides a supercharger to the engine for 295 hp, whereas the plug-in hybrid T8 makes use of the twin-charged engine and two electrical motors for a complete of 455 hp on faucet. Our week was spent with the eAWD T8 Final Darkish mannequin.
Type: Holding It Elegant
There are solely delicate adjustments for 2023, and all of those are for the choices checklist. Our check automobile swaps shiny chrome for prime gloss black, because the ‘Darkish’ designation implies, and got here wearing Thunder Gray, however there are two new paint choices for the brand new mannequin 12 months: Black Stone and Vibrant Nightfall Metallic. There are additionally new wheel choices; the XC60 Recharge comes commonplace with 18-inch Black Diamon Minimize wheels within the base specification, however the Final trim will get 20 inchers with the choice to modify out for 21-inch and 22-inch objects. Additionally out there for the Recharge mode is a Polestar Engineered model that places the XC60 on bespoke cast 21-inch wheels and offers it an unique grille. Any means you order the XC60 Recharge, it comes with Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and roof rails.
Inside: Scandinavian Goodness
We have talked earlier than about how Volvo will get it proper within the particulars, with every part your hand may contact giving a sense of high quality. Even the bottom XC60 Recharge will get particulars like inside temper lighting together with darkish grey Iron Ore aluminum trim and a tailor-made leather-based cowl gear selector. The Final is the place Volvo reveals off, although, with a crystal gear selector by Orrefors, a tailor-made dashboard and steering wheel, Nappa leather-based seats with air flow, and Linear Lime wooden trim. This trim additionally makes the great Bowers & Wilkins sound system out there.
Whereas the XC60 falls below the compact crossover section, it feels significantly roomy up entrance, and within the again, a few six-foot adults have little to complain about. Cargo house is down on opponents, but it surely’s completely high quality for the typical small household.
Infotainment: Good, However Imperfect
It all the time appears like Volvo’s infotainment is a step away from greatness and stays so, even with the replace that integrates Google – together with Voice and Navigation – into the system. The upright nine-inch touchscreen works nice to manage the infotainment, however Volvo nonetheless insists on digital heating controls, which will get annoying. The person interface is generally straightforward to navigate by means of, and the shift to apps is half a step in the suitable path. After 4 years, the Google system turns into subscription based mostly, which appears off to us.
The digital info cluster is great, as is the heads-up show on the Final trim, but it surely all appears like Volvo needs you to set and overlook. Even the modes for the hybrid system are tucked away within the touchscreen moderately than being hooked up to bodily and easy-to-reach controls.
On The Highway: Easy And Punchy
We all know from expertise that going for the most important wheels suggestions the XC60’s experience high quality over the “too harsh” line. On the smaller wheels, the hybrid’s additional weight feels nice till you hit some significantly tough pavement. For probably the most half, although, the experience from XC60’s suspension upgraded with an air system is good. The steering is mild and correct and has an possibility within the menus for a heavier setting. At greater speeds, the air suspension robotically lowers to assist aerodynamics and, when parked, lowers itself to make getting out and in simpler. Total the XC60 Recharge is a nice cruiser with maneuverability and fast responses that make it straightforward to get a hustle going.
Drivetrain: A lot Of Energy
The XC60 Recharge has an advanced powertrain that features a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine, a turbo, a supercharger, then two electrical motors. The ensuing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque come immediately when jabbing the accelerator pedal, and on the freeway when pulling out from, say, 60 mph, there’s nonetheless energy to spare to get out and overtake. Nevertheless, pace demons beware – its prime pace is proscribed to an arbitrary 112 mph. That is a part of Volvo’s goal to scale back harm and accidents in its vehicles. The eight-speed automated transmission is clean when driving sedately and surprisingly fast when rapidity is essential. We have but to search out it attempting to find the suitable gear or getting confused on a gradual again highway.
Within the menus, you may discover settings for the hybrid system. Auto and Energy modes are self-explanatory, whereas Maintain will maintain the batteries cost wherever it’s. Cost mode will cost the battery from the engine whilst you drive or are at idle. Pure mode is electric-only, and there is an all-wheel-drive mode and a low-speed off-road mode, too.
The additional punch from the hybrid’s 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque means there is not any scenario the XC60 cannot take care of competently, whether or not it is getting out of a junction with restricted visibility down the highway to soundly to overtaking slower site visitors on a again highway. There may be some torque steer from the motors on the entrance to be cautious of, however nothing that is going to scare a driver that is aware of they’ve the facility to spare.
On a again highway, the XC60 will be enjoyable, but it surely has no sporting pretension, which is okay with us. If that is what you purchase a small crossover for, there’s the Polestar Engineered model or you may take a look at rivals which have sportiness baked in from the beginning.
Ought to You Go For The XC60 Recharge?
We sit on the fence with the Recharge model of the XC60. Whereas the drivetrain delivers loads of energy in simply the suitable methods, there are two causes it’s possible you’ll search for a distinct one. With a supercharger and a turbo in addition to battery-delivered energy, there’s loads to go improper down the highway – though reliability will not be a famous situation for Volvo’s hybrids.
Extra instantly, 57 MPGe as commonplace for mixed financial system sounds nice, however as soon as the battery is used up after a full cost and goes into regular hybrid mode, you are going to get round 25 mpg. If nearly all of your driving wants are across the 36-mile electric-only driving vary, then it is sensible. Nevertheless, past that, it is price remembering the XC60 Recharge is not as gasoline environment friendly as most hybrids, and it runs on premium fuel.
In case your way of life works for the XC60 Recharge otherwise you need that sort of energy in a premium crossover, it is a wonderful automotive. It is refined, fashionable, and a pleasure to drive in each dynamics and inside consolation and high quality.