Sameway 668

cab Audited
14,475
as at 31 Mar 2014
668
D R I V E W A Y . S A M E W A Y . C O M . A U
Distributed in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbrane & Adelaide
Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge 2023
(The Swede Electric Touch)
Our test car was the efficient Plug-in Hybrid top-of-range XC60 T8 AWD Recharge.
The entry-level XC60 Plus B5 starts from $72,990 plus on roads, whilst the XC60 ‘T8
Polestar Engineered' costs $97,990 plus on road. The list price has risen to $100,990
plus on-road costs for the 2023 model.
Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder super-and-turbo-charged engine produces 246kW power
and 440Nm torque, with the electric motor adding 65kW and 240Nm. Eliminating drive
shaft requirements, the petrol engine drives the front wheels, and the electric motor
the rear. Volvo claims a 4.8 second 0 to 100 sprint.
You can tell this elegant-looking SUV is the high-powered XC60 by white
Polestar badges front and rear, along with big 21-inch alloy wheels.
Inside
Unlike some German rivals that have
rough plastics where you do not
usually see them, every surface feels
premium and soft to the touch, even a
leather-lined key. Interior leather feels
high-end, even Scottish Cowhide in the
entry-level T5. Not ostentatiously
luxurious, but it does feel high-quality
craftsmanship.
This approach extends to ambient
lighting resembling the atmosphere of
a high-end timber lodge rather than a
club-like atmosphere. Volvo has done
a superb and tasteful overall
execution.
Another sign Volvo has thought
through this hybrid application
carefully is no compromise in terms of
interior or boot space for batteries or
electric motor, all neatly hidden not to
be seen.
The 9.0-inch central touchscreen
offers online functionality with Google
Assistant. Software is amazingly
smooth and speedy for something
designed in-house, with some unique
functionality for the hybrid, like power
distribution charts.
A highlight is the Harman/Kardon
sound system, which works
stupendously, one of the better audio
systems I have heard, really furthering
the premium positioning of the
vehicle. With 15 speakers and 1,460W
output.
The head-up display, while
interesting, really does work well when
the dash plastics reflect on the
windscreen against strong sunlight and
make the view clear. The gear knob
requires a double tap to move from
Park to Drive or from Drive to Reverse.
By William Leong
SAMEWAY ISSUE 668 P. 20 07.10.2022