Sameway 668

The Drive
A T8 badge means lofty expectations for
performance. There is more than enough
grunt for most purposes, but it becomes
quickly apparent the car prefers to be
driven in a relaxed manner. Steering is light
and suited for urban situations, but maybe
not enough feedback for precise driving.
The suspension is pleasantly plush, even
with 21-inch R-Design wheels, and you do
enjoy more how it soaks up bumps than
think about body roll.
Because the battery powers rear wheels
only, power distribution can feel unnatural
at times, with instantaneous electric torque
delivered sometimes when you prefer not.
Front wheels can chirp and torque steer if
you gun it, unusually for an AWD. Most of
the time, however, it works well and is
under the radar.
Once you dial down the pace and with
the beat of the car, it truly shines. Engine
noise reduces to an acceptable level and,
thanks to great sound insulation, road
noise is very low. There is good torque,
especially when there are battery reserves,
and the transition from petrol to the
battery is seamless, probably one of the
smoothest I have experienced. However,
the weight penalty over a pure NA XC60 T5
(+208kg) is enough to make one consider if
it is justified to get a hybrid.
The battery boost helps but you do need
to ensure sufficient charge, and charging
from the engine alone is slow and
inefficient. If you have not got space for a
charging point at your home to plug in
every night, or a point at work, you may
run out of juice pretty quickly. Volvo claims
the PHEV can travel of only 78km to 81km;
a lot depends on driving and road
conditions. There is a meter you can watch
to.
車 . 報
Verdict
The XC60 T8 Recharge in itself is an
accomplished car, with a conservative
yet slick exterior design and tasteful
high-quality interior, fulfilling the brief
countless previous Volvo SUVs always
have - something safe and uniquely
Scandinavian for the whole family. It is a
unique all-in-one if you are not ready for
the full Electric Vehicle.
The greatest competitors to the XC60
Recharge Plug-in Hybrid though are not
from rival brands but it is a model lineup.
With its decent price tag, decent but
not class-leading EV range, and
preference for being driven sedately
rather than spiritedly, it seems that T5
or T6 variant would work just as well.
The main thing going for the rangetopper
is fancy options like a 360-
degree camera and Harman/Kardon
premium sound, which you cannot get in
lower variants. If you must go for the
most well-equipped and technologically
advanced XC60, then the Recharge
Plug-in Hybrid is for you.
Volvo XC60 is backed by a five-year,
unlimited-kilometre warranty, with eight
years of complimentary 24/7 roadside
assistance. Recharge models are also
covered by an eight-year hybrid battery
warranty.
Volvo offers three/five-year service
plans for the XC60 range, priced at
$1,750 and $3,000 respectively.
Scheduled maintenance is required
every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres –
whichever comes first.
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: $100,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
+ supercharged petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed torque
converter auto
Power:
233kW @6,000rpm petrol
107kW @15,900rpm electric
340kW combined
Torque:
400Nm @3,000-5,400rpm petrol
309Nm @0 – 3,280rpm electric
709Nm combined
Fuel tank: 71-litres
Boot: 468-litres (seats up)
Weight: 2,146kg
L/W/H/WB (mm):
4,708/1,902/1,653/2,865
Turning circle: 11.4m
SAMEWAY ISSUE 668 P. 21 07.10.2022