‘Twin-Engine’ technology grants Volvo V60 pinnacle efficiency

Volvo’s mid-size executive estate car is a paradigm for both business and private motoring demands, writes Iain Robertson, providing space, pace and agility but now incorporating plug-in benefits that reduce tax implications and running costs significantly.

Swedish-based, Chinese-owned Volvo is in a great place at present. The clamour for its products is helping it to break all previous records and consumer satisfaction with the brand is on an all-time high. A carefully measured new model programme has the effect of adding excitement and with justification, because the combination of a 303bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, with an 87bhp electric motor (472lbs ft of torque in total) and an 11.8kWh lithium-ion storage battery, placates (temporarily) the anti-car environmentalist lobby, while laying an engaging pathway towards full model electrification in the future.



However, those horsepower figures may seem at odds with Volvo’s eco-stance. After all, even tipping the scales at 1,990kgs, this V60 can scorch the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in just 4.6s, before coursing on to a top speed of 155mph. The clever stuff lies in its plug-in hybrid technology, or ‘T8 Twin-Engine’ in Volvo-speak. Apart from a lowly 39g/km CO2 rating, which is not exactly ‘tax free’ but ensures that ‘tax-minimal’ is the sugar coating, a WLTP combined fuel economy rating of up to 166mpg is not to be scoffed at.



Naturally, very few owners will reach upwards into that territory but, as we know from the WLTP ‘more realistic’ classifications, the figure will be attainable, which ensures that this high-performance thriller can gain free access to congestion charge zones, thanks to its EV-only range of around 36 miles. As a city commuting machine, it is a major points-scorer.



In all-wheel drive R-Design Plus specification, the chassis is blessed with Volvo’s Active Four-C adjustable suspension system. Controlled by the car’s Drive Mode settings (the small but beautifully crafted knurled roller, located behind the equally lovely ‘twist-to-start’ switch), responses to steering, the 8-speed automatic gearbox, engine management, brakes and even the climate control system can be altered across a series of preferences, related directly to the honed ride and handling qualities. Ranging between luxuriant and racy, with immense grip provided by the 235/40x19 tyres (+£550 option on the test car), this model is a ‘your-wish-is-my-command’ V60.



The pair of bags you see in the boot contain the cables for either domestic three-pin, or charging-post devices. Boasting a price tag almost 50% more than a base level, US-built V60 (a pre-discount £58,355 including options), this version is not exactly inexpensive but, in terms of performance per Pound, it is virtually unrivalled. It also looks the business, hunkered 12mm lower to the road surface.



Moderately well-equipped as standard, the R-Design Plus specification factors in Volvo’s supremely supportive Contour sports seats, head-up instrument display and gearshift paddles mounted to the steering wheel. The signature, 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dashboard is now more logical to flip and slide through its numerous menus and connectivity, including the Volvo On-Call app and both iPhone and android links.

MSG Summary

Exhilarating to drive, despite immense safety margins (and supportive electronics), the V60 T8 is a stunningly engaging machine possessing heaps of space and flexibility that underscores its role for many drivers and enthusiasts.

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