Driven in T8 PHEV form, the XC60 was a disappointment. With 400 horsepower, the vehicle is extremely fast, but also, like other Drive-E powered Volvos, noisy, to the point of causing objections from some potential buyers. In addition, despite all-wheel drive, strong torque-steer accompanies rapid acceleration. Observed fuel economy of 8.9L/100 kilometres is very reasonable considering the T8’s supercar performance. Making its plug-in hybrid into a hyper-performance car instead of a competetent all-rounder, is an interesting strategy and time will tell if it generates sales or alienates “green” consumers. Like other Volvos, the XC60’s steering is very light and lifeless at low speeds but weights up as the vehicle gains speed and also is precise, linear and tracks well on the highway. The XC60 exhibits some lean but doesn’t tilt beyond a certain point, feels stable, and rides very well. Braking is strong. Small side windows limit outward visibility.

The cabin of the T8 PHEV demonstrates a very Scandinavian sense of pared-back, super- luxury. Supple leathers, matte-finished plastics, genuine wood accents, all combine to create a sumptuous cabin environment. Though the instrumentation and main info screen on the XC60 are attractive and common to most Volvos, the touch screen that controls many functions is not user friendly. That said, several screens can be dismissed once properly set up. Seating is very comfortable, front and rear. Legroom is good up front but more adequate than generous for rear seat riders. The XC60 has ample cargo space.

Volvo’s Drive-E fours with light hybrid assist are the B5 (2L turbocharged ), B6 (2L turbocharged and supercharged) and the T8 (PHEV).

The base, 247 horsepower (+13 ISG) base B5 Core model, with a dual-panel sunroof, power front seats, heated front seats and a power tailgate, is nicely equipped. Migrating to the 295 horsepower (+13 ISG) B6, costs $3550. The B6 Plus adds adaptive cruise control, the Pilot Assist limited self-driving system, rear parking sonar, a 360 degree camera system, leather seating and a host of minor features, but is overpriced. The range-topping Ultimate trim includes a heated steering wheel, a head-up display system, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, heated rear seats, Nappa leather and fabric seating, headlight cleaning and a Harmon-Kardon audio system, but is ambitiously overpriced. Recharge PHEV: Moving up from the Core to the Plus adds Adaptive cruise control, the Pilot Assist system, a 360 degree camera system, leather seating and a variety of other items, but is too expensive. The Ultimate range topper adds a variety of equipment that is generally part of the Ultimate upgrade on most Volvo models and is reasonable value. The Recharge is priced $9950 (Core) to $13,800 (Plus and Ultimate) higher than a B6 version of the same trim. The Polestar variant of the Recharge adds a Bowers & Wilkins audio system and some specific exterior trim accents, but is very expensive for what you are getting. Some dealers actually had inventory on the ground in learly 2023. While catalogued, the B5 variant of the XC60 was not generally available in stock or available to be ordered in early 2023. The Recharge T8 PHEV version of the XC60 was in very short supply in early 2023.

Not rated, new model. Electrical glitches are to be expected. The four-cylinder turbo hybrid (B5) and the 2L supercharged and turbocharged four (B6) along with their radical 48 volt electrical system, are unproven. The T8 PHEV is complex but has generated few complaints thus far. An extended warranty from Volvo is recommended if you plan to keep the vehicle longer than the very short four years/80,000 powertrain warranty.