We went on a trip with the newly upgraded Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid and were regularly overcome by a ‘now or never’ feeling.
Demand for Volvo’s SUV models is so great in Great Britain that the V60 and V90 have disappeared from the showroom here. In the Netherlands we don’t have to worry, a Volvo spokesperson assured us. Still, it felt a bit like ‘now or never’ when we picked up the Volvo V60 T6 AWD Plug-in Hybrid for a test. After all, crazier things happen; Who would have thought that Ford would put an end to the Fiesta and the Focus?
The sales figures of the Volvo V60 reassure us somewhat. In the first four months of 2024, Volvo dealers nationwide registered 1,464 units, compared to 1,292 units. Volvo XC60. The ‘Estate’ therefore wins over the SUV; where else do you come across that?
The Volvo V60 PHEV recently received an update, increasing the electric range to 88 kilometers. The battery capacity of 18.8 kWh remained the same. The 2-phase on-board charger with 6.4 kW charging capacity is new and ensures that the battery pack is full again in three hours.
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Volvo stands firm
We also thought about the wonderful 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine with 253 hp: it is now or never. Volvo will only offer fully electric cars by 2030. This puts an end to an era of illustrious Volvo engines with turbos. And where other brands are slowly starting to back down due to unfavorable EV conditions (such as the lack of subsidies), Volvo is standing firm. Anyone who is not yet ready for an EV and still wants to drive a new Volvo must determine their strategy now.
Nice consumption figures
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid feels so good that it will certainly last much longer than until 2030. And those who plug in regularly, like us, also score good consumption figures. And believe us: you will. Because the V60 drives so quietly, especially on its electric motor, that you seize every charging opportunity with both hands. A nice side effect is that you see the average fuel consumption in the digital instruments drop gently. At one point the on-board computer showed 5.2 l/100 km, which is very good for such a large car. Although the electricity that is consumed is of course not free.
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Pause? Is that necessary?
Regardless of whether the battery is full or not: the Volvo V60 drives so smoothly and comfortably that you only take a rest every two hours because you read somewhere that the ANWB advises this. We lasted much longer behind the wheel, not least because of the special contour seats (sports seats) that are really great.
With 350 hp you will never lack power and 180 km/h on the German highways felt like a 100 km/h pace on the A2. The V60 cannot go any faster (for safety reasons, Volvo considers a top speed of 180 km/h to be enough), but you feel that the car is capable of much more. Only one question remains: what is the added value of the T8 with 455 hp?
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid test conclusion
Volvo continues to supply station wagons in the Netherlands. Fortunately, because the Volvo V60 is a beast of a station wagon. With plenty of space, great handling and a beautiful design. Timeless too and that’s a good thing, because the car feels like it was built to last forever. The fact that you can also drive electrically makes it extra future-proof.