The 2028 Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Gains Monster EV Range, Travels Nearly 80 Miles on Battery AloneRoad & TrackMike DuffTue, September 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleVolvo XC60 T8 PHEV Now Offers 78-Mile EV RangeVolvoWhere Formula 1 leads, Volvo is following—with a new powertrain for the long-running XC60 and XC90 that dramatically increases the electrical range of the onboard hybrid system.For most hybrids, a combustion engine works in conjunction with a relatively small amount of electrical assistance. Flowing ions might help, but dino-juice is doing most of the work. But that is changing with the arrival of more powerful and higher range plug-in powertrains, with Volvo set to offer one that takes things to a different level.Coming to the XC60 next year, the new "T8" configuration combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo capable of making 247 horsepower with two electric motors that can contribute up to 208 horsepower. Thanks to a mammoth 37.9-kWh battery pack, Volvo predicts the XC60 T8 will have an electric-only range of up to 78 miles in EPA numbers, the highest of any plug-in hybrid on sale in the U.S.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe larger Volvo XC90 will also get the same powertrain, and will be only slightly behind with a 73-miles EPA range. For most buyers most of the time, though, these will be EVs with a back-up engine on board.VolvoAs before, the XC60's hybrid system splits its effort in an untypical fashion, with an electrically-powered rear axle and the four-cylinder turning the front wheels. On the basis of our previous experience, the oddball layout works well—and the turbo engine now works in conjunction with a starter-generator, which can add modest electrical assistance to the front axle as well. Changes have been made to the car's understructure, allowing an underfloor location for the larger battery pack that has more than twice the capacity of the last XC60 T8.As with the revised XC40, the XC60 is also being given a facelift to extend its lifespan beyond the point where Volvo was previously planning to go EV-only. Everything you see from the A-pillar forwards is new, including the hood, fenders and headlights—these incorporating LED matrix elements and a new take on Volvo's "Thor's Hammer" signature graphic. The tailgate, rear lights and bumper have all been revised as well. There's nothing radical here, but despite having been launched as long ago as 2018, the XC60 is still a handsome car.VolvoChanges to the cabin are similar to the ones made to the XC40, with the XC60 getting a revised user interface system based around a new 11.2-inch portrait orientated touchscreen and now incorporating Google Gemini as a voice-activated assistant. The Pilot Assist smart cruise control can now deal with lane changes, and there is a new, high-resolution 360-degree camera system. The XC60 also has some new materials chosen to maximize the upmarket Scandinavian feeling. As with the XC40, one obvious benefit of the car's older architecture is the continued presence of much of the physical switchgear that has been excised from Volvo's recently-launched EVs.VolvoAlthough the new T8 powertrain is the headline here, Volvo will still be offering U.S. buyers a non-hybridized B5 version of the XC60, which basically offers the gasoline side of the PHEV system by itself—a four-cylinder turbo engine that combines 247 hp with 266 lb-ft of torque—and which sends drive to all four wheels through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Both models be one sale next year as 2028 models, with production of the entry level XC60 B5 Core and mid-range B5 Plus set to be switched to Volvo's Ridgeville plant in South Carolina. The range-topping B5 Ultra and the T8 versions will continue to be built in Sweden for now.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State