The AutoTrader team recently spent some time with a rather special Volvo XC60, and it reminded us of the virtues of the plug-in hybrid as a vehicle type.
The AutoTrader team has spent some time with the T8 variant of Volvo’s XC60 previously, but when the Swedish brand showcased its so-called ‘Beast 2.0’ at the South African Festival of Motoring, we got in touch and asked to spend some time with this heavily customised XC60.
Styling
A quick visual inspection of this particular XC60 reveals extensive aesthetic changes including a gloss black wrap with yellow accents, yellow-painted brake callipers, a body kit sourced from German Volvo specialists Heico Sportiv and a Thule roof-rack. The result is the most unique XC60 you’re likely to see on local roads, a sentiment backed up by all of the attention the car receives from the general public.
Interior and space
The interior of this particular XC60 is slightly different to other models on account of the Polestar-sourced yellow seatbelts. The standard XC60 niceties are still on offer, with the new Google-based infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, the sublime Bowers and Wilkins sound system, air suspension, semi-autonomous driving aids, a surround-view camera, front electric seats, a panoramic roof and keyless entry/start.
While the XC60’s interior design dates back five years and is essentially based on the seven-year-old XC90, it has aged well, with an emphasis on high-quality materials, digitisation and simple ergonomics that periodic updates have managed to keep fresh.
When looking at practicality, the T8 offers an average 468-litre boot, a ground clearance figure of 216mm and a braked towing capacity of 2 250kg, which makes it ideal for smaller families looking at taking extended trips, although we don’t envision many taking their XC60 with 21-inch tyres on hardcore off-road routes.
Performance and driving impression
Powering the XC60 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder super and turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor that features an updated 18.8 kWh battery. Combined figures are impressive, with 340kW and 709Nm being transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Acceleration is impressive, with 0-100km/h coming up in 4.8 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 180 km/h.
In addition to the aforementioned Heico Sportive body kit, the brand has also supplied a sports exhaust system with an active valve that adjusts the sound emanating from the quad stainless steel exhaust tips. In addition to sounding far sportier than a standard XC60, the Swedish brand’s Polestar performance wing has fettled with the software for the engine, gearbox and all-wheel drive system, resulting in better engine response and faster gear changes.
Out on the road the configurable nature of the T8’s drive experience means that if you are in the mood for sporty driving, the combination of the petrol and electric motors combined with the sportier exhaust system means that you have a pukka performance SUV that is fast and relatively engaging. On the flip side, one has the option of driving the car in all-electric mode, which during our testing allowed us to complete our 63 km commute to the office on electric power alone, while on the way back we then made use of the internal combustion engine, which is the real benefit of the T8.
It would be entirely possible for most users to complete their daily commute on electric power alone, provided they charge their car each day, freeing up the weekends for extended trips when the internal combustion engine can be used and potential range anxiety eliminated. Our week with the product leads up to believe that in the short to medium term, the plug-in hybrid is likely the best mobility solution for South Africans in passenger cars, and it was the XC60’s seamless integration into our daily routine that lead us to this conclusion.
Safety
The XC60 range was crash-tested in 2017 by Euro NCAP and achieved a 5-Star rating with 98% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 76% for pedestrian safety and 95% for its safety assistance systems.
Fuel consumption
Volvo claims that the T8 will consume petrol at a rate of 1.6 L/100km, however, our seven-day test resulted in a figure of 4.3 L/100km, which is not quite what the brand claim but is deeply impressive for a mid-size SUV.
Pricing
An XC60 with the press car’s specification is not for sale, and the model on which it is based, the R-Design has also been discontinued in favour of the so-called ‘Ultimate’ specification which is available in either Dark or Bright guise, which were listed at R1 347 000 and R1 349 000 respectively at the time of writing, which we feel is reasonable value for what is on offer. The XC60 comes with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and a 5-year/100 000 km warranty.
Verdict
As fun and eye-catching as the particular XC60 is, our time with it was enlightening for a different reason, as it reminded the team of the virtues of the plug-in hybrid as a vehicle type. The T8’s ability to provide surprising performance coupled with efficiency makes it a great all-rounder and certainly a fantastic proposition for drivers who require a versatile, safe and practical family SUV.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
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