Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge AWD Final
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Shade: Vivid Nightfall
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 190
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB+
Energy and PerformanceA-
Match and FinishA
Gasoline EconomyB+
ValueB-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge GuyA-
Tall GuyA-
Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs455-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Type4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid
Transmission 8-speed computerized
Drive WheelsAWD
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 37.4 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 63 MPGe/28 mpg (metropolis/freeway mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium gasoline advisable
Base value: $67,850 (not together with $1195 vacation spot cost)
Choices: Local weather Package deal ($750), Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system ($3200), Acitive Chassis with Air Suspension ($1800), 22-inch black-finish alloy wheels ($1475),
Worth as examined: $76,270
Execs and Cons
The good: Plug-in hybrid effectivity, stunning cabin, refined driving expertise
The great: Roomy cabin, loads of energy
The not so good: Expensive in Final trim, requires premium fuel
Assessment
With electric-vehicle gross sales progress slowing, carmakers are scrambling to make out there within the U.S. extra hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) autos. Globally, particularly in China, PHEV vehicles and vans have caught hearth (metaphorically) as they supply customers with an EV-like expertise with out the effort of getting to seek out charging services on longer journeys.
In contrast to many different carmakers, Volvo has developed a number of PHEV fashions on the market within the U.S. and across the globe. Forward of the sport, 40 p.c of Volvos offered within the U.S. in 2023 have been both electrical or plug-in hybrid. For 2024, Volvo lineup contains 5 PHEV fashions together with:
XC90 Recharge midsize crossover
XC60 Recharge compact crossover
S90 Recharge midsize sedan
S60 Recharge compact sedan
V60 Polestar Engineered high-performance compact wagon
All PHEV Volvos include an 18.8-kWh battery, commonplace AWD, and between 32 and 41 miles of battery vary.
Shopper Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge in Final “Darkish Theme” trim with Vivid Nightfall paint. All instructed, our take a look at automobile topped out at $76,270, this with just about each choice out there.
For 2024, the XC60 Recharge is obtainable in base trim (beginning round $61,000) and Black Version (additionally described by Volvo as Black Theme) (round $72,000). The bottom can be supplied in Final Version trim, which is basically the Black Version minus the black-out exterior trim bits.
Energy comes from Volvo’s branded T8 drivetrain. Briefly, a 312-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with a single 143-horsepower electrical motor. The 2 energy sources mix for s stout 445 horsepower. In regular driving, the system will propel the automobile utilizing simply the electrical motor till the battery is depleted (35 miles, per the EPA). At the moment, the car will function like a standard hybrid, drawing electrical vitality recaptured throughout routine braking. All Volvo Recharge fashions make use of a normal 8-speed computerized transmission.
The system works very effectively, and is extraordinarily quiet and refined working on battery energy alone. Hit the fuel for a fast getaway, and the fuel engine kicks in to complement the electrical motor. Mixed, the engine and motor ship shocking energy, making the XC60 recharge one of many quickest autos within the compact luxury-crossover phase.
If there’s a draw back to the T8 PHEV system, its that the gasoline engine desires for refinement, and might be course at idle and in low-speed operation. This isn’t a compelling challenge, however 4-cylinder engines present in aggressive small crossovers are typically smoother and quieter in operation. In Shopper Information testing, over roughly 190 miles, our take a look at XC60 Recharge returned about 37 mpg, this with one full battery cost. Had we restricted our analysis to only editors near the workplace, we’d have used no gasoline in any respect throughout our analysis.
In contrast to different European crossovers, Volvo tunes the suspensions of its autos extra for consolation than for efficiency, and result’s a quiet, refined, simple to pilot car that suffers from steering that feels somewhat to gentle, and dealing with that is fantastic, however not curvy-road inspiring. And, that simply enjoyable with us. For many metropolis and suburban commuters, the Volvo’s tranquil in-traffic expertise will show each pleasant and enjoyable. However, if you happen to’re used to driving a BMW X3, or Audi Q3, you will see the Volvo somewhat flaccid.
Whereas the Genesis GV70 in all probability “out-luxuries” the XC60 for the all-out premium-cabin award, the Volvo’s open, ethereal, and clear sophistication has its deserves. The ‘60s inside is each elegant and easy, however nonetheless looks like the inside of an costly European crossover.
Because of massive door openings, the XC60 entrance row is simple to enter and exit, and can be lots roomy as soon as located. Likewise, the rear seat is spacious and cozy. Our take a look at car was fitted with Volvo’s wool seating surfaces, that are a refreshing various to leather-based, and seem simply as upscale. We don’t know if sellers inventory examples with the wool cabin, however assume severe consumers owe it to themselves to take a look.
Additionally, the $3200 Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system—which is an improve of the usual Harman Kardon system, is price figuring out about if you’re severe about your music. This editor favors mid-century American jazz, and located the B&W system to be completely fabulous.
The XC60 was refreshed for 2023, so there have been few updates for 2024. For 2025, fashions referred to as Final grow to be “Extremely,” and the PHEV fashions referred to as Recharge will merely be referred to as PHEV. It seems that totally electrical fashions will retail the Recharge moniker.
At greater than $76,000, our take a look at XC60 Recharge is available in as expensive for the phase. That mentioned, there’s loads of professional consolation, expertise, and efficiency to justify the value. That mentioned, we recommend wanting on the less-pricey base XC60 Recharge, which options the identical powertrain, simply tools—and isn’t out there with the cool wool seats.
Not able to go electrical, however eager to hitch the electrification motion? In case you are significantly about plugging in each day, we suggest trying out the XC60 Recharge. It’s stylish, comfy, and inexperienced. What’s to not love?
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