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The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge Review (Video)

The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is arguably an underrated plug-in hybrid SUV that seems to be geared towards young families looking for a reliable mid-sized SUV.

The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is arguably an underrated plug-in hybrid SUV that seems to be geared towards young families looking for a reliable mid-sized SUV to fit the everyday urban jungle challenges.

Maybe it’s age talking but I genuinely feel like we need to visit the conversation about Volvo’s and how they are meant for the more “mature” of consumers; and I will explain this further. This very Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is a special one; spec’d complete with a Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker sound system that sounds so good, you might be tempted to call your mates and start a band (or party) in the car. The comfort of the cabin really inclines one to spend more time in there, which is weird in that one does not leave the car feeling tired after a long drive – which is exactly what I did.

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge

The Drive

The T8 Recharge speaks to Volvo’s plug-in hybrid that enables one to have the best of both worlds, even when loadshedding strikes. The electric motors tend to take priority when the car is in hybrid mode – between the drive and regeneration of power. As a result, the XC60 is rather quick on its wheels, with power feeling almost instant when one puts their foot down. Now one could looks at how Volvo’s decision to cut their turbodiesel engines back in 2021(which accounted for 65% of their passenger cars sales in recent years) to not have been a great one, but I’d be the first to admit at how the pairing on the plug-in hybrid engine has actually been done so well – and this is coming from someone who has been warming up to the concept of diesel engines fairing toe-to-toe with their petrol counter parts.

The Spec

I must admit that the interior of the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is very minimal in that it has not been overly complicated from assembly. The front and rear seats have heated functionality included, with the addition of ventilated seats in the front (with 4-way adjustable lumbar support) and a heated steering wheel. Volvo has been on a journey of kitting their cars with sustainable materials and one sees this with the “leather” that is wrapped in both the front and rear seats.

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge

The infotainment system includes Volvo’s signature operating system that has Google services integrated into it. This also enables the owner to view information regarding their vehicles from the comfort of their mobile phone. This Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is the Ultimate in the product line-up, which means that it is fitted with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, that sounds like a pairing made in heaven – good luck missing a note through these speakers.

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge

Standard features also include Intellisafe System that includes city safety with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection. The system also has front and rear collision warning with full auto brake. The road sign information system does a number in terms of clearly identifying local signs, the lane-keep assistance also has very good feedback through the steering system when it detects one veering from the road. The package also includes Volvo On Call services in South Africa, keyless entry with remote tag for the vehicle which can even be extended to the Volvo app for a truly handsfree system and handsfree tailgate opening for those days when ones hands are too full to operate the tailgate.

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge

Pricing

This particular Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge (PHEV), in the Vapour Grey paint, comes in at R1 388 000. Volvo also offers a 5 Year/ 100 000KM warranty and a 5 Year/100 000KM full maintenance on the XC60.

The 71L tank will set one back approx. R1 721.75 inland* and R1 665.66 coastal* on a full tank whilst a full battery charge will come to approximately R133 on a public AC charger.

Fuel price calculated at R23.46 @ coastal and 24.25 @ inland – according to NERSA fuel pricing as of 05-06-2024

View The Review(Also Available On Our Youtube)

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