Volvo XC60 T6 Recharge (2022): great potential

At Volvo, the term “Recharge” qualifies models with an electric or rechargeable hybrid engine. Today, these products account for more than a third of the Swedish brand’s sales worldwide and for more than 80% in France! One of Volvo’s best-selling “Recharge” is the XC60, its family SUV.

Launched in 2017, this second generation was released in 2021 a light design visually but important, technically. The battery capacity of the rechargeable hybrid versions has been almost doubled with the addition of a third layer of cells. Therefore, the energy capacity has increased from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, thus feeding the rear electric motor more power now providing 145 hp. The all-electric range now increases to 78 km in the combined cycle according to the WLTP certification cycle and even 100 km in the city. More precisely 94 km in “high city freedom” according to the circuit.

---

It was on the wheel of the T6 version, the “most available” that we did this test. From now on, the combined power reaches 350 horsepower, against the previous 341 horsepower. The fuel segment is still entrusted to the 253 hp 2.0 4-cylinder petrol engine. The latter is responsible for animating the front axle while the 145 hp electric motor drives the rear wheels. So the XC60 T6 Recharge is equipped with 4-wheel drive but without a transmission shaft. The latter housing is used to accommodate a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.8 kWh.

Currently in its category, the XC60 Recharge is above average in terms of electric range. Its direct competitors, the Mercedes GLC 300e and the BMW X330 e use low-capacity batteries, around 11kWh to provide an all-electric range of around fifty kilometers. Only the Range Rover Evoque P300 e comes close with a 15 kWh battery.

---

Known for its comfort and flexibility, the XC60 can be transformed here into a real fighter plane, because the addition of the two engines provides an incredible torque of 659 Nm. Suffice it to say that the acceleration and times are worth it. sports car with a shot of 0 to 100 km / h in 5.7 s. If it can do it, the XC60 was not designed with this in mind. Scandinavian is based on comfort, gentleness and security. Therefore, if you ride at a senatorial pace, you will be able to reach the declared score in reality. So we traveled 69 km in electric mode on a road without roads in “Pure” mode, in other words 100% electric. For vehicles exceeding 2 tons
(2,156 kg), is a good mark.

Great freedom and smart use

Among the various driving modes offered, the “Hybrid” mode will be used most often. It is responsible for directly managing the distribution of work between heat and electric vehicles. With a full battery, you will see an average fuel consumption of around 3.5 l/100 km as we have seen. Once the energy reserve is depleted, the XC60 operates as a non-rechargeable hybrid due to the limited energy reserves remaining in the battery. In this driving mode, fuel consumption rises to around 9 l/100 km. Hence the critical importance of frequent recharging to achieve maximum savings. Thanks to the special location of the battery in the transmission tunnel, it must be noted that the XC60 retains the same capacity of the fuel tank (71 liters) as the conventional hot versions, thus ensuring comfortable freedom even when the battery is empty. This is not the case with many of its competitors. It is possible to collect a few extra electrons thanks to the energy recovery system for the “B” engagement mode on the gear lever, which allows “one pedal” driving.

---

Charging is done using alternating current only. Power, on the other hand, is disappointing compared to the competition with a maximum of 3.7 kW. You’ll have to wait at best 5 hours on a 16 amp unit and at least 13 hours on a 6 amp one. A Type 2 cable, which allows charging at public stations, is charged at €390. At this price point, Volvo could offer it.

The XC60 stands with a higher level of comfort than its rivals, especially if you look at the option of “air suspension” (€ 2,430). The latter is an example of its kind, as absorption is excellent and road defects are almost invisible to the occupants of the car. This damping is matched with 4-star soundproofing and unmatched seat cushions. Certainly the XC60 should convince travelers. Despite its large size, the city is not an obstacle for the Swede who enjoys silent operation and a battery of driving aids that change quietly, including a valuable 360 ​​° camera.

Outside the cities, the laws of physics take over and the excess weight is felt. The turns are negotiated faster than at the wheel of the German competitor but no matter what XC60 remains the undisputed king in its areas of expertise: comfort and safety.

---

The XC60 can now be equipped with a package called “Digital Connect”, the result of a partnership with Google. At the same time, Volvo has simplified the interface of its multimedia system, which was not the most intuitive. Now only one Menu step is provided. The system is based on the Android operating system and provides compatibility with google accounts. It also includes services such as Google Maps, “Google Assistant” voice control and a list of Google Play apps. A four-year subscription to these features is included in the price of the car.

Despite its age of 5 years and no changes, the passenger compartment remains one of the smoothest and most pleasant on the market. Swedish differs from the weight of its competitors. The quality of the material is impeccable. It feels like a cocoon, thanks especially to the very soft seats and light colors of our test version. Among the large list of options, we recommend the excellent, very powerful but expensive (€2,700) Bowers & Wilkins 1,460-watt sound system.

---

Without breaking volume records, the 468 liter trunk stands out for its practical features. It benefits from hands-free opening, a completely flat floor and an adjustable loading height thanks to the air suspension.