The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Black Version PHEV is sort of a common XC60 however, you guessed it, extra black.
Becoming a member of the line-up because the flagship variant of Sweden’s widespread mid-sized SUV, the Black Version is positioned to promote on model contemplating it’s primarily an aesthetic improve over the Recharge Final T8 Plug-in Hybrid.
Magnificence is within the eye of the beholder, however is it value spending over $100,000 on the XC60 – Black Version or in any other case?
Particularly contemplating Volvo’s mid-sized SUV is seven years outdated now, and an electrical substitute is within the works.
Even for those who’re set on an XC60, the bottom mannequin Plus B5 nets you a whopping $30,000 saving, and rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are unimaginable to disregard within the premium SUV sphere.
How does the Volvo XC60 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volvo XC60 towards equally sized autos.
Volvo
XC60
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 price?
The 2024 Volvo XC60 vary begins at $73,990 earlier than on-road prices for the bottom Plus B5, and tops out with our T8 Black Version tester at $103,990 plus on-roads.
| Mannequin Variant | $RRP |
|---|---|
| 2024 Volvo XC60 Plus B5 MHEV | $73,990 |
| 2024 Volvo XC60 Final B5 Shiny MHEV | $80,990 |
| 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plus T8 PHEV | $92,990 |
| 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Final T8 PHEV | $101,990 |
| 2024 Volvo XC60 T8 Black Version PHEV | $103,990 |
To see how the Volvo XC60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument.
What’s the Volvo XC60 like on the within?
The inside of the XC60 could be very fashionable, very Swedish, and really black.
On this case these are all good issues, and there’s loads of substance to match the model.
All of it begins with the perforated leather-based seats, which go away little to fault. They’re delicate, supportive and totally adjustable. We’re not simply speaking slide and recline; there’s a web page within the infotainment system devoted to changes for bolster width, thigh help and lumbar help, along with the anticipated capabilities.
Modifications will be made through toggles on the facet of the seat and thru the display itself, so it’s simple discover a comfy setup that moulds to your body. With a lot adjustability out there, reminiscence settings are helpful when switching between drivers.
You’ll by no means discover the seats too sizzling or chilly both, as each entrance chairs have three-stage heating and cooling capabilities.
The following most necessary touchpoint is the steering wheel, and it additionally feels premium.
A contented medium between skinny and thick, the rim is trimmed in leather-based with black stitching. Whereas there’s not a lot padding or squidge, it’s comfy to carry and will put on effectively over time.
As with different prime finish Volvos, the piece de resistance is the Orrefors crystal gear selector.
It provides no performance by any means and does look a bit of misplaced among the many remainder of the black and silver trim, however I don’t care. The cabin is a extra particular place due to it, and it’s much more fascinating than the pint-sized toggles you see elsewhere.
Not for everybody, however I commend Volvo for pondering exterior the field.
Elsewhere it’s a swathe of black leather-based and plastic with some steel accents.
The sprint, door playing cards and armrest are all trimmed in delicate leather-based, so that you by no means are available in contact with something low cost and nasty. I do query the longevity of the shiny black plastic surrounding the gear selector and infotainment display although.
Each half feels sturdy too, so it’s laborious to really feel shortchanged. All of the bodily buttons and switches have a strong clunk to them.
Except for the crystal gear selector, there’s much less bling right here than in different premium SUVs. In my opinion that’s a drawcard, because the cabin is comfy and simple to regulate to for those who’re new to the Volvo model.
That approachability carries over to the know-how on provide within the XC60 Black Version.
Behind the steering wheel sits a digital instrument show that reveals all the data you want and never way more.
From left to proper you get a speedo, customisable centre display and drive mode show. All through the check I caught with maps because the centre readout, which is a good way to maintain your eyes going through forward whereas driving.
Automotive business take be aware – you may prioritise security with out introducing overbearing nannies.
Not one of the out there show area has gone to waste as journey data and vary figures are situated on the base of the display.
Shifting throughout, a 9.0-inch portrait infotainment display is situated entrance and centre, and it has shortly turn out to be one in every of my favorite methods going round.
Collectively developed with Google, the system is laid out like a smartphone with built-in Google apps and providers reminiscent of YouTube and Google Maps.
The primary upside of that is that individuals are so used to residing with smartphones that navigating the infotainment display seems like second nature.
It’s simple to maneuver between the house display and completely different apps, whereas handy shortcuts to generally used options are completely pinned to the underside of the display. Like a contemporary iPhone, the display within the Volvo is extremely responsive.
Google Maps specifically is a priceless inclusion, because the app offers correct, up-to-date visitors data.
The user-friendly nature of Volvo’s infotainment setup makes it all of the extra shocking that Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection.
The native system is nice, however you’d anticipate wi-fi mirroring in a $100,000 premium SUV. Having mentioned that, the wi-fi charging pad proved temperamental so plugging units in is the most secure possibility if you wish to arrive at your vacation spot with a totally charged telephone.
Two USB-C factors will be discovered below the centre armrest, and there’s a 12V outlet close to the gear selector.
The buttons on the steering wheel additionally lack edges to separate them, so it may be tough to make the suitable choice with out wanting down.
It was a mistake I made typically as I used to be usually reaching to crank up the unimaginable 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo. In addition to wanting the half, the audio system are clear, crisp, and simply configurable.
Customized sound experiences can be found inside the infotainment menus, and I significantly loved the ‘live performance’ mode which transports you to the mosh pit at your favorite stay music act.
The sound system is one in every of a number of options elevating the inside of the XC60, however it didn’t fully distract me from the shortage of cupboard space out there.
Except for beneficiant door bins and a big glovebox, the intelligent storage options related to Swedish engineering are in brief provide.
There’s no area beneath the centre stack, the centre cupholders are on the smaller facet and sun shades are left homeless. A BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC positively provides extra on this entrance.
At the very least occupants aren’t left wanting for room as there’s a lot for each first and second row passengers, with one exception.
Youngsters and adults of all sizes and shapes can get comfy within the rear outboard seats as legroom is plentiful. Simply don’t prolong your knees out too far, because the entrance seat backs are too agency to relaxation towards.
Even with the panoramic sunroof, solely tall varieties topping six-four will battle for headroom. The center seat is a child-only zone, although.
A tall transmission tunnel eliminates nearly all legroom for the center passenger, forcing them to take up the foot room of individuals both facet.
It’s a disgrace given the XC60 serves as a household automobile for a lot of. The rear doorways don’t open particularly broad both, making it tough for much less cell individuals to entry the again seats.
Volvo has considered the youngsters although, together with pop-up booster seats within the outboard seats to avoid wasting mother and father from lugging round a unfastened, cumbersome various.
Given the compromised seating area, the centre seat is healthier left empty with the armrest folded down. That offers the choice of retractable cupholders, liberating up area elsewhere.
Different facilities embody a pair of USB-C connections, air vents situated subsequent to the rear home windows, map pockets, and small door bins on both facet.
Additional again, boot area is down on most rivals at 468 litres. It’s simple to load gadgets because of a wide-opening powered tailgate, however the whole area out there is capped.
Hardcore IKEA lovers can take solace in the truth that the rear bench folds 60/40 to unlock 1445L of cargo room.
Tenting journeys are made simpler by the inclusion of a 12V outlet on the boot wall, which is ideal for powering an esky.
A web on the left facet helps to maintain smaller gadgets safe, and the boot is effectively lit.
| Dimensions | Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 PHEV |
|---|---|
| Size | 4708mm |
| Width | 1999mm |
| Peak | 1658mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865mm |
| Kerb weight | 2146kg |
| Boot area (seats up) | 468L |
| Boot area (seats folded) | 1445L |
To see how the Volvo XC60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument.
What’s below the bonnet?
There are two engines supplied for the 2024 Volvo XC60.
XC60 B5 fashions are fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are rated at 183kW and 350Nm and Volvo claims the XC60 B5 can speed up from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The highest-spec XC60 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid groups a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electrical motor and 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The petrol motor makes 223kW and 400Nm by itself, whereas the rear-mounted electrical motor develops 107kW and 309Nm. System outputs are 340kW and 709Nm, and Volvo claims the XC60 PHEV can dash from 0-100 in 4.8 seconds.
| Technical Specs | Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 223kW + 400Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 107kW + 309Nm |
| Whole system energy | 340kW |
| Whole system torque | 709Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Battery | 18.8kWh lithium-ion |
| Pushed Wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2147kg (tare) |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 1.6L/100km |
| Electrical vary | 81km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 0.5L/100km (full battery) 5.0L (empty battery) |
| Gasoline tank | 71L |
| Octane ranking | 95 RON |
To see how the Volvo XC60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparison instrument.
How does the Volvo XC60 drive?
Trendy Volvos promise consolation and security. Whereas each are current right here, the XC60 has some methods up its sleeve in Recharge T8 guise.
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2022 Recharge Final T8 PHEV proven
The plug-in hybrid powertrain provides drivers a alternative, and imbues the automobile with a splendidly cut up persona.
Should you ignore the little bag of charging goodies within the boot, the XC60 runs as a clean, environment friendly hybrid with bucketloads of energy on faucet when known as upon.
System outputs are 340kW and 709Nm, and the XC60 PHEV feels each bit as fast as Volvo claims it’s when your put your foot down. All of the whereas, the gasoline financial system readout not often tipped over 5.0L/100km in my expertise.
That makes the T8 a succesful long-distance cruiser, as overtaking is rarely a difficulty and gasoline stops are few and much between. It’s comfy, too.
Floaty suspension retains the disturbances of potholes and coarse nation roads out of the cabin, whereas tyre noise is minimal even with the 21-inch alloys. It seems like an enormous automobile, as a result of it’s.
However what in case you have no real interest in 0-100km/h occasions and simply wish to negotiate the each day metropolis commute with out dropping your cool? The XC60 can do this, too.
Volvo claims the plug-in hybrid can journey 81km on electrical energy alone, so in principle a median commute (33km spherical journey in Australia) will be accomplished in peaceable, environment friendly silence.
That fashioned the idea of my expertise with the automobile, as I charged it each night time and activated the Pure EV drive mode each morning earlier than setting off to work, therefore the gasoline consumption determine within the desk above. Your mileage might differ.
Charging occasions will differ relying on the assets at your disposal, however when plugged in to a standard wall socket the battery in our tester charged from zero to 100 per cent in round eight hours.
In EV mode the XC60 is whisper quiet, and nonetheless packs sufficient punch to grab upon gaps within the visitors.
The auto-hold characteristic takes a number of the effort out of sitting in bumper-to-bumper jams, permitting the motive force a possibility to offer their proper foot a relaxation from modulating the brake pedal.
As for suburban streets, it’s extra of the identical aside from a few irritating quirks.
For instance, we discovered the entrance collision warning system to be over-sensitive, sending pointless shudders by the cabin when passing by slender openings between parked vehicles.
What do you get?
The brand new Black Version will get all the perfect equipment of the XC60 vary in addition to a black exterior package deal.
XC60 B5 Plus highlights:
- 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- LED headlights with lively bending
- LED entrance fog lights
- 9.0-inch Android Automotive infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation incl. Google Maps
- DAB radio
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Digital Service, 4yr subscription
- Wi-fi smartphone charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Electrical tailgate
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
- Energy-folding rear headrests
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
XC60 B5 Final Shiny provides:
- 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Head-up show
- Distinctive instrument panel show
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Crystal gear selector
XC60 Recharge Final T8 Plug-in Hybrid provides:
- Air suspension with 4-C Lively Chassis
- Bowers and Wilkins sound system
- Rear privateness glass
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- R-Design exterior styling
XC60 T8 Black Version provides:
- Onyx Black exterior paint
- Onyx Black grille and badging
- Black window trims
- 21-inch black alloy wheels
- Black Nappa leather-based upholstery
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Energy adjustable facet help
Is the Volvo XC60 secure?
Volvo XC60 fashions in-built 2024 are at present unrated, though petrol variations of the Volvo XC60 constructed between 2017 and the top of 2023 put on a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on Euro NCAP exams in 2017.
The XC60 scored 98 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 76 per cent for pedestrian detection and 95 per cent for security help.
Customary security options embody:
- Adjustable velocity limiter
- Adaptive cruise management incl. Pilot Help
- Lively lane centring
- Cease&Go perform
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Ahead, Reverse
- Pedestrian, Bicycle owner, Animal detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- 360-degree cameras
- Entrance, rear, facet parking sensors
- Hill begin help
- Hill descent management
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 price to run?
Like the broader Volvo line-up, the XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with eight years of complementary 24/7 roadside help.
| Aftersales Program | Volvo XC60 Black Version |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| PHEV battery guarantee | 8 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| 3-year service plan | $1750 |
| 5-year service plan | $3000 |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC60
The brand new Black Version doesn’t change the XC60 method in any vital manner. It’s nonetheless a good-looking, comfy and intelligent medium SUV.
As such, the enchantment of the blacked-out model can be topic to particular person aesthetic preferences.
It’s $2000 dearer than the common Recharge Final T8, and if black is your color (or shade?) then the improve might be worthwhile.
Nevertheless, this debate is extra about whether or not the Recharge Final T8 stacks up towards the competitors and lesser XC60 fashions.
That query is harder to reply.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain on provide here’s a actual promoting level – it blends effectivity and efficiency seamlessly in all driving environments.
The equal BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC can’t match the Volvo on both entrance, and the Swede nonetheless is available in cheaper. You could not get fairly as a lot gadgetry or bling within the cabin of the XC60, however that brings a appeal of its personal.
Positive, you additionally must pay a hefty premium over the bottom XC60 B5, however that’s typically the case with premium manufacturers when upgrading inside the mannequin vary.
If solely the Volvo had a bit of extra cupboard space. Then it could be a really compelling package deal.
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