VOLVO'S transition to the fully electric age means this may be the last moment we'll see of the XC60 running on petrol, or at least a part of it, as being a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) means it is also powered by a battery.
Still, it is no battery electric vehicle (BEV) and that difference alone makes for a very dissimilar experience.
It is inevitable, though, as we all know it is only a matter of time before it turns into a full EV.
Regardless, one does not have to wait until then to appreciate what makes this sport utility vehicle (SUV) a solid choice.
RECHARGED, REFRESHED
Visually, the 2023 XC60 adopts a sportier theme compared to its more "executive" predecessor.
The Recharge T8 Ultimate variant, in particular, has the new R-Design exterior package that is mostly distinguished by its 19-inch five-double spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels and "X" design profile.
The front bumper and black mesh inserts in the grille and lower-side vents go with the full LED headlamps with active high beam and active bending lights, while the rear has a much more expressive bumper.
In the cabin is a nine-inch touchscreen that runs on a now-integrated Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, a 1,100-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with memory function, an Orrefors crystal gearknob, and a head-up display.
First announced at the tail-end of 2021, the partnership between Volvo and Google resulted in a first-of-its-kind built-in infotainment system complete with a host of Google services.
The interior mood is almost completely charcoal, as with the open grid textile upholstery paired with metal mesh finishing.
The active safety features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with collision avoidance, lane keeping aid, run-off road mitigation, cross traffic alert with auto braking, blind spot information system and a surround-view camera.
In 2022, it was announced that all Recharge T8 models from Volvo Car Malaysia would receive an improved Recharge PHEV powertrain for a longer electric range and better drive performance. This includes the latest XC60 model.
The highlights of this new powertrain include a longer-range battery of 18.8kWh (from 11.6kWh previously), a new rear electric motor providing 145hp (from 88hp previously), more power at 462hp (from 407hp previously) and the One-Pedal Drive system.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 317hp at 6,000rpm and 400Nm of torque from 3,000rpm to 5,400rpm.
It is paired with a rear electric motor, an all-wheel drive (AWD) system and an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver a total system output of 462hp and 709Nm of torque.
It can sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 180kph. The combined fuel consumption is as low as 1.6 litres per 100km.
The top Recharge T8 Ultimate variant comes with a recommended selling price starting from RM357,888 (on-the-road, without insurance). This includes a standard five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and an eight-year 160,000km warranty for the PHEV battery.
The exterior colours are Crystal White, Onyx Black, Denim Blue and Vapour Grey.
PEAK PERFORMANCE
This writer has many fond memories of the XC60. Back in 2020 when it was a non-PHEV, Cars Bikes and Trucks called the model one of the most balanced SUVs in the market at the time.
Running on a petrol T8 Twin Engine, the model was not only impressively powerful but surprisingly very quiet, even at maximum acceleration.
Many things have changed since then, including the Volvo-mandated speed cap of 180kph.
The aggressive advent of full-EVs or BEVs also means there are more comparisons, with the majority being SUVs, no less.
This writer doesn't find these changes, except for the speed limit, to weaken the allure of the XC60 in any way.
If anything, this is the best version yet.
For performance, the SUV's power and cabin sound insulation are top-notch. Noise, Vibration and Harshness is close to non-existent or as good as it gets in this price range.
Power has been upgraded with the new powertrain but the steering control remains just as smooth, solid and responsive.
The pedals have also been re-tuned for better foot-pressure gauging, offering just the right amount of acceleration torque without a lot of jerking and forced lifting.
"Smooth" is the word best used to describe the experience. And because of how quiet the vehicle is, it's easy to forget you are driving an EV, with the only cue being how responsive the foot pedals are.
One of the big benefits of the PHEV variant of the XC60 is the amazing range.
A full fuel tank and a fully charged battery offer an insane combined range of 910km.
Where balance is concerned, the XC60's position as the middle sibling of the "XC" range gives it the "best of both worlds".
It is more powerful than the highly popular XC40 and is more trendy for its sportier design when compared to the XC90. It also isn't as large as the latter, which puts it in a sweet spot for those who want more space but nothing too bulky.
VERDICT
It will be some time before Volvo goes fully electric, but the Recharge T8 Ultimate XC60 already gives us all the reasons not to miss what non-EVs can achieve.
The showstopper has to be the newly improved Recharge PHEV powertrain. So much power and range all rolled into one silent platform.
Granted, there is a catch with PHEVs, in that you have to think about both refuelling and recharging, unlike mild-hybrid or full-on battery technology where you only need to focus on one energy source.
The fuel and energy levels may also drain quickly without the two sides working in tandem.
If the XC60 was already highly recommended before, then the latest offering is even more so now.
