Volvo V60 Recharge T6 PHEV Review 2022 - Why go hybrid with this premium estate?

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In Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid form, Volvo's V60 mid-sized premium estate combines turbocharging, supercharging and electrification for potentially astonishing efficiency returns, despite this ambitious Swedish model's huge power output. There's a significant price to pay for this technology and you'll need to tailor your motoring life to suit what this car can offer but if you can deal with these caveats, then this is a potentially very likeable package.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:42 Background
01:32 Driving Experience
03:26 Design & Build
05:42 Market & Model Range
07:44 Cost of Ownership
09:35 Summary
Background
If you've resisted the allure of SUVs and you're determined to choose a mid-sized premium-badged estate car, you might expect a near-£50,000 budget to buy you something with a six cylinder petrol or diesel engine. Volvo's Recharge V60 plug-in hybrid model can't offer that, but it can deliver plenty else in compensation.
In return for the relatively high sticker figure, the usual PHEV virtues feature here in a car that has less direct competition than Volvo plug-in models in other market segments. As with the brand's other designs, its technology is based around the 2.0-litre four cylinder engine block that the company's been using for the last decade. Here though, you get it in the most sophisticated form the marque can offer.
Driving Experience
Under the bonnet of this Recharge Plug-in hybrid V60, you'll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine which is mated to an electric motor sited on the back axle. For this Recharge T6 variant, the only one available on the V60, the engine's output is 253hp, while the electric motor contributes a further 145hp. The whole set-up is aided by a 25bhp starter motor/generator that pitches in from time to time to smooth any gaps in torque delivery between the two main power sources - engine and electric motor.
It's all enough to deliver a set of stats that it's rather hard to get your head around. That big combined power output - close to 400hp - offsets the extra weight of all these mechanicals, so 62mph from rest can be dispatched in just 5.2, though top speed (as with all current Volvos) is limited to 112mph. Alongside all of this is the potential for the kind of fuel and CO2 readings that theoretically could equal those of a frugal supermini.
Which of those two extremes you reach in a Recharge V60 Plug-in model will depend on your choice between the five driving settings that owners of all Volvo Plug-in hybrid models are offered. Ultimate speed is delivered by a 'Power' mode that sees both petrol and electric units permanently working together. Alternatively, there are four other drive choices: a 'Hybrid' setting that sees the two engines cutting in and out as necessary: an 'AWD' mode that gives you permanent 4x4 traction: plus a 'Pure electric' setting that only uses the battery power and is EAER-rated to take you up to 54.1 miles (more than most people's daily commuting distance) on a single charge. There's even a 'Save' option so that on a longer trip, you can hold that charge until you get to the city driving you might have to do at the end of the journey.
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#VolvoV60Recharge #V60RechargeT6 #NewVolvo

[@mrradman2986]

I am on to my second T6 Recharge. The first had the 30 mile battery range and I was so impressed I traded for a cancelled order on a new 2023 longer range model. Coming from a succession of Audi V6 diesels I have been impressed by the effortless and smooth power delivery and very capable, balanced chassis which does well to hide the extra weight of the battery. The AWD function was what persuaded me and proved excellent climbing a lane covered in packed snow on summer tyres in the Alps last winter.
The car suits well those with PV panels and work a lot from home to keep the battery charged up when not in use. The new Google infotainment system is OK when you get used to it but the bluetooth only input for the Harmon Kardon sound system had me foxed until I picked up a portable media player to store my large CD collection, not being a fan of spotify.
As the battery is conditioning with use the full charge range has increased from 41 to 45 miles. The car drives very well on electric only mode RWD and seemlessly switches from this to petrol FWD on demand.
If you have the lifestyle to make best use of what this car has to offer it makes a compelling case.

[@dankmemesmeltexistentialdr2769]

We’re taking delivery of one of these just like this in the coming days, mildly excited just not so keen on the interior design myself

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Exciting stuff! What made you choose the V60 Recharge over other models?

[@samueld6511]

Please stop saying it's turbo and supercharged. Only turbo. The old t8 was that but not even the new T8 is. The T6 recharge has always only been turbocharged.

[@seanfitz3424]

The 2023 T8 has a electric supercharger.

[@bluefloyd00]

You’re incorrect. I have a 2021 v60 which has a supercharger and turbo. It’s a Down rated version of the t8 version. Thanks