Volvo saw record UK sales in 2019, led by its SUV family including the XC60 series.
Last year British registrations went up 12% to over 56,200 with the compact XC40 taking 15,445 and the XC60 recording 11,766 sales as the brand out performed some other premium rivals and globally topped its 93-years history with over 700,000 sales.
This year will see more PHEV (plug-in hybrids) and BEV (battery electric vehicles) models joining the ranges to maintain this momentum.
The Volvo XC60 series is a truly huge range with seven basic trim levels, 2WD or 4WD, almost exclusively automatic transmission and for now diesel engines along with petrol units, but its is moving towards a pure-electric line up in a few years.
We elected to try the first of the new generation of PHEV plug-in electric vehicles in the XC60 series with their big traction battery built into the platform and it’s a refined system with minimal loss of loadspace due to the battery pack.
The well-tuned and developed four-cylinder petrol engine is a modest 2.0-litres for this over 2-tonnes car but it develops over 300hp and is boosted by an 87hp electric motor. Together they worked seamlessly without hesitation or roughness to produce a maximum close to 400hp, more than enough to rapidly propel this big SUV along from rest or down motorways.
Mechanical engine noise is present but low, there is nothing to be heard from the electric drive and they are almost vibration-free as well. It really felt like a much bigger multi-cylinder engine was under that very big bonnet.
The power is put down through an eight-speed automatic box with undetectable changes at all but the highest revolutions, and you can even coax out a bit more fun with the sporting mode to the transmission.
With each wheel pulling it along, there is tremendous grip at all times, particularly when turning or on slippery surfaces, and there is a near neutral feel to the handling.
Its ride is very compliant slightly firm suspension even though you can hear the suspension and tyres coping with bumps beneath and is testament to excellent chassis development.
The XC60 is a decent sized car and it has excellent power delivery and a very strong parking and footbrake but it did not feel very agile, particularly when parking in confined spaces. You have excellent assistance from sensors and cameras and with confidence can ease it into a space, but it still felt big.
That may be due to the high riding position giving a very good view down the road and around to the sides, but you rely on mirrors and sensors for anything behind is hidden below the high tailed boot. That space is very good to load from a flat smooth floor with hooks to secure items and offset split rear seats and all are easily accessed if a short climb up into them.
Once inside they’re big and comfortable but not very thick, with excellent adjustment on the front pair. Room is plentiful and close to the larger XC90 series with which the XC60 shares its platform, so you never feel hemmed in.
For the driver, the minor controls and instruments are models of clarity, operation and ease of use and I loved the big changeable display infront and the even larger touchscreen in the centre of the fascia. That did however prove a bit slow in responding and I could see after a few days how mucky this would become with constant prodding leaving fingertip prints.
Heating and ventilation was excellent for seats and anywhere in the cabin, with a huge two panel sunroof to let light flood in as well as big windows with their power operation to balance the air as desired aside from the system.
Oddments space was very good throughout and it’s a real family car for sure with that big boot behind as well.
In terms of performance it was quick when you called up petrol and electric motors, but it could be more sedately driven if preferred and this showed in the fuel consumption, often heading north of our overall figure, before falling back and heading south as the power flowed. That also meant the overnight 13-amp domestic supply trickle charge we used to boost the traction battery was soon drained despite its recovery system working well and showing the driver through the on-screen selectable display.
In all honesty unless you fully engage with the EV system and stretch it as much as possible there seems little to gain except when you want that additional urge from the motor, but you could get that with a simple self-charging hybrid.
So the Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Twin Engine is a highly sophisticated, comfortable and with all-wheel-drive, a very capable all-weather five seater family car. I just wish it had a longer all-electric mode driving range.
Mini Milestones: Volvo XC60 T8 twin engine, AWD, Inscription, Auto, SUV.Price: £63,780 as tested including £6,825 of extras.Mechanical: 390hp 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine + electric motor, 8-speed automatic with AWD.Performance: 140 mph, 0-62mph 5.5-seconds, 50mpg overall average on test,CO2 47g/km, VED road tax £0 Firsr year then £135 Standard rate plus £310 supplement annually for 5-years as it costs over £40k, BiK company car tax 16%.Insurance Group: 42.Warranty: 3- years/60,000-miles.Sizes: L4.69m, W1.91m, H1.66m.Capacity: 5-seats/5-doors, boot space 468 to 1,395-litres.For: Strong kerb appeal with stylish exterior and interior design, very roomy and comfortable, felt very safe and surefooted, excellent smooth powertrain and integration of systems.Against: Well equipped as standard but expensive options and not straightforward touchscreen, quickly ran down electric charge, modest economy when pressed to perform.Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency
