It was only a matter of time before we got a new Volvo XC60, and, considering the fun we had with the last edition, it’s a little overdue. The automotive company has dropped four new models in South Africa, starting at R1,060,000 and closing out at a little over a million and a half for the top-end model.
For your money, you’ll nab ” refreshed styling, an advanced user experience, updated design details, and enhanced comfort,” according to Volvo. If that sounds like something that’ll get your engine (silently) revving, then the fresh load of mild or plug-in hybrids could be what you’ve been lacking.
Activate the XC60
Two different versions of the updated Volvo XC60 exist, each split into two trim levels. The B5 mild hybrid features fuel economy of 7.6l/100km. With the associated 71-litre tank (that’ll cost a substantial slice to fill), you should grab nigh-on a thousand kilometres between refills. Output of 245hp, a zero to 100km/h time of 6.9 seconds, and Volvo’s usual raft of safety features should make either the Core or Plus trims attractive to anyone with a million or more to spend on their car.
The XC60 Core includes an 11.2in centre display, a wireless charging pad, and an Android-based OS for all your tech connectivity needs. If the R1,060,000 price tag is too low, you can jump to the Plus edition and grab a 360º external camera, heightened blind spot and cross traffic alert systems, and improved interior lighting for R1,117,000 or so.
Volvo’s plug-in hybrid T8 models begin at R1,461,000 for the Plus trim, but you might as well go all the way to Ultra, for all the difference in price at this level. The fully-kitted XC60 will run buyers R1,501,000 (we’re rounding up for all of these prices, in case it’s not obvious), but the extra forty grand or so buys some excellent features.
The XC60 T8 PHEV models feature an electric-only range of 81km, fuel consumption of 1.6l/100km (which is the way you’re supposed to drive this critter), and a combined engine power (fossil fuel and electric) of 455hp. Pulling off from the intersection will put you at 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Not bad for a lumbering beast like this.
The XC60 T8 Plus shares the same 11.2in main display as all of these models, but throws in a panoramic sunroof along with the lower fuel consumption that’ll justify the price tag. Go Ultra, and you’ll experience a full Bowers and Wilkins audio system, active air suspension, and a windscreen-projected heads-up display, along with every other feature the more affordable models are lobbing in your direction. Driving one of these should be suitably nippy, belying its 2,660kg chassis. We can’t wait to give it a go.
