Volvo extends S60 range with T8 plug-in hybrid option

Volvo has added a fast-but-green option to its S60 range with the introduction of its T8 Twin Engine PHEV powertrain. Packing 385bhp in total, owners can not only expect literally electrifying performance, they can also expect a usable EV-only range and a road tax bill of precisely nothing.

The T8 Twin Engine powertrain comprises a 2.0-litre, four cylinder petrol engine that is boosted by both a supercharger and a turbocharger to endow it with 299bhp. This is joined by an 86bhp electric motor to give the S60 that impressive total system output which is fed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A supercar-esque 0-62mph time of just 4.6 seconds is the result of all this power.

Feeding the electric side of things is an 11.8kWh battery which is good for 36 electric-only miles. On the WLTP emissions cycle, the S60 T8 achieves 176.5mpg and emits just 39g/km of carbon dioxide. Incidentally, Volvo has also just announced that its XC90 T8 Twin Engine has also been upgraded to the 11.8kWh battery (from 10.4kWh), increasing its electric-only range from 21.7 to 28.6 miles. 

Buyers of the S60 T8 PHEV won't have to spend too long mulling over what spec they want their car to come in as there's only one: R-Design Plus. This is effectively Volvo's 'sporty' specification if you discount the Polestar variants, and has been chosen to blend a focused driving experience with some luxurious touches.

Drivers get a head-up display, gearshift paddles and sports seats to make driving that bit more driver-focussed. High-gloss black trim details and a choice of 18, 19 and 20 inch wheels make the exterior look that little bit sportier, whilst inside there are aluminium mesh inlays and those sports seats benefit from part-leather upholstery.

For those who want to take control of the S60 T8's suspension dynamics, the car can be fitted with active dampers. This 'Active Four C-Chassis' can be tuned to the road surface in terms of stiffness and is controlled by the S60's Drive Mode settings which also alter the car's engine, gearbox, steering and brakes to suit the driver's preference.

Other standard features include a touchscreen and voice-activated control system with sat nav, adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free boot opening, two-zone climate control with CleanZone air-quality system, heated front seats and Volvo On Call connected services.

Buying a Volvo S60 T8 Twin Engine PHEV isn't cheap; it comes in at £49,805 on-the-road. But it is a sporty, fast and an efficient alternative to something like a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E Class, and with Volvo's own brand of style and staunch middle class following, we can see it doing quite well.