SWEDISH SPARK (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volvoxc60phev_2024

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 120

In 2021, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid, which had first been launched in 2018, got the first of two facelifts, creating the 2021-2025-era version of this premium mid-sized SUV PHEV model that we're going to look at here. Like its predecessor, this improved model combined turbocharging, supercharging and electrification for potentially astonishing efficiency returns, despite this Swedish crossover's huge power output in this top T8 form. 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, especially in this improved form. Here, we look at it as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 11

5dr SUV (2.0 turbo & supercharged T6 and T8 plug-in Hybrid)

Historyword count: 179

By 2021, quite a few brands had only recently jumped aboard the Pug-in Hybrid bandwagon but Volvo had long planned for it. By then, the company's petrol and diesel cars had long been based around a single 2.0-litre four cylinder engine block unveiled by Volvo's then R&D Chief Peter Mertens way back in 2011. It was a configuration fundamentally designed around the requirements for Plug-in Hybrid tech and as a result, Volvo was quickly able to launch plug-in electrified versions of all its larger models, including, in 2018, the XC60 mid-sized SUV. After that, plug-in variants of rival Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC rival SUVs also hit the market, so in late 2021, Volvo upgraded this car's PHEV offering with a much larger battery, a more powerful rear electric motor and the option of a more affordable T6 variant to sell alongside the top T8 model. The post-2021 version of this MK2 XC90 Plug-in Hybrid AWD was further updated in late 2025, but it's the first facelift 2021-2025-era versions we look at here as a used buy.

What You Getword count: 324

The revised version of this PHEV Volvo didn't visually change much as part of the 2021 update. The Swedish brand slightly tweaked the styling of the front grille and the front bumpers and added fresh exterior colour and wheel options; that was about it. Inside up-front, take a look around and at first glance, if you happen to be familiar with the earlier 2018-2020- version of this MK2 XC60 PHEV design, you might initially think that not much changed with this revised model - though actually, the 9-inch Android-based Centre Console Touch Screen fitted as part of this update was completely different, 'designed to seamlessly blend into your digital lifestyle', whatever that means. The system gives quick and easy access to Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice recognition and the Google Play Store for installing a wide range of apps for in-car use. Through the rather ugly three-spoke wheel, you view another screen, Volvo's 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display'. But it's not just about technology in this cabin. Volvo says that when creating interiors, it applies the same principles that you would when designing a living room. High-quality materials, intelligent use of space and attention to detail work together to create a distinctly Scandinavian cabin that's simple and elegant, with layer upon layer of chrome and beautifully stitched leather. In the back, there's decent space for shoulders and heads and the kind of room for knees and legs that you'd expect from an SUV 4.7-metres in length. A really unique touch lies with the concealed storage compartments under the rear seat bases which are just the right size to store electronic devices, like a tablet, out of sight. The standard power-operated tailgate can adjust to suit the height of your garage ceiling. When raised, it reveals a 468-litre boot (down from 483 in the conventional model), extendable to 1,395-litres once you fold the rear bench (down from 1,410-litres).

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