Volvo Volvo V60 Sportswagon 2.0 T8 [455] PHEV Ultra Dark 5dr AWD Auto

Information centre
Trip computer
Service interval indicator
Speed sensitive steering
Front and rear park assist
Adjustable steering wheel force
Volvo on call app
Oncoming Lane Mitigation
E-call
Apple CarPlay
Drive mode settings
Driver alert control with lane keeping aid
9" centre console touch screen
Bluetooth handsfree system
12.3" Progressive Driver Display
Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation
Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)
360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors
Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant
Volvo cars services with app
Power operated tailgate with handsfree opening and closing
Intelligent speed assistance
Dynamic chassis
Lithium-ion battery
Electric rear axle drive
Recharging port located in nearside front wing
7m 10amp charge cable with 3 pin plug
Automatic transmission with start/stop and manual change functions
On board charger - 6.4 kW 2 phase/3.7kW single phase
6m 3 phase 16amp Type 2 / mode 3 charge cable
DAB Digital radio
Steering wheel remote infotainment controls
Low speed exterior sound speaker
Premium sound by Harman Kardon, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, Dirac Unison, 13 speakers/600W and fresh air subwoofer
Rear wiper
Front and rear power windows
Roof antenna
Home safe and approach lighting
Variable front intermittent wipers
Roof spoiler
Auto dimming interior + exterior mirrors
Puddle lights
Heated front windscreen
Visible VIN plate
Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation
Power glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with sun curtain
Active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology
Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights
Automatic headlight levelling system
Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights
Headlight cleaning system
Integrated roof rails in high gloss black
High gloss black window surround
High gloss black mesh front grille with high gloss black surround
Rear side wing doors
Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen
High gloss black front and rear bumper deco
High gloss black autofolding heated power door mirrors
Heated front seats
Rear reading lights
Load cover
Centre console storage
Front cupholders
Height/reach adjustable steering column
Front footwell illumination
Heated steering wheel
Front head restraints
Rear armrest with cupholder
B Pillar ventilation
Extended front seat cushions
Load protection net
A-pillar parking ticket holder
2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter
Glovebox compartment with illumination
Front/rear door pockets and front cupholder illumination
Underfloor cargo storage
Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory
Multi directional lumbar support
Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder
Luggage compartment illumination
Tailgate illumination
Power passenger seat with memory
ISOFIX attachment on outer rear seats
Luggage compartment load hooks
12V socket in front tunnel console and cargo compartment
Power folding rear headrests
Recharge aluminium tread plates
Heated rear seats outer positions
3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim
Charcoal carpets and floor mats
Single front passenger seat
Front and rear courtesy and front reading lights
Rear footwell and front and rear side step illumination
Power height adjustable passenger seat
Luggage compartment divider with grocery bag holder
60/40 versatile split folding 3 bench rear seats in 2nd row
Bright metal luggage scuff plate
Air purifier PM2.5
Driver and passenger airbags
First aid kit
Warning triangle
SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)
WHIPS whiplash protection system - front
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Hill start assist
5 x 3 point seatbelts
Power child locks on rear doors
Road sign information display
Run off Road Protection
Run off Road Mitigation
IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length
Passenger airbag cut-off switch
Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist
Stability and Traction Control with Spin control, Engine Drag Control and Corner Traction Control
Power parking brake with auto hold function
Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats
Front seats SIPS airbags
Slippery road and hazard light alert
City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake
Locking wheel nuts
Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor
Keyless drive includes keyless entry and keyless start
Care key with user defined top speed
Private locking luggage compartment
2X Key integrated remote control central locking with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows
Tyre sealant kit and compressor
CO2 18
Euro Emissions
NOX N/A
CC 1969
Compression Ratio 2040
Cylinder Layout In - Line
Cylinders 4 Cylinder
Fuel Delivery Turbo
Number of Valves 536
Gears 8
Transmission Automatic
Combined 0.00
Urban 0.00
Extra Urban 0.00
Badge Engine CC 1969
Badge Power 455.00
NCAP Rating
Vehicle Homologation Class N/A
0 to 60 mph (Sec) 4.45
0 to 62 mph (Sec) 4.60
Engine BHP 455.00
Engine KW
Engine PS 1994
Engine Torque 400.00
Top Speed 112
Front Tyres 235/40 R19
Rear Tyres 235/40 R19
Spare Tyre TYRE REPAIR KIT
Height 1430
Length 4778
Wheel Base 2872
Width 1916
Fuel Tank Size 60.00
Weight 2530
Roof Load Limit
Towing Weight Braked 1994
Towing Weight Unbraked 750
Number Of Seats 5

Ten Second Review

In 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.

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 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 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 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.

Design and Build

This V60 Plug-in hybrid model looks pretty much identical to the more conventional petrol variants lower down the range. The eagle-eyed will spot special badging and an extra charging flap but that's about it. The original V60 model was quite a departure from the conventional boxy Volvo station wagon shape and this MK2 model continues that trend. To look at, it's very much like the larger V90 estate model that shares its sophisticated 'SPA' architecture. In fact, from a casual glance, you might easily mistake this V60 for its larger stablemate. Get up a little closer though, and you'll find that the front apron is more aggressively styled with this more compact wagon. There's some design inspiration from the XC60 mid-sized SUV in places too. The 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights for example, though they're a bit more sculpted here, while the front apron is more aggressively styled in comparison to the smooth face of the V90. Inside, there's much more borrowed from those V90 and XC60 models, the interior boasting Volvo's current pared-back interior design language with a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system. Plus there's a digital instrument panel, with virtual dials separated by a customisable central space that can display a navigational map, trip computer info or your chosen phone or media settings. Out back, boot space isn't compromised by the plug-in system's battery in the way that it is with other rival PHEVs. Capacity comes in at 519-litres with the rear seats in place, outstripping the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate. The rear bench splits 40/20/40 and drops down flat to the floor to free up as much as 1,431-litres if you load to the roof.

Market and Model

You'll have expected there to be a price to pay to add in sophisticated plug-in tech to the V60, but you might not have expected it to take the price of this Volvo right up towards £50,000. But that's the reality here. The 253hp T6 version of this AWD model comes in 'Plus' or top 'Ultimate' trim and costs from around £51,000. That's around £8,000 more than an equivalent front-driven B4 petrol V60 but is a similar amount to that which you'd pay for an equivalent version of this model's closest rivals, the BMW 330e Touring and the Mercedes C300e Estate. At least every version of this V60 PHEV is very well equipped. As standard, even the 'Plus' variant comes with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with a 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and alloy wheels of at least 18-inches in size. Volvo's Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9" portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation and an intuitive voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp. Volvo's City Safety system is fitted to every V60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle. There's also Pilot Assist, Volvo's innovative semi-autonomous drive feature. This assists with the steering (up to 80mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front.

Cost of Ownership

The T6 plug-in V60 variant achieves a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range that's EAER-rated at between 31.1 and 54.1 miles, a figure which assumes of course that the car is driven in its 'Pure' all-EV mode. As for the WLTP fuel and CO2 stats, well the T6 Plug-in hybrid is WLTP-rated for combined economy at between 141.1 and 352.6mpg, which only goes to show just how wildly inaccurate the WLTP testing process is for Plug-in hybrid models. In reality, if you expect the kinds of economy returns you might have expected from a frugally-driven version of the old V60 D4 diesel, you won't be too far out. Of more use is the officially-quoted WLTP CO2 return - between 18 and 46g/km; the lower figure is what your Benefit-in-Kind taxation will be based upon, which is why this V60 T6 has a BiK rating of just 8%: compare that to 33% for an equivalent B4 conventional petrol variant. If you're a business buyer browsing in this segment, these are figures that'll reward a bit of thought if you're just about to blindly sign on the dotted line for a conventional six cylinder diesel model from a rival brand. As with any plug-in hybrid, there's little point in purchase unless you establish a regular recharging regime for the battery pack, which in this case is 11.6kWh in size. Customers will be able to buy a wallbox from Volvo that will charge their cars on 16-amp power in about two and a half hours. If you're out and about and find a 10-amp pubic charging point, the charging time will be slightly longer - three and a half hours - while connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 6-amp supply will take six hours.

Summary

The sort of buyer likely to be considering an upper-spec V60 diesel model is, we think, likely to be sorely tempted by this Plug-in hybrid version. But will conquest customers be so easily won over? Possibly. BMW's 330e Touring and Mercedes' C300e Estate models represent strong competition to this model but this Volvo can better those rival German-made contenders when it comes to safety provision and equipment. It also arguably has a classier cabin. And it's better equipped - for a slightly lower price. As with any PHEV, the combination of low taxation and the potential for virtually fuel-free commuting mileage is a tempting one. And when you match it all to this car's cool, Scandinavian vibe, the resulting package feels very complete. On the other hand, the asking figures are substantial and in an era where government assistance is absent, you'd have to be very sold on the plug-in remit here to opt for this Recharge model. After all, if you merely want your premium mid-sized Volvo estate to be in some way electrified, the brand now offers very acceptable mild hybrid petrol versions of this car lower down the range. We think those B3 and B4 variants might be a better pick for most customers. But if you have to have technology superiority in your V60, only the PHEV variants offer it.

Monthly Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ mainPrice }} £503.14
Initial Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (mainPrice * upfront).toLocaleString() }} £4,528.26

Lease Type

Contract Length

Annual Mileage

Initial Rental (Months)

Metallic paint Standard (ex. VAT)
Special metallic paint £570.83 (ex. VAT)
Leather upholstery Standard (ex. VAT)
Nappa soft leather/textile upholstery with contour sports seats Standard (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Vapour grey Standard (ex. VAT)
Special metallic - Onyx black £570.83 (ex. VAT)
Special metallic - Fusion red £570.83 (ex. VAT)
Special metallic - Silver Dawn £570.83 (ex. VAT)
Special metallic - Denim blue £570.83 (ex. VAT)
Leather - Charcoal + Charcoal interior + blond headlining + metal mesh inlay + tailored charcoal steering wheel Standard (ex. VAT)
Leather - Blond + blond interior and headlining + driftwood inlay + Tailored leather blond/charcoal steering wheel Standard (ex. VAT)
Nappa soft lthr/textile contour sports seats - Charcoal/Dark open grid interior + metal mesh inlay + Tailored sport steer + Orrefors Crystal gearknob Standard (ex. VAT)
19" 5 Triple spoke diamond cut/black alloy wheels Standard (ex. VAT)
19" 6 Spoke diamond cut black alloy wheels Standard (ex. VAT)

Deal Summary

Monthly Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ mainPrice }} £503.14
Initial Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (mainPrice * upfront).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £4,528.26
Processing Fee inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (Number(deal.docs_fee) * 1.2).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £299.99 £{{ (Number(deal.docs_fee)).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £299.99
Options inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ extraPrice.toFixed(2) }}
Contract Type
{{ `${(leaseType == 2) ? 'Personal Lease' : 'Business Lease'}`}}
Contract Term
{{ leaseTerm}} months
Annual Mileage
{{ mileage }} miles
Maintenance

Important Information

  • Excess mileage charges will apply if you go over the stated contract mileage
  • Vehicle damage charges may occur if the vehicle is returned outside BVRLA's Fair Wear and Tear guidelines
  • All rentals are subject to the necessary finance acceptance criteria
  • Prices shown are indicative and subject to change.
  • No ownership option is available on this lease
  • Manufacturer's maintenance schedule must be observed and addiitional charges (to mileage) may apply for failure to maintain servicing and any non fair wear and tear damage to the vehicle

WLTP (with effect from April 2020) - Your quote also contains indicative CO2 or MPG values. The data could not be retreived while producing the quote, so we have based it on the lowest possible cost.

The quote will need to be updated with the accurate information before we can proceed to order. Written quotation upon request.

Information centre
Trip computer
Service interval indicator
Speed sensitive steering
Front and rear park assist
Adjustable steering wheel force
Volvo on call app
Oncoming Lane Mitigation
E-call
Apple CarPlay
Drive mode settings
Driver alert control with lane keeping aid
9" centre console touch screen
Bluetooth handsfree system
12.3" Progressive Driver Display
Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation
Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)
360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors
Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant
Volvo cars services with app
Power operated tailgate with handsfree opening and closing
Intelligent speed assistance
Dynamic chassis
Lithium-ion battery
Electric rear axle drive
Recharging port located in nearside front wing
7m 10amp charge cable with 3 pin plug
Automatic transmission with start/stop and manual change functions
On board charger - 6.4 kW 2 phase/3.7kW single phase
6m 3 phase 16amp Type 2 / mode 3 charge cable
DAB Digital radio
Steering wheel remote infotainment controls
Low speed exterior sound speaker
Premium sound by Harman Kardon, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, Dirac Unison, 13 speakers/600W and fresh air subwoofer
Rear wiper
Front and rear power windows
Roof antenna
Home safe and approach lighting
Variable front intermittent wipers
Roof spoiler
Auto dimming interior + exterior mirrors
Puddle lights
Heated front windscreen
Visible VIN plate
Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation
Power glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with sun curtain
Active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology
Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights
Automatic headlight levelling system
Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights
Headlight cleaning system
Integrated roof rails in high gloss black
High gloss black window surround
High gloss black mesh front grille with high gloss black surround
Rear side wing doors
Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen
High gloss black front and rear bumper deco
High gloss black autofolding heated power door mirrors
Heated front seats
Rear reading lights
Load cover
Centre console storage
Front cupholders
Height/reach adjustable steering column
Front footwell illumination
Heated steering wheel
Front head restraints
Rear armrest with cupholder
B Pillar ventilation
Extended front seat cushions
Load protection net
A-pillar parking ticket holder
2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter
Glovebox compartment with illumination
Front/rear door pockets and front cupholder illumination
Underfloor cargo storage
Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory
Multi directional lumbar support
Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder
Luggage compartment illumination
Tailgate illumination
Power passenger seat with memory
ISOFIX attachment on outer rear seats
Luggage compartment load hooks
12V socket in front tunnel console and cargo compartment
Power folding rear headrests
Recharge aluminium tread plates
Heated rear seats outer positions
3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim
Charcoal carpets and floor mats
Single front passenger seat
Front and rear courtesy and front reading lights
Rear footwell and front and rear side step illumination
Power height adjustable passenger seat
Luggage compartment divider with grocery bag holder
60/40 versatile split folding 3 bench rear seats in 2nd row
Bright metal luggage scuff plate
Air purifier PM2.5
Driver and passenger airbags
First aid kit
Warning triangle
SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)
WHIPS whiplash protection system - front
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Hill start assist
5 x 3 point seatbelts
Power child locks on rear doors
Road sign information display
Run off Road Protection
Run off Road Mitigation
IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length
Passenger airbag cut-off switch
Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist
Stability and Traction Control with Spin control, Engine Drag Control and Corner Traction Control
Power parking brake with auto hold function
Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats
Front seats SIPS airbags
Slippery road and hazard light alert
City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake
Locking wheel nuts
Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor
Keyless drive includes keyless entry and keyless start
Care key with user defined top speed
Private locking luggage compartment
2X Key integrated remote control central locking with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows
Tyre sealant kit and compressor
CO2 18
Euro Emissions
NOX N/A
CC 1969
Compression Ratio 2040
Cylinder Layout In - Line
Cylinders 4 Cylinder
Fuel Delivery Turbo
Number of Valves 536
Gears 8
Transmission Automatic
Combined 0.00
Urban 0.00
Extra Urban 0.00
Badge Engine CC 1969
Badge Power 455.00
NCAP Rating
Vehicle Homologation Class N/A
0 to 60 mph (Sec) 4.45
0 to 62 mph (Sec) 4.60
Engine BHP 455.00
Engine KW
Engine PS 1994
Engine Torque 400.00
Top Speed 112
Front Tyres 235/40 R19
Rear Tyres 235/40 R19
Spare Tyre TYRE REPAIR KIT
Height 1430
Length 4778
Wheel Base 2872
Width 1916
Fuel Tank Size 60.00
Weight 2530
Roof Load Limit
Towing Weight Braked 1994
Towing Weight Unbraked 750
Number Of Seats 5

Ten Second Review

In 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.

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 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 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 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.

Design and Build

This V60 Plug-in hybrid model looks pretty much identical to the more conventional petrol variants lower down the range. The eagle-eyed will spot special badging and an extra charging flap but that's about it. The original V60 model was quite a departure from the conventional boxy Volvo station wagon shape and this MK2 model continues that trend. To look at, it's very much like the larger V90 estate model that shares its sophisticated 'SPA' architecture. In fact, from a casual glance, you might easily mistake this V60 for its larger stablemate. Get up a little closer though, and you'll find that the front apron is more aggressively styled with this more compact wagon. There's some design inspiration from the XC60 mid-sized SUV in places too. The 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights for example, though they're a bit more sculpted here, while the front apron is more aggressively styled in comparison to the smooth face of the V90. Inside, there's much more borrowed from those V90 and XC60 models, the interior boasting Volvo's current pared-back interior design language with a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system. Plus there's a digital instrument panel, with virtual dials separated by a customisable central space that can display a navigational map, trip computer info or your chosen phone or media settings. Out back, boot space isn't compromised by the plug-in system's battery in the way that it is with other rival PHEVs. Capacity comes in at 519-litres with the rear seats in place, outstripping the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate. The rear bench splits 40/20/40 and drops down flat to the floor to free up as much as 1,431-litres if you load to the roof.

Market and Model

You'll have expected there to be a price to pay to add in sophisticated plug-in tech to the V60, but you might not have expected it to take the price of this Volvo right up towards £50,000. But that's the reality here. The 253hp T6 version of this AWD model comes in 'Plus' or top 'Ultimate' trim and costs from around £51,000. That's around £8,000 more than an equivalent front-driven B4 petrol V60 but is a similar amount to that which you'd pay for an equivalent version of this model's closest rivals, the BMW 330e Touring and the Mercedes C300e Estate. At least every version of this V60 PHEV is very well equipped. As standard, even the 'Plus' variant comes with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with a 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and alloy wheels of at least 18-inches in size. Volvo's Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9" portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation and an intuitive voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp. Volvo's City Safety system is fitted to every V60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle. There's also Pilot Assist, Volvo's innovative semi-autonomous drive feature. This assists with the steering (up to 80mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front.

Cost of Ownership

The T6 plug-in V60 variant achieves a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range that's EAER-rated at between 31.1 and 54.1 miles, a figure which assumes of course that the car is driven in its 'Pure' all-EV mode. As for the WLTP fuel and CO2 stats, well the T6 Plug-in hybrid is WLTP-rated for combined economy at between 141.1 and 352.6mpg, which only goes to show just how wildly inaccurate the WLTP testing process is for Plug-in hybrid models. In reality, if you expect the kinds of economy returns you might have expected from a frugally-driven version of the old V60 D4 diesel, you won't be too far out. Of more use is the officially-quoted WLTP CO2 return - between 18 and 46g/km; the lower figure is what your Benefit-in-Kind taxation will be based upon, which is why this V60 T6 has a BiK rating of just 8%: compare that to 33% for an equivalent B4 conventional petrol variant. If you're a business buyer browsing in this segment, these are figures that'll reward a bit of thought if you're just about to blindly sign on the dotted line for a conventional six cylinder diesel model from a rival brand. As with any plug-in hybrid, there's little point in purchase unless you establish a regular recharging regime for the battery pack, which in this case is 11.6kWh in size. Customers will be able to buy a wallbox from Volvo that will charge their cars on 16-amp power in about two and a half hours. If you're out and about and find a 10-amp pubic charging point, the charging time will be slightly longer - three and a half hours - while connecting up to a normal domestic three-pin 6-amp supply will take six hours.

Summary

The sort of buyer likely to be considering an upper-spec V60 diesel model is, we think, likely to be sorely tempted by this Plug-in hybrid version. But will conquest customers be so easily won over? Possibly. BMW's 330e Touring and Mercedes' C300e Estate models represent strong competition to this model but this Volvo can better those rival German-made contenders when it comes to safety provision and equipment. It also arguably has a classier cabin. And it's better equipped - for a slightly lower price. As with any PHEV, the combination of low taxation and the potential for virtually fuel-free commuting mileage is a tempting one. And when you match it all to this car's cool, Scandinavian vibe, the resulting package feels very complete. On the other hand, the asking figures are substantial and in an era where government assistance is absent, you'd have to be very sold on the plug-in remit here to opt for this Recharge model. After all, if you merely want your premium mid-sized Volvo estate to be in some way electrified, the brand now offers very acceptable mild hybrid petrol versions of this car lower down the range. We think those B3 and B4 variants might be a better pick for most customers. But if you have to have technology superiority in your V60, only the PHEV variants offer it.

All leased vehicles must be returned fully maintained within manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Below is an estimated cost comparison of what you might have to pay based on your requested contract terms.
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Actual Monthly Cost using our maintenance based on your contract terms
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To potentially save money, have peace of mind and ease of budgeting, choose add maintenance to proceed.

*Figures are a representative example and may vary depending on driving style and conditions please speak to a member of the sales team for more information

Blue Chilli Car Leasing believes all customers should have the opportunity to take advantage of fixed maintenance cover.

So what are the benefits?

  • Planned fixed cost budgeting
  • No unexpected maintenance costs
  • Protection from rising inflation costs

What’s included?

  • Mechanical and electrical repairs or replacements, including associated parts and labour due to fair wear and tear
  • Bulbs, Batteries, Exhausts, Cam belts, Wiper blades, Alternators, Starter Motors
  • MOT tests
  • Premium Branded tyre replacements including valve and balance*

*Some of our partner funders do not cover damage through punctures or vandalism/deliberate damage. Please ask if you require more details.