Volvo South Africa sees great potential in the ability of a plug-in hybrid to offer an appealing compromise between an internal-combustion-engined car (with its long-distance touring ability)and the inevitable progress towards sustainable e-mobility. We sampledthe T8 Recharge derivative of the brand’s top-selling XC60.

Volvo Cars’decision in 2021 to systematically discontinue global production of its turbodiesel enginescould have delivered a hammer blow (sorry, obligatory Thor joke) to markets that relyheavily on this type of engine. In South Africa, for example, turbodiesel derivatives have accounted for 65% of Volvo’s passenger-car sales in recent years. The positive news for this effortlessly sophisticated Swedish brand, however, is that itscontingency plan of offering a comprehensive range of electrified drivetrain solutions seems to be paying off… Volvo’s South African subsidiary’s monthly sales figures are currently (recorded in February2022) tracking even higher than they were during a purple patch that the premium brand experienced at the beginning of 2021.

With a published target of selling only all-electric models by 2030, Volvo sees great potential in its portfolio (of both mild- and plug-in hybrid models) to provide a compelling interim solution for markets that are not quite ready to adopt an all-electric future (South Africa is most certainly one of them, despite a recent spate of battery-electric vehicle introductions in our market, with more to come soon).A global sales success since its introduction in 2018, the second-generation XC60 is perhaps the best, um, vehicle,to introduce Volvo’s idea of a genuine (plug-in) hybrid drivetrain technology to the Republic.

What’s new for the XC60?

The XC60 T8 Recharge offers a genuinely useful real-world EV range with a backup in the form of a petrol engine.

Alongwith a subtle facelift of this most pivotal model for the brand, the Swedish executive SUV range gains a compelling new entry-level B5 derivative (priced from R750000), the option of an updated mild-hybrid drivetrain, whichincludes a supplementary 48V battery system, and a plug-in hybrid flagship derivative. The latter – the all-wheel-drive XC60 T8 Recharge – comes equipped with a new three-layer lithium-ion battery pack that offers up to 77 km of genuine all-electric mobility, replete with the peace of mind of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol motor that’s primed to come into play when needed.

XC60 T8 Recharge

The XC60 T8 Recharge can be charged via a port above the front wheel arch.

As explained by the managing director of Volvo Car South Africa, Greg Maruszewski, the “EV with a back-up plan” consists of a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine (offering a not-insignificant 233 kW and 400 Nm) that worksin tandem with an 18.8-kWh battery and 107-kW electric motor mounted to the car’s rear axle. Via a somewhat clumsy drive-mode selection process (but more aboutthatlater), the vehicle can be “locked” into a Pure mode for all-electric driving for as long as the battery holds sufficient charge – or until the T8 Recharge’s driver requires more performance than is available from the e-motor. In Hybrid mode, the XC60’s sophisticated drivetrain technology dictates the most efficient way forward. The process is overseen by the impressive workings of the brand’s 8-speed Geartronic autotransmission.

Volvo’s “one-pedal” technology allows the driver to all but ignore the brake pedal in favour of an intuitive regenerative braking system linked to the position of the T8 Recharge’s accelerator pedal. While this setup can take some getting used to (especially for the unsuspecting occupant in the passenger seat), the reward for learning its intricacies is an extended electric driving range.

The range-toppingXC60 betrays its 2-tonne overall mass by feeling sprightly round townand notably swift off the line. The advantage of having such a relatively powerful electric motor at your disposal is that it’s much easier to maintain momentum in all-electric mode. From a well-insulated, high-spec cabin, even on occasions when petrol-powered performance is required, the transition between the two motors is impressively fluid.

The T8 Recharge can be charged via a cable from a domestic power outlet,ahome charging station,a public-charging facility and, at least nominally, by using your right foot ina measured way (through coasting and regenerative braking). I was able to gain some all-electric range over the course of a start/stop test route around a congested Sandton district (which, in fact, had loadshedding at the time).

New infotainment “solution”

The infotainment system is now powered by Google software.

New to the local XC40premium crossover and XC60 ranges (and scheduled to be introduced to the XC90 premium SUV in June 2022), Volvo’s new Android-powered infotainment system represents a welcome upgrade to the now obsolete Sensus Connect technology that was introduced in 2015. Powered by Google, this new touch- and voice-activated system integrates seamlessly with the brand’s existing 10-inch, portrait-orientated touchscreen infotainment setup and introduces functionality such as Google Maps, Play Store and Assistant. For the time being, this system requires data from a paired smartphone to work optimally, but from June 2022, Volvo Cars South Africa will introduce onboard-sim functionality to all its models.

By and large, the system works impressively, but I was frustrated to note that the new system’s intuitive voice-activated controls don’t currently extend to the drive-mode menu. Because the barrel-type controller that had pride of place on the outgoing range’s central console is no longer there, the driver has no choice but to scroll through no fewerthan threeon-screen menus before they are able to switch between the various drivemodes – one of which is an off-road setup. Hopefully, this ergonomic oversight can be corrected via an online software update.

Customer care package

Complementing the introduction of 2new all-electric XC40 models (more information to follow), as well as an XC90 Recharge derivative, Volvo Car South Africa has launched an updated, standard comprehensive customer care package. Over and abovethe installation of a home chargingstation for overnight top-ups, the brand offers each customer the use of an “old-fashioned” internal combustion-powered Volvo for a period of two weeks per year (for 3 years), should they feel unsure about covering longer distances in their EV (yes, petrol-electric hybrids are classed as electric vehicles).

How much does the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge cost in South Africa?

The new Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge starts at R1 218 900

Final thoughts

Volvo appears to be making great strides in attracting SA buyers to electric mobility.

Available in Inscription or R-Design specification, the XC60 remains one of Volvo’s most convincing packages in a segment that includes competitors such as the Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and even the Hyundai Sante Fe and Kia Sorento. The new T8 Recharge derivative, especially,exudesthe kind of effortless sophistication that sets this Swedish brand apart.

Search for a used XC60 here

Unlike mild-hybrid or closed hybrid (non-plug-in) offerings from other brands, the appeal of Volvo’s modern application is that the owner can actually experience the benefit of notable pure-electric (electric-only) mobility in their everyday lives, with enough range for most South Africans to enjoy an emissions-free (and, significantly, petrol-free) school run or, indeed, commute.

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