The third generation Volvo S60 has become more
competitive with the addition of the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which joins
the existing 250 PS T5. It combines a 303 PS petrol engine with an 87 PS electric motor for a total
combined output of 390 PS. Power is sent to the AWD system
through an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 0-100 km/h sprint
is dispatched in just 4.6 seconds.
In this spec, the premium compact saloon returns up
to 176.5 mpg UK (1.6 l/100 km / 147 mpg US) and emits 39 g/km of CO2. With the
11 kWh battery fully charged, it has a zero-emissions range of up to 58 km. With the launch of the S60 PHEV, Volvo has also reshuffled the
lineup, replacing the R-Design Edition with the R-Design Plus and introducing
the new Inscription Plus variant.
Promising a more focused driving experience, the S60
R-Design Plus T5 sits 12 mm lower and has stiffer springs and
anti-roll bars and faster-responding monotube dampers, while the
petrol-electric hybrid version continues to use the standard suspension
settings. A choice of 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels, part-leather sports seats,
head-up display, paddle shifters and interior aluminum trim are also on offer.
Further up the food chain is the S60 Inscription
Plus, which sports chrome exterior trim and different alloy wheels. In the
cabin, it adds full-leather upholstery, cooled front seats (heated seats are
already standard in other versions) and Driftwood décor inlays.
Adaptive dampers are an option and can make the ride
firmer or softer at the push of a button, via the Drive Mode settings that
alter the response of the engine, gearbox, steering and brakes. The system is
available on the T5 versions of the R-Design Plus and Inscription Plus.
The expanded range is available to order, with
pricing kicking off from £ 37,935 for the T5 R-Design Plus in
the UK and £ 38,835 for the T5 Inscription Plus. The new T8
Twin Engine R-Design Plus plug-in hybrid model will set you back £ 49,805. Finally, the S60 lineup will soon will be topped by
the 405 PS T8 Polestar Engineered.
