Test Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid, design, equipment and price

The hybrid they are a reality rather than a simple option in recent years. There are not a few manufacturers that are encouraged to offer their model and Volvo has not wanted to be less. Last week we attended the Volvo Safe Driving Days, where we had the opportunity to make a brief contact with the Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid.

Unlike the vast majority of hybrids, with the exception of the PSA HYbrid4 and a few oddities, the electric motor is combined with a Diesel engine, this time the most powerful of the range. However, it also offers something that we rarely see at this point, and it is a electric range of up to 50 km, more than what a large number of people do on a daily basis on their journeys. As if that were not enough, it can be connected to the network for recharging. It is, therefore, the first plug-in diesel hybrid.

Subtly differentiated design

The Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid is not intended to be a best seller, but rather a frame that represents the Volvo technology. That is why some design nuances have been made compared to a standard V60, in addition to coming loaded with equipment. It is not for less, It costs 60.900 euros.

Externally, it includes differentiating details such as the 17-inch wheels or the double rectangular exhaust outlet, which suggests that we are behind a car with no less than 285 horses. Beyond that, the differences are extremely subtle, like gloss black painted appliqués on the front and rear or Plug-In Hybrid inscriptions on the sides and on a chrome trim on the tailgate.

Inside the modifications are as subtle as outside, highlighting, above all, the new box that brings together all the information of the hybrid system in a very customizable way. Another of its characteristics is the insertion of buttons for driving modes right in front of the gear lever. Tomorrow we will talk about it.

The design is typically Swedish, with a central part of the floating dashboard and crowned by the screen of the infotainment system. The quality to the touch and to the eye is more than pleasant, especially if we take into account that this car is offered as top of the range, with leather seats or specific mats.

Hybrid and livable

Many are the hybrid models that are guilty of eliminating interior space compared to their combustion engine counterparts. The Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid does it to a certain extent, too, but only in the trunk. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, thanks to some big seats although with an improvable lateral support.

The rear seats are also spacious, typical of a family body such as it has, with two very usable side seats in all its dimensions. The central square follows the same script as always, it is harder and has no shape, although it did not seem too wasteful to me either.

The trunk, which in the standard V60 cubicles 430 litres, lose some capacity in this V60 Plug-In Hybrid by concentrating the batteries and the electrical system under the floor of the trunk. the ground is somewhat elevated with respect to the loading mouth. Even so, the available space is sufficient and they are very usable thanks to their shapes.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid range

The Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid range is as simple as it gets, only offering a version, based on the Summum finish, the top of the range. The car is available in the Spanish market since February.

• V60 Plug-In Hybrid AWD 285 hp 60.900 euros

The V60 Plug-In Hybrid, being the top model of the range, has extensive standard equipment, including dual zone climate control, parking sensor, cruise control, light and rain sensors, browser or automatic city braking system City safety, among others.

Tomorrow will be the time to launch the hybrid system of the Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid to travel up to 50 km in pure electric mode. In turn, we have a vehicle of all-wheel drive and a not insignificant number of 285 horses of power