The Best of Both Worlds? The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate Review!

August 27, 2023 Jonathan Ho Off Reviews, Volvo,

If you are stumbling upon this article then you are probably in the market for a compact executive crossover/SUV. In this segment today, you can go fully electric, hybrid or the internal combustion engine route. While they are all perfectly fine for your daily commute, each can suit a particular lifestyle better than the other. Today we will be focusing on the middle ground, that is the hybrid in the form of the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate to see if the cliché of having the “best of both worlds” still rings true in this case.

Design wise not too different from the 2019 model you see here

What’s new with the Volvo XC60 for 2023? Launched in Malaysia back in 2018, the timeless-looking XC60 has since received minor visual changes inside and out. Most evident changes would be the front, with the flagship Recharge T8 Ultimate now wearing the sportier R-Design exterior package as standard instead of the elegant Inscription look which probably suits a vehicle packing this much performance. You will also notice the newer 19-inch five double-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels. In addition, the striking Fusion Red paint you see here is also new and exclusive to the flagship XC60 variant for 2023.

As for the interior, you are still greeted with the familiar minimalistic Volvo interior layout from over 5 years ago which is no bad thing as it still looks great today. Thankfully, the 9-inch portrait screen has been upgraded with software built upon Google’s Android Automotive OS to run its infotainment system which we found ran much smoother compared to the older Volvo in-house software. You also don’t have to be an audiophile to appreciate the incredible 1,400W Bowers & Wilkins sound system that no other vehicles in the price range comes close to offering.

Going further down the console, the redesigned Orrefors glass crystal gear selector remains one of the key interior highlight which elevates your senses of sight and feel when selecting gears. For the interior trim there is only one option which is the Charcoal (black) interior with Charcoal (black) Open Grid Textile upholstery and Metal Mesh decor which unfortunately makes the interior rather dark. Curiously, the cheaper non-hybrid XC60 B5 Plus have the option for a brown interior. The standard panoramic sunroof is therefore a welcome addition in terms of making the cabin feel less claustrophobic. Volvo seats never disappoints in terms of comfort, plus the two rear integrated child booster seat remains a unique feature in the segment.

To see if the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is indeed the best of both worlds, we have to first look at its electric range. With a claimed range of 80 kilometers from its 18.8kWh battery pack, this covers most people’s daily journey to and from work within the city. For context, the 2018 model came with a smaller 10.4 kWh battery providing nearly half the electric range at 45km. In the real world, we saw around 70km of electric driving which is still very impressive. Only downside would be the long 7 hour charging time from your regular house outlet. Charge it daily overnight and you could theoretically run the car as an EV for as long as your distance allows.

For longer trips or when more performance is needed, the internal combustion engine will fire up and thus, removing any range anxiety you might have from a full EV. During an extended trip, we were able to achieve 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Starting with a full battery and a full tank, without driving with a heavy foot, we were able to achieve almost a thousand kilometers in a single tank. In a vehicle weighing over two tons plus four adults on board, that’s some very impressive fuel efficiency.

Responsible for consuming the fuel will be the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine providing 317 PS at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm from 3,000 to 5,400 rpm. Combine that with the rear electric motor rated at 145 PS and 309 Nm, this setup has a total system output of 462 PS and 709 Nm for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds with an electronically-limited top seed of 180 km/h.

As you can see, that’s some serious performance and we found that the power delivery is smooth and linear throughout the powerband and transitions between electric and combustion engine is rather seamless. When it comes to driving dynamics, it’s decent but nothing to write home about. At least not at the levels of its German rivals from Munich or Stuttgart.

Volvo always leads in terms of safety and the XC60 is no different. The XC60 retains the full suite of active safety features you would come to expect from a modern Volvo. Rear cross traffic alert with braking is one of the many active safety system it has and we had a few interesting experience with it.

On a few occasions, the car slammed on the brakes abruptly during reversing thinking we would be hitting an obstacle which is not there. While false positives should rarely happen, you will never get used to the car braking on its own so suddenly, giving every passengers a good scare. Thankfully, this particular feature can be overridden.

So is this car for you? Well, if you’re looking for a premium compact crossover with best-in-class performance and safety then Volvo is truly your best choice. If you want a hybrid, the XC60 is again your only choice in the segment.

The XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate in particular suits those who could make full use of its electric range with regular charging while having the need for the occasional long-distant drives without worrying about range. And if you can only have one vehicle, then it is indeed a vehicle with the best of both worlds, all wrapped in a stylish package making it hard to beat at RM355,888.