While Volvo does have its pure electric XC40 Recharge (BEV) they also have been working on upgrading their PHEV models with more power and more EV range. As such, here we are discussing the latest versions of S60 (saloon) and V60 (estate) Recharge models now fitted with an 18.8 kWh battery for an official WLTP range of either 55.3 miles (S60) or 54.7 miles (V60). Importantly for readers of this website they can also tow up to 2,000 kg.
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Volvo S60 & V60 Recharge Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 2,000 kg (S60 & V60)
- Availability – Late 2022
- Price – Starting £49,280 (S60) or £48,380 (V60)
- Official MPG – Currently unknown
- Real-World MPG (Fuel Only) – Currently unknown
- Official EV Range – 55.3 miles (S60) or 54.7 miles (V60)
- Real-World EV Range – 38.7 miles (S60) or 38.3 miles (V60) (70% of Official)
- Maximum Charge Rate/Time – 3.5kW (5 hours)
Volvo S60 & V60 Recharge HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol: 310 HP & 295 lb-ft of torque
- Electric Motor provides: 145 HP & 227 lb-ft of torque
Volvo S60 & V60 Recharge Towing Capabilities
The original PHEV versions of the Volvo S60 & V60 had a pretty underwhelming official WLTP range of 34 miles, hence closer to just over 20 miles in real-world driving and the reason I’ve not previously written about them.
However, the 11.6kWh battery from the previous generation has been replaced with a much larger 18.8kWh battery, resulting in the much more practical 54-55 mile official EV range which should give a real-world EV range of around 38 miles. Hence, enough to cover a typical UK commute of 30 miles.
The estate (V60) gets a little less range than the saloon (S60) but its not that significant. The reasons for the range loss may be additional weight due to the estate design or maybe aerodynamic impacts.
Both the S60 and V60 Recharge get the same 2,000 kg towing capacity. As such, of the two I would take the V60, as estates are more practical tow cars for carrying stuff. I’m actually surprised that the V60 has a starting price a bit below the S60 which would be an added bonus.
Lots Of Power & AWD With A Twist
As Volvo increased the battery capacity they must have also thought ‘we can now put in a larger electric motor’ so they did. The rear electric motor fitted to the S60 & V60 Recharge has been upped from around 84 HP to 146 HP. As a result, the total output figures along with the internal combustion engine for the new S60 & V60 Recharge are pretty crazy at 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque.
Hence, both vehicles have more than enough power and torque to tow 2,000kg up any gradient you’ll come across on the road. But let’s discuss for a second how the PHEV drivetrains of Volvo cars work. The internal combustion engine drives the front wheels only and the electric motor drives the rear wheels only.
Therefore, these are AWD vehicles, but they can only provide all-wheel-drive traction when the internal combustion engine is also running. They cannot drive around in AWD mode purely on electric power as say a Toyota RAV4 PHEV can for instance.
Furthermore, you cannot lock Volvo PHEV models into EV mode only, if you push the accelerator hard, the internal combustion engine will start. Now, some people don’t like that if they wish to conduct their daily driving (not towing) with only electrical energy, and I get that, but it needs more context.
The dashboard in the Volvo PHEVs shows how you’re accelerating and at what point the ICE will kick in. Hence you do have control to not use the ICE, you just have to be light on your right foot and pay attention to the dashboard.
My Thoughts On The Volvo S60 & V60 Recharge…
As of writing this article in early 2022, there are no journalist video reviews I can reference, so I’ll update this article at a later date. Also, Volvo is still selling the previous generation vehicles with the smaller battery/less range and less power as early 2022 model year. The updated versions above are late 2022 spec cars, so don’t make a mistake if you’re interested in buying one.
In terms of what I think about the new Volvo S60 & V60, yeah, pretty impressive, practical EV range for daily commuting and lots and lots of power for towing a trailer/caravan up to 2 tons.
If there is one feature I find a little disappointing its the 3.5kW charger. Really, Volvo should be offering a 7kW charger at this price point and it should be included in the standard price. But its not even offered as an option which is odd, as it would get the recharging time down to 2.5 hours.