Written by Marco Carvajal
2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design. The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid is a master work of art, it gives you the best of both of words, using a regular gasoline engine and also an electric engine that you can plug-in and charge.
The XC 60
The XC60 is the best selling Volvo car. It is a mid-size SUV with 5-door and 5-seats. It is built on the (SPA) Scalable Product Architecture, an advanced platform that underpins all 90 and 60 Volvo Series automobiles.
The Volvo XC60 is the brother in the middle of the youngest XC40 and the oldest XC90. The XC60 was created as a medium size version, inspired on the XC90. The design of this SUV is based on Premium Scandinavian minimalism style.
The XC60 signed the start of the new 60 series Volvo cars. It is representing Volvo’s new high quality design language. The XC 60 it is very comfortable and appealing.
Volvo is well known as a builder of safe, strong, comfortable and very reliable cars with Swedish style.
The XC60 design includes Thor’s Hammer LED headlight design, a new grille with Volvo iron mark. In the read the word Volvo highlights. The interior is built with natural materials and with new stylish details on the dashboard and control panel.
2019 XC60 Trims
The XC 60 is available on 3 trims:
- Momentum
- R-Design
- Inscription
The R-Design is the most sporty style within the line. It is available with 4 different engines: T5 FWD, T5 AWD, T6 AWD and the one that I am test driving with a powerful low emissions T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid engine.
2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
The 2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design is powered by Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains, Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine, a plug-in hybrid using an 8-speed automatic transmission. This Volvo’s Twin Engine plug-in hybrid delivers all the benefits of a high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with ultra low CO2 emissions and more than 40 km of pure electric range.
The XC60 has been awarded as the winner of the 2018 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Highlights of The 2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design
- 5 passenger capacity
- 58 Combined MPG
- 2.0 Litter Turbo/Supercharger Gas/Electric I-4
- AWD Drivetrain
- 400 Horsepower @ 5700 RPM
- Torque 472 RPM
- Max Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs
- Transmission 8 speed Automatic
- 13.2 gal Fuel Tank Capacity
Volvo’s connectivity and infotainment system Sensus provides an intuitive touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications. Thanks to Sensus you can enjoy your Volvo and use popular apps like Spotify, Pandora, Baidu or TuneIn. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The advanced safety system by Volvo, City Safety technology is standard and combines automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios and help keep you safe. City Safety is the only system with the advanced feature of detecting pedestrians, cyclists and large animals as a deer on the road. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver assistance system is optional for an additional fee.
Pricing
2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design: $60,550 base price + $995 Destination Fee, for a total price of $61,545
The starting price for other XC60 trims is $39,800 MSRP. This is definitely not the cheapest SUV on the market, especially compared to many American, Japanese and Korean care makers that offer premium SUVs for about $10,000 less. However, let’s not forget that you are buying a Volvo. The XC 60 is not just an SUV, it delivers the result of decades of precision, safety and luxury from Volvo.
If we go for the Plug-in Hybrid XC60 then the starting price of $61,545 can be an obstacle for many Volvo lovers. It is a beautiful smart and efficient car, but the price can play against Volvo when compared to so many other competitors on the SUV automobile manufacturing market.
Driving the XC60
When you enter the XC60 you feel that Volvo can read your mind and knows what you need. Comfortable premium leather interior seats, that gives a sense of luxury and elegance. Spacious interior and a very practical trunk.
The competition is very large on the mid-sized SUV world, with a lot of comfort and convenience features. I think the mix of performance, safety and comfort of the Volvo XC60 should satisfy most buyers looking for a medium size, luxury SUV with the characteristic Northern European Swedish style of Volvo. Especially those buyers who can afford a premium SUV.
The XC60 is the result of classic elegance and sportiness. It has headlights, a central grille, mirrors and wheels that look huge. The brand’s logo is easy to see from the distance, thanks to the wide dimension of its circular body. This Volvo is stylish and seductive, the 2019 Volvo XC60 Volvo is a fierce challenger for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and VW Tiguan. Quality and premium safety makes the Volvo XC60 an excellent choice for families. Especially for those who know the quality of this Swedish brand.
2019 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design comes with a powerful Twin Engine plug-in hybrid with a high performance gasoline engine combined with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with about 25 miles of pure electric range.
This 2.0 Litter twin engine will give you the power of 400 horses pulling at the same time, an impressive 400 HP for a hybrid plug-in car.
Conclusion
This Volvo is beautiful and original, but it is not as impressive from the outside, especially for those who don’t know much about the quality and safety of Volvo. As you get to know this brand you will fall in love more in more with this Swedish car and understand the great value of the 2019 XC60.
The T8 eAWD Turbo R-Design that I am test driving, includes a great 10.4 KWH battery that powers the electric engine. It produces 400 hp combined with 472 lb-ft combined, that’s more power than almost any other SUVs in its class. The T8’s all-wheel drive system differs from the one found on the XC60 T5 and T6 models, as it is using an 87-hp engine to turn its rear wheels instead of a transmission shaft. Volvo claims that the XC60 T8 battery can be recharged in just three hours from a 240-volt source, twice as much as for a standard outlet of 120 volts. Each T8 price represents an increase of about $8,000 over the T6 version, although many buyers could claim up to around $5,000 from the federals at the time of taxes, with several state incentives that could reduce costs even more.
If you are an SUV lover looking for a perfect blend of great performance, technology and a sporty style, then the new 2019 XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 e-AWD R-Design is the right car for you. With a price close to $61,000 it is a great quality buy, a car that will last for long time, but is not a cheap buy.
With its Scandinavian touch in the interior and great endurance, the XC60 will be perfect for long distance rides both on the highways and rural roads, as well as in the city. If you want a luxury car with a beautiful elegant design then the XC 60 is a great choice. If you also want top of safety features, a strong engine and car that may stay with you for several years then the XC 60 can be your SUV.
About Volvo
Volvo is the Scandinavian car of excellence. Volvo started around 1927 in the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden (Stockholm is the largest one). Even if Volvo is a recognized as a Swedish car, the company is now property of a Chinese multinational, The Geely Holding Group from China. However, the headquarters of Volvo are still located in Gothenburg, Sweden, so technically it is still a Swedish car, manufactured with the high standards and quality of Sweden.
