The XC60 might not be the newest model in the premium medium SUV class, but it remains a favourite of ours, even after seven years on sale. Last year’s all-electric EX30 and EX90 show the way future Volvo design is going, but even after a light facelift in 2021, which gifted the XC60 a new grille and bumpers, the current car still looks sharp. 

We last drove an XC60 B5 mild hybrid, due to the chip shortage, as Volvo was still waiting for its upgraded plug-in hybrid with a bigger battery – and only recently have we got behind the wheel. As we mentioned above, the biggest change for the T6 Recharge is an upgraded powertrain, which is now fitted with a 18.8kWh battery (up from 11.6kWh), meaning the electric-only range is up to 48 miles from the previous 33 miles. while a more powerful rear electric motor produces 145hp. A benefit of the T6’s longer range is the low BIK rate of 8%, which is sure to be an attraction for company buyers. 

There’s also an even more powerful T8 Recharge version of the XC60, with an impressive 455hp, but on previous experience Volvo reckons the volume seller will be this T6. 

On the move, as expected, the T6 feels sprightly with its 5.7-second acceleration figure – but you have to moderate the performance to make the most of the electric range, which during the week we had this car, proved to be very realistic. And while there is still charge in the battery, this XC60 spends its time on EV power around town, and at lower speeds. On the motorway, we were impressed by how it quickly and seamlessly swapped from electric to petrol power. Unfortunately, the refinement is spoiled when asking the 2.0-litre petrol engine to work harder – or if it has run out of electricity, where it becomes far noisier. 

Despite producing 350hp, the drive is confident and composed rather than sporty. It is very easy to get into the Volvo’s own unique groove, although our XC60 was fitted with optional 20in wheels, which gave a hard edge to the ride and was particularly unsettled by broken tarmac on cross-country roads. 

Inside, the interior, like the exterior, is pretty much unchanged – so think quality finishes and the most comfortable front seats in the sector. In fact, the most significant change remains the introduction of the Google-based infotainment system, that was first seen in the Polestar 2. We particularly like the Google Maps-based navigation, along with Google Assistant voice control, which actually works very well picking up sat-nav destinations, and even cabin temperature changes. The downside is, the system does feature small menu icons which can be tricky to press on the touchscreen when driving along. The facelifted XC60 also gets a graphically-updated 12.3in driver display, which is an attractive feature, although it does make the central screen redundant, as it repeats the same navigation details.

Since we drove this XC60, Volvo has rationalised the range with Core, Plus and Ultimate being the new equipment grades. Volvo tells us that the Plus grade is the closest to the Inscription grade we had, which was already one of the better-equipped models in the range. Although, we’re told the Plus does get extra kit as standard. 

The premium SUV sector remains a competitive one, but while there are newer alternatives, the XC60 T6 Recharge is an easy car to fall for – especially in the Plus spec. Despite the reduced boot space (468 litres), the interior feels almost as practical as the standard XC60, and, as such, still demands strong fleet consideration. 

Volvo XC60 T6 Recharge AWD Plus  

P11D: £60,000

Residual value: 40%

Depreciation: £35,275

Fuel: N/A

Service, maintenance and repair: £2,924

Cost per mile: N/A 

Fuel consumption: 282.1mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 23g/km (8%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £80/£160

Luggage capacity: 468 litres

Engine size/power: 1,969cc/253hp + 107kW electric motor