Living with the V60 Recharge
Review by Jacob Lerklint
With the world turning towards electric power at lightning speed, gas-powered cars are quickly falling by the wayside. However, hybrid models like the 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge plug-in hybrid persist, bridging the gap between the new and the old - although it definitely leans more toward modernity, with a long list of high-tech features, a potent electrically assisted powertrain with an extended range variant, and high-performance specs. In the Extended Range model, you get 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque that allows the wagon to sprint from 0-60 mph in just over four seconds. And this upgraded powertrain allows for up to 41 miles of range on electric power alone and gas mileage ratings of 74 MPGe.
Considering its hybrid status, the V60 Polestar Engineered has no real competition from the usual suspects - namely BMW and Mercedes-Benz - who only have gasoline wagons like the E-Class to offer. This alone makes it a unique purchase, but is it worth it when there is a slew of electric cars on the way from leading premium brands?
Since Polestar Engineered models already come with everything but the kitchen sink, the Volvo V60 Recharge range doesn't see much in the way of feature changes. A wireless charger is now standard, and advanced options like semi-autonomous driving, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display are now all part of the Advanced Packaged. The most exciting news is the addition of an Extended Range version of the T8 powertrain with better fuel economy and higher performance.
Thanks to a larger battery and more powerful rear electric motor, this ups the maximum electric range to 41 miles, and sees an increase in outputs to 455 hp and 523 lb-ft.
Whereas the Volvo V60 Recharge's competitors from Germany are all about combining luxury with speed, the Swedish automaker feels that a more focused approach suits the V60 better, and we can't help but agree. That's not to say that it doesn't have the power to get you around town in a hurry, and it even has a decent level of feedback from the steering, so if you throw the hefty wagon into a corner, you can feel confident it will come out alright on the other side. This does depend on your driving skills, of course, although there are a host of driver-assistance features in place to ensure you don't push the V60 too far.
None of this is where the Volvo shines, though. For that, you need look no further than the sublimely comfortable ride quality. The Swedish automaker has put the majority of its focus here, and it shows. The suspension laughs at anything less than a sinkhole in the road, eating up bumps while cabin occupants remain blissfully oblivious. However, if you hit a bump while trying to do one of the aforementioned cornering maneuvers at high speed, the same level of comfort can't be guaranteed.
In its enhanced Polestar guise, the V60 Recharge is a true hot wagon, sending oodles of power to all four wheels, ensuring optimum traction at all times. You would really have to try to unsettle the beast, but it's very easy to tame it. Simply flip the drive mode from Pure to Comfort, and you will experience the absolute best that a luxury wagon has to offer in ride comfort. The Polestar gets Ohlins dampers which can be manually adjusted to suit your needs and turn it into the sportiest of wagons.
The Volvo V60 Recharge wagon is an impressive vehicle, there's no denying that. The 2.0L inline-four engine under the hood is supplemented by electric motors both in the front and the back, creating an advanced electric all-wheel drive called eAWD. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this gives the wagon 415 hp and 494 lb-ft to work with - an additional 40 hp and 29 lb-ft if you opt for the Extended Range model. The towing capacity of 2,000 pounds is a little lackluster, but the fuel economy of 69 MPGe (74 MPGe in the Extended Range) is a strong selling point. The new Extended Range model also all but doubles the existing all-electric range. Add to this an excellent list of standard features, including dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and safety tech like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and you have something special on your hands. The IIHS's safety review of the Volvo V60 Recharge resulted in a Top Safety Pick+ award. A Level 2 charging cable comes standard, too, meaning you can get your full 41 miles of range on the Extended Range model in just four hours. As a wagon, the V60 also has impressive levels of practicality, with loads of passenger space and 60.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Volvo is definitely one of the best hybrid wagons on the market right now, so long as you can afford the initial asking price. The Volvo V60 Recharge is definitely worth it if you are looking for a more eco-friendly family wagon but don't want to sacrifice your luxuries.
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