Volvo’s T8 TwE plug-in hybrid system has been joined by the new T6 TwE plug-in hybrid, which is no match for its competitors in terms of power.

The two-litre petrol engine has been cut by 50 horsepower compared to its big brother, the T8 TwE, which is not noticeable in driving but is reflected in the price.

Volvo’s strong performance is again evident in the V60 T6 TwE. Overall, in terms of features, space and looks, the V60 model tested is close to the Scandinavian family car dream. With an electric motor you can drive around 40 kilometres, there’s well over 300 horsepower and legroom and luggage space are good for a car of its size.

Stability is an absolute trump card

The combination of comfort and sportiness makes for an enjoyable driving experience. For a car of its size, the V60 is very stable, with exemplary track performance. Relaxed cruising is enhanced by Volvo’s well-performing lane-keeping assist system Pilot Assist, which does its job convincingly, partly when the lane lines are under snow or in poor paint.

The sporty side of the chassis shows in tighter corners at higher speeds, and the 18-inch friction tyres hardly seem to slow things down. The steering feel is precise and pleasantly snappy.

The T6 TwE combines a two-litre petrol engine powering the front axle with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The combustion engine is both mechanical and turbocharged inline four, producing 253 horsepower. The maximum output of the electric motor is 87 horsepower, the same as that found in the big brother T8 TwE model. The T6 TwE has a maximum combined output of 340 horsepower.

The maximum torque offered by the engines is 350 and 240 Newton metres. Acceleration is a commendable 5.4 seconds from zero to 60 km/h, with no need to lag behind the others.

Compared to the T8 TwE, the T6 TwE seems a more sensible combination in terms of power. The 340 horsepower offered by the T6 TwE is easily enough for the car’s more leisurely driving, and there is no power imbalance between the axles as in the T8 TwE during the hardest accelerations.

On dry roads, the difference in power between the front and rear axles is very difficult to detect, even when driving briskly. In extreme situations or on slippery surfaces, the differences become more obvious.

The main drawback when driving on the road is tyre noise, which seems susceptible to uneven road surfaces.

Pending an interior upgrade

The V60 is in line with other Volvo models for better or worse. Interior-wise, the car has little to complain about, but the problem seems to be that all Volvo models are the same, with very little difference between them.

See here for other Volvo test drives.

The instrumentation and media displays are virtually identical across the range, and the ravages of time have eaten away at the novelty of the interior’s appearance. However, usability on the media display is good, unnecessary buttons have been done away with and the winter glove is no barrier to touchscreen use in winter.

The materials inside are of high quality and light is brought into the dark cabin by the large panoramic glass roof. The seats are sturdy and comfortably sized. The travel support is even exceptionally long and the electrically adjustable lumbar support could do with more support. There’s plenty of room for a taller person in the back.

The luggage compartment has a clear shape and a large loading opening. For shopping bags, a small panel opens from the floor of the boot, supporting the bags and their hooks laterally and longitudinally. The boot has a capacity of 529 litres.

The T6 TwE as a cost-cutter?

As fuel prices rise and transport becomes more electric, running costs seem to vary considerably depending on the propulsion system. The rechargeable hybrid combines the possibility of emission-free driving with electricity and longer distances with an internal combustion engine.

The T6 TwE does not have the highest battery capacity of 11.6 kWh compared to its competitors, but in normal mixed driving, a fully charged battery covered 41 km on electricity alone.

A disappointing feature was the relatively high fuel consumption when driving with an internal combustion engine alone. At 100 km/h in cruising mode, consumption was as high as 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. In the city, consumption easily approached ten litres with the internal combustion engine alone.

The biggest impact on running costs is made by the driver charging or not charging, but the size of the battery is not much of a consolation for those who do more driving.

At its cheapest, the new V60 T6 TwE Inscription Expression leaves the dealership for around €55,700. Compared to the T8 TwE, the price difference is around five thousand euros, which is significant. The price difference between the Inscription and R-Design equipped T6 TwE and T8 TwE models is reduced to just one thousand euros.

Volvo V60 T6 TwE AWD R-Design aut.

• Engine: 1969 cm³, 4-cylinder, petrol
• Combustion engine power: 253 hp / 186 kW. @ 5500 rpm.
• Combustion engine torque: 350 Nm. @ 5000 rpm.
• Electric motor power: 65 kW.
• Electric motor torque: 240 Nm.
• Total maximum power: 251 kW, 340 hp.
• Total maximum torque: 350 240 Nm.
• Battery capacity: 11.6 kWh
• Indicated operating range on a single charge: 58 km.
• Test-driven range on a single charge: 41 km.
• Acceleration: 5.4 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Combined consumption: 1.9 l/100km.
• CO₂ emissions: 42 g/km.
• Fuel consumption in test drive: 7.5-9.5 l/100km (internal combustion engine only)
• Curb weight: 2075 kg.
• Traction: four-wheel drive
• Boot space: 529 l.
• Towing capacity: 2000 kg.
• Starting price: €55 690
• Price for test drive: €66 449