Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.

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As the Swedish luxury car manufacturer Volvo continues its shift towards electrification of its vehicles the all new XC60 T8 will now be available in South Africa.

With a price tag of R1 218 000 the all-wheel drive XC60 T8 is a plug-in hybrid boasting high-performance and low emissions. The turbo and supercharged 2.0 litre petrol engine produces 233 kW and 400 Nm. The electric motor sited on the rear axle is powered by an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of receiving a charge via cable and generates 107 kW and 309 Nm. The pure electric power has a range of 81 km, and the combined fuel consumption is only 1.6 L/100 km sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, not bad for a mid-sized SUV. The Volvo Geartronic eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Specification highlights are the panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, smartphone charging and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Volvo app allows owners to precondition the cabin remotely without having to start the engine and they can track the battery charge level and monitor electricity consumption through the app. The R-Design variant offers sporty interior and exterior styling, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, air suspension and alloy wheels up to 22 -inches in diameter.

Volvo is serious about moving its manufacturing capabilities more towards electric vehicles with a 11.5% increase in electric models sold globally in January 2022 accounting for 31.7% of all Volvo vehicles sold during the month. Volvo hopes to see the same trends emerge in South Africa assisted by the inclusion of the XC60 T8. The Hybrid is a good first step for South African buyers considering making the switch to electric and gaining a vehicle which has ultra-low emissions but retains a brisk performance. 

Awarded car of the year in 2018 and top safety accolades in 2021 the XC60 T8 has the five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. All the above is in line with Volvo’s vision of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030. 

 

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