This week I bring you an oasis of luxury and a refuge from the Texas heat -- the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge. A plug-in hybrid that gets you everywhere in style, comfort and oh-so-wonderful available ventilated Nappa leather seats that help you beat the summer heat.
But it's a lot more than luxury and style. It's also about Performance. In fact Volvo says the XC60 Recharge T8 AWD is the most powerful car it's ever produced. Major updates for 2022 include an improved 455-horsepower powertrain with more EV only battery range, a new Google Built-In infotainment system and a new Advanced Driver Assistance System sensor platform.
The Volvo XC60's elegant exterior receives some athletic design updates as well for 2022. They include an updated grille and restyled rear fascia with hidden tailpipes. The Inscription is distinguished by bright chrome bars on the grille as well as chrome window trim. My test model is in Platinum Gray and rides on optional 20-inch Diamond cut alloy wheels. LED Thor Hammer headlights are of course a signature feature.
Performance
Volvo improved the XC60's 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain for 2022 giving it a new long-range battery and more powerful rear electric motor. Thanks to the added rear motor electric power - the XC60 delivers 455-horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The system is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and eAWD. Acceleration is fantastic!
In terms of EV-only range, keep in mind plug-in hybrid's don't currently offer near as much range as all-electrics do. The XC60 Recharge Extended Range offers 35 miles of range on pure battery power alone, a slight boost over 2021 and enough to run errands close to home. But you won't get nearly the range the new all-electric C40 Recharge which takes you 210-miles on a charge.
(Note: For 2022, Volvo also introduces a new mild hybrid B5 and B6 system to the XC60 lineup, replacing the T5 and T6 engines.)
I've always found Volvo interiors to be an oasis from the moment you open the door. I imagine it has something to do with its Scandinavian-inspired design that includes the use of driftwood decor, a matte wood with a contemporary look.
The Inscription surrounds you in well-crafted luxury and sumptuous Nappa leather. The supremely comfortable 10-way power front seats are heated and ventilated - a welcome respite from the summer heat. The front seats have a cushion extender, but you'll have to add the luxury package for a massage function. A two-toned, hand-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the luxurious ambience as does a tailored dashboard.
The XC60 is a roomy midsize SUV in front and the back with plenty of headroom throughout, with a laminated panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade allowing light in from above.
The well-designed center console combines the perfect mix of materials. A driftwood covered sliding section opens to reveal a wireless charger and cupholders. A glossy black area houses the start/stop knob, as well as Volvo's always beautiful crystal Orrefors gear shifter. While pretty, it's not my favorite in terms of functionality, as I found found myself in neutral multiple times unintentionally.
Second row passengers are treated to heated seats and a drop down center armrest. The seats are also easy to fold down with a mechanical release. An Advance Package adds power drop-down rear headrests. You'll get two USB C ports in the front, another two for the back seat.
Inscription cabin convenience features include two-zone climate, heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, front seat cushion extenders, and interior high level illumination. An Advance package includes an advanced air cleaner system that Volvo says prevents up to 95 percent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles entering the cabin.
A power lift gate is optional and opens to plenty of cargo space. The cargo area offers a 12-volt and a stainless steel tailgate scuff plate. There's also a pass-through area from the rear seats for longer items.
The big news with the XC60's technology is its new infotainment system. It integrates Google Built In. Map quality is terrific. Google Built In integrates a host of other Google digital services, too, like Google Assistant and Google Play. Learn more about those integrations here. The new system also includes 4G LTE connectivity, and yes it's compatible with the iPhone too along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM.
The infotainment system is displayed on a responsive, familiar 9-inch table style multimedia screen where you access many of the vehicle's controls including setting the temperature and selecting the drive mode.
A large12.3-inch color digital driver display above the steering wheel displays full screen maps.
An optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers outstanding sound quality and the speakers really look great. There's even a tweeter located on the center dash.
The XC60's ride and drive is fantastic. Acceleration is effortless. Available air suspension delivers an outstanding, smooth ride. Steering itself is tighter and more responsive than what you tend to think of with a traditional Volvo - due to the hybrid powertrain and torque from the rear electric motor. The ride is confident and braking is excellent.
The XC60 offers various drive modes: Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-Road and Constant AWD with Power being my favorite. They're only accessible through the multimedia system. I'd prefer a physical knob on the center console for easier access. The XC60 is also capable of one-pedal driving which helps energy return to the battery.
Safety
Volvo continues to build upon its exceptional safety by introducing a new sensor platform that will be introduced in all its models. Features include Collision Avoidance (low and high speed collision mitigation and vehicle/pedestrians/cyclists/large animals detection), Lane Departure Warning/ Keeping Aid, Run-off Road Protection/Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring with Steer Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with AutoBrake, Automatic Braking After Collision and Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information, Cruise Control and Front and Rear Park Assist.
Options
My test vehicle comes with a bunch of options: Climate Package ($750), Advance Package ($2,050), Metallic paint ($695),Power operated tailgate ($200), Bower and Wilkins Sound system ($3,200), Air Suspension ($1,800).
Find out about XC60 accessories here. You can also add available running boards.
The MSRP as equipped is $72,840 which is what I'd expect for a luxury SUV with plug-in capability. The XC60 is also available as part of Volvo's subscription plan. Volvo USA also says all Recharge T8 models now qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit
Volvo has long been known for well-crafted vehicles that are luxurious as well as being a pioneer in safety/driver assistance technologies. Now, with its electrified Recharge lineup, Volvo is showing off its engineering abilities when it comes to performance. The XC60 is an excellent plug-in hybrid luxury option, if you're not ready to make the move to go all-electric.