Words Tommaso Mogge / Photos S. Lomax

When I think of the Swedish brand, the first thing that comes to mind is safety. Volvo is in fact absolute synonymous with avant-garde and constant research to safeguard the safety of those on board, maybe precisely because two times out of three, a Swede leaves home and risks a head-on collision with a half-ton moose or with a tree at the end of an icy road. Yep, Scandinavia isn’t exactly a friendly place for driving, especially in winter. With these bizarre premises and with a global downsizing across its entire range, Volvo has not given up on stuffing one of the most interesting engines in the list today under the hood of the XC60.

This is the T8, an alphanumeric acronym that helps us understand that this particular version will be able to combine comfort and safety with authentic performance, at least in terms of pure power. And if you are wondering, be aware that this engine is still a small 2-litre inline 4-cylinder, however combined with a Plug-In electric unit – therefore rechargeable from charging columns and from the comfort of your home – for a total of 455 horsepower (310 of the thermal + 145 of the electric one). You read that right, four hundred and fifty-five horses. In a Volvo. And that’s not all, since the most impressive figure is the maximum torque value: 709 Nm at 3,000 rpm. In short, the T8 could tow a house, or if necessary the whole neighborhood.

The exterior appearance is essentially the same as always, after all why would you ever change a look that is still extremely pleasant, touched up just enough to update the restyling in question and keeping the XC60 as one of the best SUVs our money can buy. Also because there is an all-wheel drive layout capable of feeling at ease not only in conditions of poor grip, but also when the colossal 22” wheels are not resting on smooth asphalt. By the way, the rims are beautiful and fill the wheel arches accentuating an aerodynamic and sinuous side profile, but if you plan to tackle some more difficult paths than usual, you will have your hands full trying not to ruin them. Then there is an 8-speed automatic gearbox, precise and with the possibility of being used in sequential mode, but only from the lever itself, given that there are no paddles on the steering wheel.

The passenger compartment is exactly as I remembered it, with great care taken in the choice of materials and assemblies. You feel pampered and satisfied, confirming that no quirks are needed to make an environment valuable. With glossy black bodywork, black leather interior and privacy glass, this XC60 T8 does not hide its sobriety, but with 455 horsepower at disposal it is ready to take on the role of a quiet SUV perfectly suited for long journeys and catapult you into the center of playfulness courtesy of goosebumps performance. Of course, you will be moving a weight of over 2 tons (2,163 kg) and you will not have a set-up designed to launch you from one bend to another – not even in Power mode, the most performing of the five available – but having 709 Nm at hand means that by pressing the throttle, you will leave traffic and many kilometers behind you with total ease. The sprint from 0 to 100 kph takes only 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to just 180 per hour.

Back to the electric topic, with a fully charged 14.7 kWh battery you can travel up to approximately 72 km, while in terms of petrol consumption in the combined cycle you will need to take into account at least 8.5 liters per 100 km, provided you are not demanding too much to the performance factor. Going fast is reflected in consistent consumption. I drove the XC60 in the most varied situations and conditions: motorway, hill roads, city, in the sun and under heavy rain and if I had €72,900 to spend on a daily car they would undoubtedly be allocated to this model, for the simple fact it’s surprising how it manages to do anything well, all without “selling out” to the stylistic imperatives – and not only – that other brands too often are unable to give up. Volvo demonstrates how fundamental aspects such as safety and comfort can coexist, with performance that I would never have expected from a brand that I thought had put an end to driving fun since the days of the legendary 850 T5. The point is that the XC60 should never change, it is perfect as it is.

VOLVO XC60 T8

Engine 4 cylinder Plug-In Hybrid, 1.969 cc Power 455 hp Torque 709 Nm @ 3.000 rpm

Traction All-Wheel-Drive Transmission Automatic 8-Speed Gearbox Weight 2.163 kg

0-100 kph 4,9 sec Top Speed 180 kph Price from€72.900