Volvo S60 T8 R-Design: An Underappreciated Plug-in Hybrid
Volvo S60 T8 faces critical backlash over its lackluster performance as a hybrid, but it’s hard not to love this blend of luxury and performance.
Often overlooked by many in the luxury market is the iconic Swedish luxury brand, Volvo. While many people still hold the name to brick-shaped station wagons and a reputation for being indestructible, Volvo has long been at the pinnacle of luxury and performance. This is undoubtedly still the case today. However, in an ever-changing world with a turn to electric creeping up on us more and more every day, some think Volvo is lagging behind. After time behind the wheel of this 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design, my opinion lands on the opposite side of the fence.
It is essential to do one thing the moment you sit in the driver seat. Forget that it’s a hybrid. While it is indeed a plug-in hybrid, comparing it to other cars in a similar category doesn’t do much justice. Last year, an article on The Drive dubbed the S60 T8 as a “half-baked hybrid,” citing its infrequent use of all-electric mode and lackluster fuel economy performance is its weak points. The S60 I drove consistently shows its average MPGs into the 40s thanks to frequent charging of the battery. However, it needs to be looked at more like something along the lines of a Porsche 918. Yes, it is going to see a better fuel economy than its non-hybrid counterparts. However, this is more about performance.
No shortage of performance
The T8 features a “twin-engine” setup, as dubbed by Volvo. The all-wheel-drive system comes in the form of the rear wheels receiving power from an electric motor, while the front wheels put down what the turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder under the hood is putting out. You read that right! Two “engines” and two forms of forced induction. Good things come in pairs, right?
What all this equates to is 400 horsepower and a blistering zero to sixty sprint in just 4.4 seconds. From a dead stop, it will not hesitate to slam your head against the headrest. The remarkable acceleration comes at any time you put your foot down, too. What is remarkable, though, is how incredibly Volvo it is regardless of its powerband. It’s pretty easy to get a little deeper into the speedometer than you intended because it rides so unbelievably smooth. If you are worried about getting out of hand, though, there’s excellent news. Thanks to Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving features, you can let the car responsibly do the speed limit for you.
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Inside and out, the Volvo S60 T8 R-Design is a classy experience.
That’ll give you more time to enjoy the interior presence, anyway.
Inside, unsurprisingly, you find an interior that is beyond cozy. From the R-design inscription on the headrests to every last little stitch and material choice, this interior is terrific. Clearly, no time was spared in making this the best that it could be. Fine leather is plentiful, and you’ll find a distinct lack of any cheap-feeling plastics. In fact, you’ll find a distinct lack of any cheap-feeling anything at all.
This particular S60 also has the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System. While the option itself is over $3,000 when new, it is definitely worth it if you’re considering the car.
Final thoughts on the S60
Look, I’m not going to pretend the S60 T8 is some sort of groundbreaking giant leap in hybrid technology. It isn’t a mountain-moving gauntlet of a sports car or the most luxurious thing on four wheels. There is nothing to say about its driving feel that isn’t to be assumed about a Volvo. It is, however, good. It’s fast, it’s smooth, and it’s woefully loveable.
While the new price of this car with these options soared nearly to $60,000, T8 R-Designs are coming up in the certified pre-owned market for under $45,000. That’s a lot of car for the price point, and I would highly recommend considering one if you’re in the market for a luxurious new ride on a modest budget.
Photos for Teamspeed by Braden Carlson