Several years ago, Volvo started offering all of its vehicles as a PHEV. Back then, there wasn’t too much competition. Now, there’s some fierce competition from the Mercedes-GLC and BMW X3. Those have been recently redesigned with better technology, enhanced batteries, and a longer EV Range. Volvo has had a few years to change certain features and engines. How does the 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge eAWD Ultimate Dark fair?
There’s just something about a completely black car. Every exterior trim piece is black, which makes the handsome XC look a tad bit intimidating. The paint is Onyx Black with optional 22-inch Matte Black alloy wheels. There is a new pattern in the grille along with the Thor’s Hammer headlights. You’ll find the charge part on the left side next to the front door. At the rear, Volvo is spelled out under the rear windshield. Taillights make an L shape which is great, but the fake exhaust isn’t. The XC60 has always been a handsome SUV, and that hasn’t changed.
Although the interior has a clean layout, it’s feeling a bit old. Big compliments to the heated tailored wool blend. They are very comfortable but don’t have a ventilation function. Ahead of the driver is a digital display which is crisp but lacks a lot of customization. Part of the Ultimate is a head-up display which was nice to use. Volvo’s infotainment fails in comparison to other infotainment systems. It’s somehow too small, is a little difficult to use, and has a small backup camera.
For this size of an SUV, there isn’t a lot of storage. There are two sliding panels, but they aren’t deep, as with the center console. I’ve always loved the crystal gear shifter by Orrefors. It’s unnecessary but such a nice touch. An excellent Bowers & Wilkens Premium Sound offers plenty of bass and treble. Ultimate trim also gets a 360-degree camera, but you have to switch the view from the regular backup camera.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-4 and a 14.kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, this produces 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft. With an 8-speed automatic and AWD, the XC60 Recharge eAWD can get from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Since the default mode is Pure electric, acceleration is brisk off the line. Once you engage all 455 horsepower in Sport mode, the XC60 feels quick. What surprised me was the regen braking. By putting the XC60 into B mode and selecting Pure mode, you can use one-pedal driving. Since that’s usually found in EVs, it was cool to have that here.
Driving the XC60 is very comfortable, especially with the wool seats. Handling is what you’d expect from an almost 5,000 lb SUV. There is some roll in the bends, but the engine likes to be pushed. The XC60 is more about comfort than outright athleticism, and that is perfectly ok. This also has safety features such as blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
Although this is a PHEV, all that power comes at a cost. I did achieve 40 MPG while there was electricity, but that dropped to 22 MPH. If you want to add charge to the battery from the engine, you can with a Battery Charge feature. Be warned: you’ll get around 16 MPG. The total EV range was around 30 miles. Pricing for the XC60 Recharge Core starts at $59,000. Ultimate models jump to around $9,000. This model came with a few options.
A Climate Package with a heated steering wheel, headlamp cleaners, and heated seats comes out to $750. The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System is $3,200. Active chassis with air suspension is $1,800. Those great-looking 22-inch 5-Double Spoke Matte Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels are $1,475. All in, this XC60 Recharge eAWD Ultimate Dark $76,000. That is a lot, but you get the crystal gear shifter, head-up display, Pilot Assist Driver Assistance System, and 360-degree camera.
As I said above, the Volvo XC60 is a little long-in-the-tooth. With that said, do I recommend it? I’d recommend the Plus trim level and not the Black Edition. Even though you can’t get cloth seats or other amenities, a well-equipped Plus model goes for $65,000. When I asked if the XC60 can still compete. Yes. It may be a powerful PHEV, but it’s more for long-distance driving in comfort. That’s something I can appreciate.
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