The Volvo XC60 II (facelift 2021) Recharge 2.0 T8 (303 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid AWD Geartronic represents Volvo’s commitment to electrification and refined Scandinavian design within the premium compact SUV segment. Introduced in March 2021 and produced through September 2021, this variant of the second-generation XC60 combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and all-wheel-drive capability. It’s a key model in Volvo’s strategy to become a fully electric car company, bridging the gap between traditional internal combustion engines and a fully electric future. While the XC60 is a global model, the Recharge T8 variant was particularly important in markets with strong incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles, like Europe and increasingly, North America.
Volvo XC60 II Recharge: An Overview
The XC60 II, launched in 2017, marked a significant step forward for Volvo, moving the brand further upmarket and establishing a new design language. The 2021 facelift brought subtle but impactful updates to the exterior and interior, enhancing the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and technological sophistication. The Recharge T8 model specifically adds a plug-in hybrid powertrain, allowing for limited all-electric driving and significantly reduced emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered SUVs. This model caters to buyers seeking a premium SUV experience with a reduced environmental footprint.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the XC60 Recharge 2.0 T8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated B4204T34. This engine produces 303 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2200 and 4800 rpm. The addition of both a turbocharger and a supercharger provides a broad torque curve and minimizes turbo lag, resulting in responsive acceleration. Complementing the gasoline engine is an 87 horsepower electric motor located on the rear axle. This configuration allows for all-wheel drive, with the internal combustion engine powering the front wheels and the electric motor driving the rear wheels. The combined system output delivers brisk performance, achieving a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of approximately 5.2 seconds and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The 8-speed automatic transmission (Geartronic) ensures smooth and efficient power delivery.
Design & Features
The Volvo XC60 II is a five-door SUV/Crossover with seating for five passengers. Its exterior design embodies Volvo’s Scandinavian aesthetic – clean lines, a minimalist approach, and a focus on elegant simplicity. The 2021 facelift included updates to the front grille, headlights (now featuring distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights), and rear taillights. The interior is characterized by high-quality materials, a spacious cabin, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Key features of the Recharge T8 model include a 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located in the central tunnel, providing an all-electric range of 46-53 km (28.58 – 32.93 miles) based on the WLTP cycle. The vehicle supports regenerative braking, which helps to recapture energy during deceleration and extend the electric range. Standard safety features, a hallmark of Volvo, include ABS, stability control, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The trunk offers 468 liters (16.53 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1395 liters (49.26 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC60 |
| Generation | XC60 II (facelift 2021) |
| Type (Engine) | Recharge 2.0 T8 (303 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid AWD Geartronic |
| Start of production | March, 2021 |
| End of production | September, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 2.4-2.8 l/100 km (98 – 84 US mpg, 117.7 – 100.9 UK mpg, 41.7 – 35.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 54-64 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 1.9-2 l/100 km (123.8 – 117.6 US mpg, 148.7 – 141.2 UK mpg, 52.6 – 50 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 42-45 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp, 144.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 191 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 11.6 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | In the central tunnel |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 46-53 km (28.58 – 32.93 mi) |
| All-electric range (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 48-50 km (29.83 – 31.07 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 15.3-17.8 kWh/100 km (24.62 – 28.65 kWh/100 mi, 137 – 118 MPGe, 6.5 – 5.6 km/kWh, 4.1 – 3.5 mi/kWh) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 16.3-17.2 kWh/100 km (26.23 – 27.68 kWh/100 mi, 128 – 122 MPGe, 6.1 – 5.8 km/kWh, 3.8 – 3.6 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 125 km/h (77.67 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 87 Hp @ 7000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 0-3000 rpm) |
| Electric motor Torque | 240 Nm @ 0-3000 rpm |
| Electric motor location | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Power | 303 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2200-4800 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2200-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4204T34 |
| Engine displacement | 1969 cm3 (120.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharging and Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2094 kg (4616.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2660 kg (5864.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 566 kg (1247.82 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 468 l (16.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1395 l (49.26 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4688 mm (184.57 in.) |
| Width | 1902 mm (74.88 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2117 mm (83.35 in.) |
| Height | 1658 mm (65.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2865 mm (112.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1655 mm (65.16 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1659 mm (65.31 in.) |
| Front overhang | 872 mm (34.33 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 951 mm (37.44 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) permanently drives the front wheels of the vehicle, the electric motor drives the rear wheels of the vehicle, capable of running in full electric mode, only by the Internal combustion engine (ICE) or in mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Geartronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
The Volvo XC60 II Recharge 2.0 T8 (303 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid AWD Geartronic represents a compelling option for buyers seeking a luxurious, efficient, and technologically advanced compact SUV. Its blend of performance, practicality, and environmental consciousness positions it as a strong contender in the premium segment.
