Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid introduced along with new trim options

The S60 now borrows the same T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain as the XC90; gets more equipment courtesy of new trim options.

Volvo has expanded the variant line-up of its S60 mid-size luxury sedan in the UK. The third-gen model now gets Volvo's T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, which joins the existing T5 turbo petrol unit. For those not aware, the T5 derivative is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor with a power & torque output of 247bhp & 350Nm, respectively. The four-cylinder unit sends power to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The T8 Twin Engine powertrain also makes use of the same engine & gearbox as the T5 but with a few differences. Compared to the T5, the T8 plug-in hybrid gets a supercharger & a turbocharger and as a result, it develops 385bhp & achieves a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds. Further, the T8 hybrid offers All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) as standard. Coming to the hybrid component, the 86bhp electric motor is assisted by an 11.86kWh Li-ion battery pack, which is capable of offering an electric-only range of about 58km.

Apart from the new hybrid powertrain addition, Volvo has also introduced two new trims for the S60. While the R-Design Plus comes in as a replacement for the earlier R-Design trim, the Inscription Plus trim comes as an addition. While the T5 derivative is available with both new trims, the T8 hybrid is available exclusively with the R-Design Plus trim option.

Mechanical upgrades offered by the R-Design Plus trim include stiffer springs, new monotube dampers, thicker anti-roll bars & a 12mm lower ride height. However, these are only applicable to the T5 versions (T8 hybrid come with standard suspension settings). Other goodies on offer with the R-Design Plus trim include a head-up display, paddle shifters, high-­gloss black exterior trim elements, a choice of 18-­, 19-­ or 20-inch alloy wheels, metal-mesh/aluminium interior inlays and part-leather sports seats. The T5 R-Design Plus derivative can also be ordered with optional adaptive dampers.

Meanwhile, the Inscription Plus trim offers more comfort & luxury-oriented setup, with additions like chrome exterior bits, a different set of alloy wheels, Nappa full-leather upholstery & Driftwood decor inlays. Inscription Plus versions also get cooled seats, over & above the heated ones from the standard versions.

Volvo has also announced that it will soon release the full details of a 399bhp S60 T8 Polestar Engineered version.

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