Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid review: performance, top speed, engine
There's no shortage of power, but the Volvo V60 Recharge T6 isn't especially sporty to drive
| Model | 0-62mph | Top speed | Driven wheels | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recharge T6 | 5.4s | 112mph | Four | 345bhp |
The standard V60 Recharge T8 was dropped in early 2020 in favour of a less powerful V60 Recharge T6. Although not a full-on high-performance estate in the mould of the old Volvo V60 Polestar or the Mercedes-AMG C63, the hybrid Volvo V60 still has a hefty power output in standard form; 345bhp should be more than enough punch for most buyers.
The V60's smart styling hints at significant performance and handling potential, but unfortunately this promise isn't fully delivered once you get behind the wheel. This is an undoubtedly fast car, but lacks the last degree of handling sharpness and finesse necessary to truly appeal to keen drivers.
Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration
Speed is the name of the game here, with 0-62mph taking less than 5.5 seconds, and the Recharge T6 able to quickly get up to its electronically limited 112mph top speed – where legally permitted. Not all that long ago, this was approaching supercar acceleration territory, but it demonstrates the potential of electric and petrol power combined. The Polestar Engineered version was even faster, taking almost a second off the 0-62mph time, slashing from 5.4 to 4.6 seconds.
The thing is, very few buyers will need such a powerful plug-in hybrid. For most, the 'entry-level' 345bhp V60 Recharge T6 will offer all the power and performance they'll ever need. There's plenty of punch courtesy of a sizeable electric motor, resulting in strong, linear acceleration.
On the move, the V60's automatic transmission can be slightly hesitant in delivering a burst of power from the engine when you request it, although as set out above, there's certainly nothing to complain about the rate of acceleration when it does arrive.
Handling
Volvos tend to feel rather inert on the move, which can be seen as both a positive and negative. On the plus side, little phases them, including winter weather, puddles and even emergency manoeuvres; which leads to the V60 feeling very assured and safe in all conditions. The downside is that there's little interaction or sense of exactly what the car's doing, so if that's what you're looking for, a BMW 330e is a better choice.
In comparison to its more comfortable V90 Recharge bigger brother, the V60 is more easily unsettled by rough roads, too. Nevertheless, it's still an accomplished cruiser, proving well cushioned and comfortable at high speeds – with excellent refinement to boot.
The Polestar Engineered was fitted with Ohlins adjustable dampers – something more commonly seen on a track-focused performance car than a family-orientated estate. While these can be used to soften up the ride a bit, it's a complex manual process that, in the case of the rear suspension, involves jacking the car up – something most owners probably won't have the patience for.
