Bitcar Original Last month, the 2023 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version was officially launched, with an overall price range of 527,900-603,900 yuan. As a regular facelift model of the year, the new car has made certain adjustments in configuration, added a new Starring Sand color scheme (but deleted the Pine Forest Gray color scheme), and also changed the shape of the wheel rims. In addition, the car and engine systems have been upgraded to some extent. The powertrain of the new model has not changed on paper.
Volvo XC60 has been selling well in the luxury brand mid-size SUV market, and there are many consumers paying attention to this car. So from appearance to dynamics, let’s take a look at how the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version performs today.
Static review: double-sided design, simple and stylish
The vehicle used for this test drive is the top-end version of the 2022 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid. In terms of appearance, there are almost no changes between the new and old XC60 plug-in hybrid versions. The low-end models offer appearance packages in both sports and luxury versions, while the top-end model we tested this time only offers the luxury version.
The main differences between the two appearance kits focus on the details: the sports version’s air intake grille is a blackened mesh grille, and the front surround is sharper; while the luxury version uses a straight waterfall grille, adding more Chrome-plated elements are more refined.
In the front part of the car, the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version uses a family-style straight waterfall grille and "Thor's Hammer" headlights. The larger grille area and highly recognizable daytime running lights can bring Come on with good momentum. The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid model has always had a relatively special product tonality in this market. The simple but not simple Nordic design style is also in line with the aesthetics of many highly educated people today who "throw away complexity."
In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the 2022 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version are 4708/1902/1658mm, while the 2023 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version only has a height reduction of 2mm, with no other changes. The wheelbase is still 2865mm, which is at a medium level in the same class.
The side of the vehicle creates a sense of strength through the changes in the shape of the door panels and rear fenders. The actual model is equipped with 20-inch wheels. The multi-spoke wheel shape is also mainly low-key and refined. On this car The car is more harmonious. The tire size is 255/45 R20, equipped with Pirelli tires that focus on quiet comfort.
The rear of the vehicle has almost no changes, and it still uses the iconic "Viking Tomahawk" taillights, which are highly recognizable. The design of the tail is still very simple, with a tough and refined look and feel, and a through-type chrome strip is used below.
In terms of the interior, it is still a familiar design. The center console uses a variety of materials to create a more obvious sense of hierarchy. Compared with models of the same level, there are actually relatively few soft materials, and the overall leather feel of the center console and door panels is relatively hard.
The vertical 9-inch central control screen is equipped with the native Android car system. Since the interface is not complicated, the NVIDIA 4-core car chip can also ensure basic smoothness. From my experience, in the navigation In terms of music, in fact, this car machine really doesn’t use CarPlay.
There is a symmetrical air conditioning control area under the central control screen, which is intuitive and easy to use. In addition, a lot of wood grain decorative panels are used in the center console area, which looks very delicate when paired with the crystal gear lever.
Bauer & Wilkinson audio is a coveted feature of Volvo models. Our top-of-the-line model is naturally equipped with it. The treble is transparent and the bass is deep, and the degree of restoration of songs is very high.
In terms of space, I am 181cm tall. After adjusting the appropriate driving posture, I can get 1 punch of space for my head in the front row. Keep the main driving position unchanged, and sit in the back row, and I can get 2 punches of space for my knees. .
However, due to problems with battery installation and four-wheel drive systems in plug-in hybrid models, the floor bulge in the center of the rear row is high, and it is recommended that only two people be seated in the back row.
The storage space is quite satisfactory. There is no problem with the basic storage space for mobile phones and water bottles. There are also Type C charging ports at the front and rear, which basically meet the daily needs of the occupants.
Generally speaking, the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version still maintains the model's consistent simple tone, without too many design elements. The "Thor's Hammer" headlights and "Viking War" elements are incorporated into the Viking elements. The "axe" taillight is a prominent symbol of its exterior design. Coupled with the overall low-key and simple Nordic design style, it achieves a good balance between elegance and sportiness without losing style.
Dynamic performance: silent but fast, NVH performance is well received
I have driven a lot of Volvos in the past year, and I am no stranger to this powertrain. Volvo XC60 is currently on sale in three power versions. The regular models are all 2.0T+48V hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid model tested this time is equipped with a power combination of 2.0T high-power engine + rear motor. .
The maximum power of the 2.0T engine of the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version has reached 228kW, the maximum power of the electric motor is 107kW, the comprehensive maximum power of the system is 335kW, and the comprehensive peak torque is 709N·m. The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid model is also equipped with an 18.8kWhThe ternary lithium battery pack has a pure electric cruising range of 64km, and the official acceleration time to 100 kilometers is 5 seconds.
The first time you get started, you can clearly feel the ample power reserve of this car. The maximum horsepower of the 2.0T high-power engine has exceeded 200kW, but the radical adjustment has also caused the maximum torque platform to arrive at 3000rpm. If this car is a pure fuel car, it will definitely not be easy to drive, but with the assistance of the motor , the combination of the two just makes up for each other's weaknesses.
The power of the motor is not low. In fact, even if you accelerate to 80km/h, you can still feel the power of the motor. In addition, the reaction speed of the motor is much faster than that of the engine, so this car The throttle is still sensitive even in normal mode. The powerful power reserve still has good acceleration capabilities even if it exceeds 120km/h, and the body feel is even stronger than the official 5-second 0-100 mark.
As for the gearbox, due to the abundant power of the engine + motor part, you can't really feel the presence of the gearbox of this car - after all, the gearbox is often used to adjust the output characteristics at each speed, but With the support of the motor, even the speed range where the engine may have been weak can be compensated by the motor.
As for the steering feel, the vehicle's steering has an obvious electronic feel, and the overall feel is relatively light. The feedback to the road surface is not clear, but this is also in line with the positioning of this car - more suitable for city and high-speed cruising. rather than driving aggressively.
The chassis part has been well received. The top model tested this time is equipped with air suspension, and all other models need to be optional. The two most practical scenarios for this set of air suspension are to improve passability on off-road sections, and to bring a rather advanced undulating feeling on high-speed cruising sections, and to have obvious toughness on bad roads.
It is also worth mentioning the NVH performance of this car. Although the 2022 model tested has fewer layers of soundproof glass compared to the 2023 model, the NVH performance of this car is quite excellent even so. Wind noise control is excellent, and engine noise can only be felt during rapid acceleration due to the presence of the motor. In addition, the tire specifications are not low, so tire noise is also well controlled. However, compared with Michelin's silent tires, this set of tires is still quite harsh on road conditions. The tire noise of the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version is more abrupt on cement roads.
Full text summary: In my opinion, the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid version is actually one of the few new energy models from luxury brands with a certain cost performance. Although it may still have some shortcomings, for example, the functions of the vehicle system and LCD instrument are relatively simple, and the space performance is not outstanding. But for people who like to drive, this car may be one of the few that takes into account brand, design, driving pleasure and a certain degree of practicality. fertileAfter the launch of Volvo's 2023 XC60, both the 48V hybrid model and the plug-in hybrid model have received a good level of attention. In addition to the top three in the BBA, the Volvo XC60 is currently in the second echelon of luxury brands in terms of sales. The leader position, the follow-up is worth looking forward to.