Review: 2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription

There’s a lot to love about Volvo recently. From barely surviving in Ford’s corporate shadow, they’ve now entered a new era of renaissance—one where they’ve managed to come up with winner after winner. While the brand has a compelling range of vehicles, at the core of all this is the XC60. It’s globally their best-selling model, and single-handedly a showcase of what they’ve accomplished thus far.

Thus, it’s only fitting for Volvo Philippines to offer the XC60 with the brand’s plug-in hybrid electric drive. Sitting atop the range, this “Twin Engine” in Volvo speak, marries a 2.0-liter super- and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mounted upfront with an electric motor at the back. The result? An unbeatable blend of luxury and performance that’s also extremely comfortable and efficient (provided you have a compatible house plug).

From the outside, it’s hard to see what makes this particular XC60 special. With the exception of the charging port on the driver’s side front fender, requisite T8 badging at the back, and wheels an incher larger, it can be mistaken for the more conventional XC60 which Volvo Philippines also sells. Opting not to shout out its green credentials falls right into its Scandinavian character. It’s all about quiet, refined luxury; never ostentatious or pretentious.

Open the door, peer inside, and the same adjectives apply. The cabin isn’t shouty, but is beautifully laid out. Slide behind the wheel, and the Volvo tagline of, “designed around you” becomes more obvious. The front seats are supremely comfortable—wide, supportive, and offers all sorts of adjustment, including one that extends the cushions for longer limbed individuals. There’s plenty of leg and headroom too, whether it’s on the first or second rows. And in typical Volvo fashion, there’s even a clever child booster built into the second row’s outboard seats. Despite the added electric motor and battery, the cargo hold is still a respectable 468 liters—it’s down versus its main competitors, but the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split.

While traditional luxury materials like leather, sustainable driftwood inlays, and metallic accents make their way inside, by far, the take here is decidedly more high-tech. Central to all this is a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. It’s a bit smaller in size compared to the one installed in the 90 Series models, but it’s no less featured. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is offline GPS navigation (with info on local pedestrian crosswalks to boot). Unfortunately, this setup exposes two weaknesses. First, the screen is responsive, but a magnet for fingerprint smudges. Second, the physical audio knob, while easy-to-reach, feels cheap. Also, curiously, for those who stay up-to-date with news via AM radio, the XC60 doesn’t come equipped with it. For everyone else though, the 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system simply rocks.

Replacing the traditional analog gauges is a 12.3-inch screen. It’s configurable to some extent, and is easy enough to understand. With all digital gauges, a large touchscreen infotainment screen, and drive-by-wire gearlever, it’s peculiar that starting the XC60 isn’t a push-button affair. Instead, starting it requires twisting a knob located near the gear lever’s. It’s a nice touch that promises a personal and direct connection between car and driver.

Sadly, this connection doesn’t fully materialize. Problems start when the Orrefors Crystal gear lever is used. The entire experience is unintuitive. For instance, to go into reverse, the lever is tapped forward twice; to go back to drive, it’s two taps back. It requires some vigilance and a glance at the instrument cluster to make sure the right gear’s selected.

This continues with how Volvo’s tuned the drive. It prefers to deliver a cocooning experience—one where it isolates its occupants (driver included) from the hustle-and-bustle of the outside world. Whereas its competitors promise on delivering razor-sharp handling, the XC60 does the opposite. With that, it’s extremely pliant even over the roughest of Manila’s roads. In and around town, it’s cushy and comfortable with almost nothing upsetting the ride. This sense of isolation is heightened by the fact that it can run completely on electric power, but even if the gasoline engine switches on, the noise level goes up just a tad. The brakes too aren’t as inspiring. Because they integrate energy regeneration, the pedal feel is inconsistent.

On the subject of the powertrain, this is single-handedly the biggest and greatest differentiator of the XC60 T8 Twin Engine over its competitors. Upfront, there’s a 303-horsepower, 400 Nm engine mated to the front axle, while at the back, an 88-horsepower, 240 Nm of torque electric motor driving the rear axle. Combined, it makes 390 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque. The part fueled by liquid fossils is managed by an 8-speed automatic which can also decouple itself completely letting this SUV run on pure electric power thanks to a 11.4 kWh battery.

On paper, the performance sounds explosive, and to some degree it is, but it doesn’t impart a great deal of emotion. Part of the issue has to do with the XC60’s curb weight—all 2,103 kilograms of it, but the bigger issue goes back to Volvo’s deliberate direction to neuter the visceral rawness. Having said that, stomp on the throttle, and there’s never any lack of grunt.

Provided the right kind of power socket’s installed, the XC60’s battery can be topped up in as little as 3 hours (20-amps) or as much as 8 hours (6-amps). Volvo says its pure electric range is between 47 to 54 kilometers. Theoretically, this means the gasoline engine never needs to turn on, except perhaps on long road trips. However, in reality, that electric-only range is unachievable. Due to Manila’s snarling traffic, this electric range goes down to just 20 kilometers. Still, it’s enough for a one-way trip from Makati to Marikina. Even with the battery completely depleted, the XC60 can shift to becoming a more conventional gasoline-electric hybrid. Sadly, it’s not as optimized in this mode as fuel efficiency drops to just 12.5 km/L.

Priced at P 5,795,000, the XC60 T8 Twin Engine is more expensive than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Of course, as the range-topping variant in the XC60 range, it’s better equipped than its peers and offers good bang-for-buck performance. While it’s edged out in terms of outright sportiness, it does deliver unparalleled comfort and does so in stunning and unbeatable fashion. Moreover, it has a technological edge that not only helps it balance power and economy, but also gives it an experience that’s much more relatable to the premium buyer. Despite its weaknesses, the XC60 is an original and refreshing take in a segment known for all that German monotony and sternness.

2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription
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Ownership	2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription
Year Introduced	2018
Vehicle Classification	Premium Compact SUV
Warranty	5 years / Unlimited Mileage
The Basic
Body Type	5-door SUV
Seating	5
Engine / Drive	F/AWD
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters)	2.0
Aspiration	Supercharged + Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Layout / # of Cylinders	I4
BHP @ rpm	390 @ 6000 (Combined)
Nm @ rpm	400 @ 2,220-4,800 (Combined)
Fuel / Min. Octane	Gasoline / 95~
Transmission	8 AT
Cruise Control	Yes, Adaptive w/ Low Speed Follow
Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed	12.5 km/L @ 16 km/h
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm)	4,688
Width (mm)	1,902
Height (mm)	1,658
Wheelbase (mm)	2,865
Curb Weight (kg)	2,103
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension	Independent, Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Integral Axle with Transverse Composite Leaf Spring
Front Brakes	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Disc
Tires	Michelin Latitude Sport 3 235/55 R 19 V (f & r)
Wheels	Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags	7
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	Yes, with EBD
Traction / Stability Control	Yes
Parking Sensors	Yes, Front & Rear, 360-degree camera
Front Seatbelts	3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2
Rear Seatbelts	3-pt ELR x 3
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor	Yes, w/ Integrated Child Booster
Other Safety Features	Hill Start Assist Hill Descent Control City Safety (Collision Avoidance & Mitigation) Lane Keeping Assist Blindspot Information System w/ Steer Assist Cross Traffic Alert Run-off Mitigation
Exterior Features
Headlights	LED, Active
Fog Lamps	Yes, Rear
Auto Lights	Yes
Rain-sensing Wipers	Yes
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjust	Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather
Seating Adjustment (driver)	Electric, 10-way, with memory
Seating Adjustment (front passenger)	Electric, 10-way, with memory
Seating Surface	Leather
Folding Rear Seat	Yes, 60/40
On-Board Computer	Yes
Convenience Features
Power Steering	Yes
Power Door Locks	Yes
Power Windows	Yes
Power Mirrors	Yes, with Fold
Proximity Key	Yes
Climate Control	Yes, Dual with Rear Vents
Audio System	Stereo USB Bluetooth GPS Apple CarPlay Android Auto
# of Speakers	19, Bowers & Wilkins
Steering Controls	Yes

I'm Pretty Sure I'm Not Ready to Own an EV Just Yet

Initially, I thought I’d be one of the first to champion electric vehicles. Given the short distance I drive on a daily basis, I could live with the daily routine of charging my car daily in exchange for zero tailpipe emissions, and max torque available from zero rpm. But all that’s changed after I sampled the Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine. This is when I figured out: boy, the Philippines isn’t ready to join the EV bandwagon just yet.

A little caveat: this isn’t a full review of the XC60 T8 Twin Engine—that’ll come at a later time. Instead, lets focus on the aspect being a theoretical EV owner. See, what makes this particular variant of the XC60 different from other hybrids, say those from Toyota or Lexus, is the ability to plug it straight into a 220-volt socket. This negates having to rely on the internal combustion engine to charge the traction battery (though you can) thereby giving us a good glimpse of what EV ownership would be like.

Now, take note: the battery of the XC60 T8 Twin Engine isn’t that big. At 11.6 kWh, it’s dwarfed even by the Lexus RX450h’s 37 kWh. Still, Volvo says it’s good for about 30 kilometers (US EPA)  and up to 54 kilometers (European WLTP) when fully juiced up. Let’s put that to the test.

Picking it up from Volvo’s offices along Pasong Tamo, the battery was fully charged, and the electric-only range showed, what else, 30 kilometers. Since I knew it’ll be a slow trudge along EDSA to my office in Marikina, this is perfect scenario of how an EV will cope.

Initially, it was smooth sailing. I drove conservatively, allowing the system to recover my kinetic energy and braking energy to add charge to the battery. It was great until I hit traffic near the Ayala Tunnel area. From this point, the computer re-calculated the range. It crept down, constantly—displaying 30 then 25 then 20. And mind you, that was for a distance of not more than 2.2 kilometers. The built-in display in the SENSUS system confirmed my worst fears: I was consuming electricity at the rate of more than 40 kWh per 100 kilometers. At this rate, if traffic didn’t let up, I would have completely depleted the battery just getting to the office, and would have lost more than 30 percent in range.

True enough, I did make it back to my office with no fuel consumed, though the remaining range showed a blank figure—confirming that I’ve depleted the Volvo’s 11.6 kWh battery. Now, since my office garage space has access to a 220-volt socket, I attempted a charge. The entire process should take around 8 hours. Surprisingly, everything was painless and straightforward. The charging system has several fail-safe mechanisms built-in. Socket not to spec? No charge. Plug not secured properly? No charge. Car too hot or too cold? No charge. The only problem was that instead of displaying the problem in plain English, I had to memorize what each set of LED meant. Anyway, given that the system draws only 6 amps, there’s no way of tripping the circuit breaker. Sadly, my plug wasn’t to spec since EVs require a properly grounded three-prong plug, and no, you can’t use an adapter.

Throughout the entire exercise, I was confident simply because I had a gasoline engine to fall back on. But if this were a pure EV? I wouldn’t have been so lucky. Sure, an all-electric vehicle would have a larger and more robust battery than this plug-in hybrid, but this experiment highlights two personal issues I have with EVs.

First is about the range. Given Manila’s horrendous traffic and the draw of electrical accessories such as air conditioning on an EV’s range, it’s about time that carmakers stop touting how much theoretical range their EVs could do, lest it will lead to disappointment. Now some will argue that carmakers have done the same thing when it comes to their fuel economy figures, right? Well, we must remember that there’s a gasoline station not more than a few kilometers apart, and refueling takes just 10 minutes as opposed to an EV’s 10 hours. Instead, I propose that carmakers work on selling EVs based on its merits as a huge technological advancement and as a zero emissions vehicle with lower running costs.

Second is a realization that the Philippine infrastructure isn’t ready for EVs yet. Even when a car comes with a cable intended for home use, it’s imperative for carmakers to actually check if their customers can accommodate charging EVs properly in the first place. Perhaps, they should go the extra mile and install a home charging station to fully maximize the ownership experience. Even if it doesn’t look as sexy as the newest sportscar or hot as the newest SUV, carmakers will have to spend even more time explaining how EVs work. Not only will they be selling a car, but they’ll have to actually teach the car buyer how it’s properly used.

Electric vehicle ownership is an entirely different animal, and I’m now convinced that the Philippines isn’t ready for it. If those things are addressed, then sure, I would re-consider getting an EV once more. But at the current state of things, I’m heading to the middle ground in believing that electrified vehicles—hybrids or plug-in hybrids make for the best solution for an environmentally-sound motoring in the local setting.

Volvo's T8 Twin Engine Line Results in Cleaner Air Inside and Out

Volvo prides itself as being designed around people, and with that, they have made it their mission to be environmentally responsible—a tough act for any carmaker.

With 22 percent of total global carbon dioxide emissions generated by the transport sector, Volvo is doing their part, utilizing renewable energy sources in 80 percent of their global production plants. Currently, they’ve reduced their total operational emissions by 25 percent per car in 2018, with a goal of cutting it by 40 percent per car in 2025, and be climate neutral by 2040.

Together with its plan to generate 50 percent of global sales from fully electric cars by 2025, Volvo is doing their part to reduce PM 2.5—the most harmful form of air pollution which can linger in the air and is able to penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream.

Volvo Cars Philippines took the first step recently by introducing the market’s first-ever premium Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in models underpinned by the Volvo Scalable Product Architecture: the XC60 (P 5,795,000), XC90 (P 7,995,000), and S90 (P 5,995,000).

With the T8 Twin Engine, these Volvo models can run on pure electric mode for up to 40 kilometers. And with the Volvo Wallbox—charging is as easy as charging a mobile phone. Furthermore, unlike pure EVs, a high-performance gasoline engine is present to get rid of any range anxiety.

Aside from cleaning the air outside, Volvo models come with technologies that make for a serene, healthy cabin experience. The CleanZone air purification system is considered as one of the industry’s most efficient at filtering out harmful particulates in the incoming air. The new carbon filter also neutralizes unwanted odors as well.

The S90, XC60, and XC90 T8 Twin Engine all invite people to enjoy the clean power of Volvo’s electrified cars—recharged for a better drive and the vision of a climate-neutral future. Not only do these vehicles contribute to alleviating the cause of air pollution, but they also help its occupants breathe a sigh of confidence because of its clean cabin innovations.

Volvo Philippines Expands Plug-In Hybrid Line-Up to 3 Models

In line with Volvo Cars’ goal of reducing its emissions by 50 percent in terms of global sales, Volvo Cars Philippines expands its T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid offering to now include the XC60, S90, and XC90.

Volvo’s Plug-in Hybrid cars deliver a no-compromise combination of plug-in battery electric power and an efficient petrol engine that provides low to zero tailpipe emissions. The additional electric motor supports the combustion engine for low carbon dioxide emissions, and when driven in Pure electric mode, it can allow people to commute with zero tailpipe emissions.

It also delivers excellent flexibility with three drive modes to choose from. Volvo drivers can glide through their day with zero tailpipe fuel consumption in Pure electric mode, zoom through it in Power mode, or maximize efficiency and range with Hybrid mode.

Combined electric and petrol power gives effortless performance and a smooth, refined drive in all conditions.

Volvo’s Twin Engine set-up means that the high voltage battery is positioned in the tunnel console for maximum safety, and also improved weight distribution that gives an enhanced driving experience.

The T8 Twin Engine Technology features Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) that propels the vehicle in electric mode, provides electric boost torque and power during acceleration, provides electric all wheel drive functionality, and performs brake energy recuperation.

Its crank-integrated starter generator (C-ISG) charges the battery while also acts as a starter for the combustion engine. It can support the combustion engine with electric boost power.

Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrids also carry a high voltage traction battery to store energy. It receives energy from electric grid charging and also from regenerative braking of the vehicle or from the C-ISG. The high voltage battery delivers power for pure electric drive and also to run the electric air conditioning for pre-climatization of the passenger compartment.

The large battery gives an electric-only range of around 40 to 50 kilometers and can easily be charged at home or at a charging station. It’s also charged during driving every time you brake or slow down.

The hybrid range also enjoys an advanced cooling system. A base engine cooling circuit cools the C-ISG while one extra cooling circuit cools the ERAD and the power electronics. A second, extra cooling circuit, cools the battery in one of two ways; either passively, via the radiator, or actively, through integration with the car’s climate system.

The Volvo Philippines T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid range started first with the S90, and now expands to both the XC60 and XC90 SUVs. Pricing for the T8 Twin Engine line-up is as follows:

• Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine - P 5,995,000
• Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine - P 5,795,000
• Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine - P 7,995,000

Volvo Philippines Officially Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Line-Up

Following Volvo’s global commitment to electrify its entire line-up (and to have fully-electric cars making up 50 percent of its sales by 2025), Volvo Cars Philippines is the first carmaker locally to launch plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

Now available on the S90, the T8 Twin Engine technology will shortly be made available on the XC60 and XC90 SUV as well.

“We dare to make a change for the better, starting with how we create our cars”, declared Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, Chief Executive Officer and President of Volvo Philippines. “Volvo has always been cognizant of our part in environmental issues. That is the reason why we have incorporated care for the environment as one of our core values. As early as the 1970s, Volvo had already made concrete steps in finding solutions to environmental challenges. Since then, Volvo has pushed the boundaries in addressing the environmental impact that our cars make.”

The T8 Twin Engine delivers all the benefits of a high-performance, low emission gasoline engine with an electric motor delivering power on demand with ultra-low carbon dioxide emissions. Upgraded for 2019, it now delivers more than 400 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque.

In the S90, the T8 Twin Engine does 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Yet, it can do up to 62.5 km/L thanks to a pure electric range of 47 to 57 kilometers.

Even more interesting, the T8 Twin Engine can be charged using a conventional power outlet. Using a 6-amp power outlet, it fully charges 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery in 8 hours, while opting for a 16-amp output cuts it down to 3 hours.

The 2019 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine retails for P 5,950,000. Pricing for the XC60 T8 and XC90 T8 will be announced in the near future.