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Volvo S60 2.0 T8 [455] RC PHEV Ultimate Dark 4dr AWD Auto Review

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This 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has plug-in hybrid tech, so it's teamed with a larger battery and electric motors to deliver 448bhp to all four wheels. That gives it rapid acceleration, with an official 0-60mph time of just 4.4sec. It can can cover a claimed 56 miles on battery power alone (although we’d take the official figure with a pinch of salt) 

2.0 T8 [455] Recharge PHEV

Saloon

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

Ultimate

2.0 T8 [455] RC PHEV Ultimate Dark 4dr AWD Auto

20-t8-455-rc-phev-ultimate-dark-4dr-awd-auto

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system + pollen filter

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners for all seats

8 speed automatic transmission with start/stop + manual change functions

Power height adjustable passenger seat with multi directional Lumbar Support

Power height adjustable drivers seat with multi directional lumbar support

Driver awareness - Blind spot system + steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake, rear collision warning and mitigation

60/40 versatile split folding 3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Gesture tailgate/boot lid opening and closing

Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 offers one of the nicest interiors in the executive car class and (as you'd expect from the Swedish manufacturer) is impressive on the safety front. Opting for the S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid makes it a good choice for company car drivers, but the price and not-so-fun driving experience make it hard to justify over a BMW 330e. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

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Volvo S60 2.0 T8 [455] RC PHEV Ultimate Dark 4dr AWD Auto Review

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