Sunday Drive: 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge offers electrifying elegance on the road
The 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge commanded attention and stood as a testament to Volvo’s commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability from the moment it landed in our driveway.
The plug-in hybrid SUV has merged cutting-edge technology with that Scandinavian elegance Volvo is known for, offering an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers who do not want to compromise on luxury or performance with a mix of electricity and gas power.
Again, for the week, we were immersed in another plug-in hybrid, using it to get to work and for our normal driving experience from day to day, trying to eke out as many miles per gallon as possible in the interim.
Bold design concept
Volvo’s signature minimalist design philosophy showed through in the 2024 XC60 Recharge. The SUV boasted clean lines, a bold front grille and the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The overall design was both sleek and sophisticated, reflecting Volvo’s dedication to creating vehicles that are as eye-catching as they are functional.
The XC60 Recharge sat on stylish 21-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels, with options for other rims, but we felt these were the best fit for the Recharge. The exterior color palette offered a range of sophisticated hues — including the new Black Edition, which we had for the test drive — highlighting the car’s refined yet modern appeal. The aerodynamic design not only enhanced the vehicle’s appeal but also contributed to its impressive fuel efficiency.
Comfortable interior
Getting inside the 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge, we were greeted by a cabin that was glowing with luxury and comfort. The use of high-quality materials such as napa leather, real wood and brushed metal accents created an atmosphere of opulence. The layout was driver-centric, with a focus on ergonomics and intuitive controls.
The seats (which we have always thought were best in a Volvo) in the XC60 Recharge were exceptionally comfortable, offering ample support for longer journeys. Both front and rear seats were heated, with our test ride also including ventilated front seats. The cabin was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom for everyone front and back, making it ideal for families.
Connecting with technology
Volvo has equipped the XC60 with an array of advanced technological features. The centerpiece of the dashboard was a 9-inch Sensus touch-screen infotainment system, which was both responsive and user-friendly. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google Assistant, ensuring seamless integration with our smartphones, although we wished it had been a wireless connection.
The SUV also came with a high-end Harman Kardon sound system, providing crystal-clear audio quality. For those who demand even more from their audio experience, an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is available.
Performance and handling
Under the hood, the XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This setup delivered a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, making the XC60 Recharge one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class.
The electric motor is powered by an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery, which provided an impressive all-electric range of up to 36 miles. We found this to be ideal for daily commutes and short trips, allowing us to drive in pure electric mode for most of our day. When the battery was depleted, the gasoline engine took over seamlessly, ensuring that we could continue along our journey without interruption.
By charging every night and using only about a quarter tank of fuel for the week, we averaged right around 48 mpg since most of our miles were on electricity only. The Recharge would go 3.2 miles per kWh, costing us about 3.1 cents per mile driven on electric energy. Not bad for a large SUV!
The XC60 Recharge offered a smooth and composed ride, with its advanced suspension system absorbing road imperfections with ease. The steering was precise, and the SUV handled corners with confidence, providing a reassuring driving experience.
Safety and driver assistance
Safety has always been a hallmark of Volvo vehicles, and the 2024 XC60 Recharge was of course no exception. The SUV came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
One standout feature is Volvo’s Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that could take over steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked highways. This system was particularly useful on any longer highway journeys we took, helping to reduce any driver fatigue we might have had and enhancing our safety.
Sustainability and efficiency
The Volvo XC60 Recharge represented a significant step towards Volvo’s ambitious goal of becoming a fully electric car brand by 2030. The plug-in hybrid powertrain significantly reduced emissions and fuel consumption for our week, especially compared to traditional internal combustion engines. This is our favorite way to go as it takes any range anxiety out of the picture.
At the end of the week
The 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge turned out to be an exemplary plug-in hybrid SUV that combined luxury, performance and sustainability in an extremely compelling package. Its elegant design, comfortable and tech-laden interior and impressive performance made it a standout choice for us in the competitive luxury SUV market.
For those in the market for a premium SUV that offers the best of both worlds — the efficiency of an electric vehicle and the flexibility of a traditional gasoline engine — the 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration. Its blend of luxury, technology and environmental responsibility sets it apart in the crowded field of modern SUVs, making it a worthy addition to any discerning driver’s garage.
Base price: $68,950
Destination charge: $1,195
Price as driven: $76,695
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- Deanne stands with the 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge on one of our many treks through the Utah mountains. What a great SUV the XC60 turned out to be for our weekly drive.
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- Inside the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
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- The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 in Silver Dawn.
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- Inside the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
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- The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 in Silver Dawn.
