Car review: Volvo XC60 T8 is a plug-and-play driving sensation
SINGAPORE – Singapore is particularly suited to electric vehicles (EVs) for well-known reasons – the same ones that make it rather ideal for plug-in hybrid vehicles too.
The city-state is compact, and the average motorist here clocks no more than 50km a day. Singapore is pretty built-up and, hence, road speeds are quite low. The Government is also growing the charging network ambitiously, aiming for 60,000 chargers by 2030.
Plug-in hybrids are cars with an engine and a motor. The motor is powered by a battery that is recharged by an external power source. If fully charged, most modern plug-in hybrids can be driven for a day almost entirely in electric-only mode in Singapore.
These include the just-released Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid. The car is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine driving the front axle and a powerful motor driving the rear. The rear motor is fed by an 18.8kWh battery.
Combined, the engine and motor produce 455hp and 709Nm of torque, endowing the XC60 with the attributes of a sports car.
Standstill to 100kmh is accomplished in a blistering 4.9 seconds, while top speed is artificially limited to 180kmh to be in line with Volvo Cars' zero-fatality aim.
The car's four-cylinder engine kicks in seamlessly and makes a stirring, growling sound not dissimilar to that of power plants from Milan or Bologna. And you get to enjoy this aural delight at low engine speeds too.
This is a stark difference from the Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid test-driven in August 2020. The S60 T8 – which was supercharged, turbocharged and electrically assisted – did not feel as quick as its 4.4-second century sprint suggested, and it was largely devoid of sound and fury.
In the XC60 T8, the engine and motor work beautifully together to make response as instantaneous as an electric vehicle's (EV), and acceleration as tireless as a beefy V8's.
The car's maximum torque of 709Nm is attained from 3,000rpm to 4,800rpm, which is a narrower peak band than non-hybrids, but wider than many EVs'.
Compact conqueror: The car's turbocharged 2-litre engine is paired with a punchy rear-mounted electric motor.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
There is sufficient shove in any speed. Actually, there is sufficient shove even when the car is driven with its battery depleted (three days out of a four-day test drive).
When the battery is not depleted, the test car consumes as little as 5.3 litres/100km. The four-day average works out to 6.9 litres/100km. This could potentially worsen if you continue to drive the car without recharging the battery.
Volvo states that the car consumes 1.3 litres/100km and 21.2kWh/100km. This is provided the battery is never allowed to go empty and the car is driven with a relatively light foot, so that its engine is rarely called into service.
In this best-case scenario, the XC60 T8, with its 71-litre fuel tank, would pull into a petrol station no more than four times a year – assuming it clocks no more than 50km a day like the average car here.
But that is not the way to enjoy this delicious Volvo. Despite its green credentials, the XC60 T8 is really one of the most engaging and entertaining cars to be had. Electric assistance has made this 2-litre four-cylinder feel and sound like a low-key V8, with a generous helping of soul and substance. To drive it purely for efficiency would be a sin.
Fashionable fascia: The cockpit is stylish and functional, and keeps up with the look and feel of latter-day Volvos.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
That said, to get the best out of its performance requires its battery to be charged. With an empty battery, the car is but a front-wheel drive, albeit still a pretty sporty one. With a low charging speed of 6.4kW (AC), the Volvo can use a home charger or most public ones. A full charge from empty takes three hours.
Elsewhere, the 4,708mm-long, 1,999mm-wide and 1,651mm-tall XC60 T8 is functionally similar to the first facelift of the second-generation car that was reviewed here in 2021. But being a plug-in hybrid, it is around 250kg heavier, at 2,150kg. This makes it 500kg heftier than the Toyota Harrier, which is close to its size.
The Volvo has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,865mm. When combined with ample foot recesses under the front seats, it translates to plenty of legroom. Volvo could, however, have taken pains to conceal wirings under the front seats.
The car's 598-litre boot will accommodate a bi-fold bicycle with the handlebar intact.
Best for two: The second row is adequately roomy, but the centre occupant has noticeably less legroom.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Cosmetically, the car has the new criss-cross grille seen on the XC90, and darkened rear lights. Inside, the cockpit shows off styling seen in the electric EX30. Compared with the 2021 car, it has a bigger and faster 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Harman Kardon hi-fi as standard fare and more soundproofing on its A and B pillars.
Android Auto requires cable connection, while Apple CarPlay and phone-charging are wireless. You can stream music from your Android phone wirelessly, but reconnection is not automatic.
The cabin is surprisingly well insulated against solar heat, and front seats are equipped with ventilation to augment an already powerful air-conditioner .
Space to spare: The boot of the XC60 T8 is huge for a car of its size.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
The car rides on 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, which are eminently suited to its sporty demeanour. It handles superbly for a sport utility vehicle with a 21cm ground clearance, with a ride quality which is decidedly firm but not uncomfortable.
While Singapore may be well suited to plug-in hybrids for the reasons cited at the start of this article, the XC6 0 T8's success here may well lie in its appeal to folks who love brawny, fast cars which look understated.
Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV
Price: $345,000 with COE, before applicable discounts
Engine: 1,969cc 16-valve inline-4 turbocharged with 145hp motor and 18.8kWh battery
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 455hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 709Nm at 3,000-4,800rpm
0-100kmh: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 180kmh (electronically limited)
Fuel/power consumption: 1.3 litres/21.2kWh per 100km
Charging capacity: 6.4kW (AC)
Agent: Wearnes Automotive
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Comparable considerations
Audi Q5 S-Line 40 TFSI quattro ($353,999 with COE)
The Q5 is a competent mid-sized crossover. It is so competent that Porsche uses its platform to build its Macan. A plug-in variant is not available here, but this all-wheel-drive variant matches the XC60 T8's price, though not its performance nor efficiency. It is fairly spacious, but not as spacious as the Volvo.
BMW X3 20xDrive M Sport ($358,888 with COE)
The X3 is another compact all-wheel-drive crossover that is in the price range of the XC60 T8. But it does not compare well against the Volvo in almost every other aspect. Like Audi, a plug-in hybrid variant is currently unavailable here.
Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack ($282,999 with COE)
The Sorento offers unbeatable bang for the buck. It is a hybrid, but not a plug-in hybrid. This means the car recaptures energy to keep its battery charged. Its tested fuel consumption is better than the XC60 T8's at 6.3 litres/100km. With a 67-litre fuel tank, its range is better than the Volvo's (on a non-stop journey). The Sorento is slightly larger and has three rows of seats, although the last row is best for small children. It is not as fun as the XC60 T8, but shines in the practicality department.
Follow Christopher Tan on Instagram @chris.motoring
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
Microsoft launches AI accelerator to help firms develop agentic AI road maps
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling at Microsoft's office on Aug 1 for the launch of its Agentic AI Accelerator programme. SINGAPORE – In the future, when an e-mail from a client on the commencement of a legal suit lands in the inbox of law firm Rajah & Tann, an artificial intelligence (AI) agent programmed to process it can automatically forward it to lawyers with the most relevant experience, suggest key legal issues to be addressed and even draft preliminary legal opinions. This is an example of how Rajah & Tann partner Rajesh Sreenivasan envisions agentic AI systems could supercharge the firm's work, and he hopes the company will be able to tap on a newly launched AI accelerator programme to do that. Agentic AI are AI systems designed to autonomously make decisions, and it can plan and execute complex tasks to meet predetermined goals. An example of this is autonomous driving vehicles. On Aug 1, Microsoft announced the launch of its Agentic AI Accelerator programme, at an event at its office at Frasers Towers. The programme will offer selected businesses up to $700,000 in services to co-develop their agentic AI road map with technology partners like EY, NCS and Accenture Avanade. Up to 300 local businesses will also receive baseline support of up to $250,000 of Azure cloud credits and AI training and tools. The AI accelerator programme is part of the Government's Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI) , designed to help Singapore-based companies with their AI transformation projects. Announced in Budget 2025, the $150 million initiative sees the Government supporting firms by co-funding 70 per cent of consultancy costs, capped at $105,000 per enterprise. Microsoft is the third company coming on board the ECI programme, after Google and Amazon Web Services. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Tech Reporting suspected advanced cyber attacks will provide a defence framework: Shanmugam Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: Road will progressively open to motorists from Aug 2 noon World Trump modifies reciprocal tariffs ahead of deadline; rate on Singapore remains at 10% Business Singapore's US tariff rate stays at 10%, but the Republic is not out of the woods yet Singapore 5 women face capital charges after they were allegedly found with nearly 27kg of cocaine in S'pore Business Sumo Salad had valid insurance coverage for work injury claims: MOM Asia Australia to force Google to conduct age checks in world-first rules for search engines Singapore PM Wong to deliver National Day message on Aug 8 Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines of the launch, Mr Rajesh, who also heads his firm's technology, media and telecommunications practice, said that legal disputes often involve tight deadlines, and the use of agentic AI systems can help lawyers work efficiently under a time crunch. 'An AI agent could be able to evaluate some of the issues (in a dispute) and come up with a draft defence, before actual lawyers come in to properly look into it. Agentic AI systems can become part of a legal team,' said Mr Rajesh, who emphasised that lawyers ultimately have to be responsible for the legal advice. Microsoft Singapore's acting managing director Cynthia Yeo pointed out that agentic AI is the next wave of cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional AI, which waits for human prompts, agentic AI can work alongside people or even independently to complete complex tasks. Organisations where teams of humans and AI agents work together will be able to scale faster, move with greater agility and create value in new ways, said Ms Yeo. Microsoft's Work Trend Index report published in April found that 82 per cent of business leaders intend to deploy AI agents to scale workforce capacity in the next 12 to 18 months. 'The combination of support now available to local businesses through the Government's ECI and Microsoft's new Agentic AI Accelerator will drive innovation and position Singapore to lead with AI,' said Ms Yeo. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, the guest of honour at the event, said that as Singapore supports companies in developing cutting-edge AI tools, it has to ensure people are well-equipped to take on the opportunities. She commended Microsoft for its role in developing AI talent in Singapore, as the company has collaborated with SkillsFuture Singapore to help small and medium-sized enterprises to upskill their workforce in AI. 'For Singapore to thrive in the global economy, we must stay at the forefront of enterprise innovation,' said Ms Low. 'Let us continue to innovate to improve our workplace processes, widen AI technology development and adoption, and upskill our people to remain competitive and resilient. This will allow us to realise the full potential of AI and bring lasting benefits to Singapore.'
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Hong Kong set to issue first batch of stablecoin licences early next year
Hong Kong, which is positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub, is establishing a licensing regime for stablecoins referenced to the Hong Kong dollar. A new guideline issued this week lays out operational, financial, and governance standards. Authorities said the first batch of licences for issuers is expected to be granted by early-2026. The government believes its open-model approach will entice global institutions to issue stablecoins in the city. This will help enhance the city's liquidity and competitiveness, while building up the territory's hopes to cement its reputation as a leading international digital asset hub. May Wong reports.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
S'pore pressing ahead with R&D on emerging energy options, including hydrogen, geothermal
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Singapore is likely to continue to rely on natural gas, a fossil fuel, even as it looks for cleaner energy sources. SINGAPORE - Singapore is considering all possible options to reduce emissions from its carbon-intensive energy sector. But some technologies, such as those relating to hydrogen, geothermal and carbon capture, need more time to mature before they become viable for the country. In his first interview as Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng spoke at length on some of these areas, and how Singapore is pushing ahead with research and development on these fronts. 'It is hard to commit today to hydrogen, carbon capture, or for that matter, geothermal, because at this particular point in time, we don't have enough details yet,' he said. 'But we are relentless in our pursuit for research and development, so we have scholars all over to look at which is the cutting-edge technology... Even if we cannot be a first mover in some of it, we want to be the fastest adopter.' Dr Tan said Singapore will spare no effort in ensuring that the nation achieves its target of net-zero emissions by 2050 . 'At the same time, we want... all the different supply pathways to be resilient and affordable. I think that is the key and objective,' he said. On hydrogen Hydrogen can be considered a clean fuel as it does not produce any planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. It can be produced by passing an electrical current through water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen. But in order to be considered green, the electricity must be generated by renewable energy, so the process does not emit any CO2. Dr Tan said that due to Singapore's limited renewable energy resources, it is unable to produce green hydrogen domestically . The Republic would have to instead import this fuel – which must be transported at extremely low temperatures of around minus 253 deg C. For context, some Covid-19 mRNA vaccines had to be transported at temperatures ranging from minus 90 deg C to minus 60 deg C, and required specialised cold-chain logistics management. Dr Tan said transporting green hydrogen over long distances is costly, and Singapore is investing in research in developing carrier systems that will allow the country to import it. For example, the Government has a Directed Hydrogen Programme, which has awarded about $43 million to six projects that can help make hydrogen technologies more viable and scalable. One way to transport hydrogen is by using ammonia as a carrier. Ammonia is relatively stable and can be stored and transported at ambient temperatures. Ammonia can either be combusted directly for electricity generation or 'cracked' to separate hydrogen from it, although this reaction would require very high operating temperatures. Singapore in October 2022 also launched the National Hydrogen Strategy, which will accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen. Dr Tan also noted a $62.5 million Low- Carbon Technology Translational Testbed that will support companies in scaling up low-carbon solutions closer to commercial development. On geothermal energy Geothermal energy is another potential energy source that Singapore is exploring. A 2022 report commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050. In July, The Straits Times reported that a second discovery of high temperatures underground in northern Singapore has shown the potential of using geothermal energy to generate electricity here. Geothermal energy refers to heat derived from the earth's core . However, Dr Tan noted that geothermal energy here is still at a 'very nascent' stage. For example , experts have said it remains to be seen if there is feasibility for sustained energy provision – referring to whether the underground heat reservoirs are able to provide sufficient energy to generate electricity in a stable way – to tell if the energy is economically feasible. EMA had told ST that the authority's current focus is to map out Singapore's underground heat resource . It has commissioned another study to investigate this and the results are expected to be completed in 2026. EMA is also studying other aspects of geothermal energy deployment, such as how deep geothermal systems would need to be regulated, and what their potential impact on the environment is. On carbon capture and storage Carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions essentially refer to technology that can take planet-warming CO2 out of the atmosphere for storage underground. Singapore is likely to continue to rely on natural gas, a fossil fuel, even as it looks for cleaner energy sources. But one area being explored is whether emissions from the energy and chemical sectors in Singapore can be captured and stored, Dr Tan said. He noted that the Government is working with an industry consortium formed by ExxonMobil and Shell, known as S Hub, to study the feasibility of aggregating CO2 emissions in Singapore for storage in other countries. S Hub has plans to develop a CCS project that can permanently store 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year by 2030, either in rock formations deep underground or under the seabed. On July 14, three power generation companies were given the green light to conduct CCS feasibility studies to help Singapore transition to a low-carbon future. They will study two pathways of capturing carbon in the power sector to remove carbon emissions. The first method involves installing an on-site unit to capture CO2 from exhaust gas after natural gas has been burned. The waste gas typically contains CO2, water vapour, nitrogen and oxygen. The other technique involves capturing the CO2 generated when hydrogen is produced from natural gas. The hydrogen can be burned to generate electricity and does not produce any CO2 during the combustion. 'We are starting small. We only target those very hard-to-abate sectors,' said Dr Tan. These are emissions-intensive sectors that have limited alternatives for decarbonisation, and include the power, industry and chemical sectors found on Jurong Island. He said carbon capture is a 'well-proven' technology that has been in use in Norway. Other organisations – including the International Energy Agency and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN's climate science body – consider carbon capture a credible pathway for countries to reach net-zero emissions, he added.
