Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid T8 AWD Ultimate £68,465

Don’t be fooled by its executive looks, Volvo’s popular hybrid SUV is more than up to the task of a day in the field, discovers Ed Coles

Since 2008, Volvo’s XC60 has become a popular higher-end SUV. The updated XC60 has some modern witchcraft combined with old-fashioned engine power. Available in three specs, the Core comes with the B5 petrol engine; the Plus is available with a diesel, petrol or hybrid; and the top-of-the range Ultimate has a chalice of two petrol hybrids, T6 or T8. We’re taking a look at the higher spec Ultimate T8 AWD Recharge plug-in hybrid here.

The silhouette is sleek, with a touch of elegance. The metallic denim blue paintwork, chrome, 20in wheels, LED lights and trademark grille is certainly eye-catching. The shape has evolved since 2008; bumpers have melted into wings, lights have gotten smaller yet brighter but the highend look has remained. Crouching down, the ground clearance looks encouraging; 216mm should be more than enough breathing space, but with the specified wading depth being “bottom of the sill”, we won’t go looking for too much water.

Wolf in sheep’s clothing 

The T8 is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The exterior has an executive, high-end feel, but under the bonnet it’s quite different. Opening the large, curved bonnet we’re greeted with a surprising amount of space around the two-litre petrol turbo engine.

The four-cylinder engine gallops out 310 tiny horses with 400Nm of torque. Combined with that, the T8 has an electric motor driving the rear wheels that produces 145bhp and 309Nm of torque. This gives the T8 a maximum of 455bhp. The eight-speed automatic gearbox helps work the XC60 to a top speed of 112mph.