?2018 Volvo XC60 T8 e Plug-in Hybrid Inscription AWD?
Arguably One of the Safest vehicles on the Planet

The Volvo XC60 is considered to be a small premium sport utility vehicle ? more akin to a wagon, but it comes across as so much more. The 2018 XC60 comes in variety of forms. There is a T5 AWD Inscription, a T5 AWD Momentum, a T5 AWD R-Design and the ultimate Volvo T8 e Plug-in Hybrid Inscription AWD.

Power for the T5 model XC60s is provided by a 2.0-liter GDI inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. The Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid Inscription delivers 400 horses along with 472 pound feet of torque from a 2.0-liter supercharged AND turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Motive force for the latter is geared to the driving wheels via an
8-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with Adv quick Shift. The gas engine combines with a rear mounted electric motor with 65kW / 87 HP max power and 240 Nm 0-50 rps, powered by a Lithium-ion battery with a total energy of 10.4 kwh. Motive energy was transmitted to the driving wheels via an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with Stop/Start and adjustable drive mode selection transmission.

We?ll deal here with the flagship – the XC60 T8 eAWD Inscription model, which begins pricing at $52,900. The final price is determined by the addition of available option Packages. My test vehicle sported a Crystal White metallic exterior finish, with a Cognac (Brown) and Charcoal-toned interior accented by open pore Gray Driftwood and soft aluminum trim elements. Included with my test XC60 T8 eAWD Inscription Volvo were: the Inscription features, priced at $3,800; the $2,000. Convenience Package; the Vision Package for $1,100.: the Luxury Seat Package, $3,000.; the $1,900 Advanced Package. Other extra costs included: a Black headliner and Sport steering wheel; the metallic paint; Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System; four corner air suspension; and Destination charge, adding another $6,790., bringing the final tally to $71,590.

Visually, the Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD Inscription is both aerodynamic and quite attractive, with smooth, flowing contemporary lines and harmonious styling cues that blend successfully into an overall sporty image. Leading off, the trapezoidal grille wears an enlarged Iron Mark logo. The cabin or greenhouse displays a coupe-like persona, and the rear is distinctive with its rear liftgate design that resembles that of the Volvo C30, with LED taillamps flanking it and accenting the shoulder line?s full shape. The XC60’s tailgate opening is wide and accommodating, with the totals maximum cargo area measuring 63.3 cubic feet. The rear seat is a three-piece 40/20/40 split/fold design as found in the V70 and XC70, Each section folds down easily creating a totally flat cargo platform for maximum flexibility and versatility.

The XC60 integrates City Safety, which represented a world?s first for Volvo. It is a driver support system aimed at preventing or minimizing collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less, by utilizing a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a pending collision is likely. Depending upon the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the vehicle, helping to avoid a rear-end collision or to lessen its impact. Steer Assist has been added to the City Safety system. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo?s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS) now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.

Pilot Assist, Volvo?s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH, is available in the new XC60.

The Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD includes as standard fare: rain sensor windshield wipers, headlight washers and Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communicator. Volvo Sensus gains increased steering wheel scroll control and functionality. The gearshift knob for the six-speed ?Geartronic? automatic transmission features illuminated drive modes and paddle shifters A Sport mode comes with the Geartronic transmission and the headlights provide Tunnel Detection. Road Sign Information and Active High Beam are also included.

SUMMARY: The Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD Inscription is definitely easy on the eyes, with its contemporary form and athletic stance. As for choosing the level of Volvo XC60 T6 AWD that?s best, one?s equipment and feature requirements and pocketbook contents will obviously be the determining factor.


The power delivery from the 2.0-liter Supercharged/Turbocharged, Direct Injected four-cylinder belies its small displacement. The horsepower and torque are impressive with an instantaneous response and output, while yielding EPA estimates of 26-mpg city / 28 mpg highway, with the capability of moving from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds ? not bad for a vehicle weighing in at just over two tons. The hybrid system?s combined total output is 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque and delivers 26/33 mpg and can drive up to 21 miles on all-electric energy.

The selectable driving modes allow for matching one?s driving mood and situation ? they include an AWD mode, a Pure mode for ECO operation, along with a Hybrid (recommended for everyday driving), and a Power mode for sportier driving.

The 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged engine is both smooth and instantly responsive to spirited prodding. The ride quality is really quite comfortable with the sport front sport seats providing a superior level of support to the non-sport level variety.Handling is sporty and nimble with positive handling characteristics.

The Volvo XC60 series in its development was focused on making it one of, if not the safest people movers in today?s marketplace, while providing more versatility and functionality than the XC70 and the XC90. Simply select the model that fits your budget and best suits your needs.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 E Plug-in Hybrid Inscription AWD

Base Price: $52,800.
Price as Tested: $71,590.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, supercharged & turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder with gasoline direct injection and an 87 horsepower Electric Motor.

Horsepower (bhp): 400 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (Nm): 472 @ 2,200-5,400 rpm

Electrical Motor: Max power ? 65kW / 87 HP
Max torque ? Nm-240 / 0-50 rps
Battery type ?Lithium-ion
Battery Content ? total energy (kwh) ? 10.4

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with driver adaptive shift logic.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Electronically-controlled AWD with Instant Traction.

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut, with asymmetrically-mounted coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multilink independent suspension with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar, cast aluminum subframe.

Brakes: Power-assisted 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Optimized Hydraulic Brakes, Ready Alert Brakes, and Fading Brake Support.

Tires: Continental CrossContact 255/45 R20 105H M&S mounted on 8-grooved spoke ? Machine faced with painted Inner alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
Length Overall: 184.6 inches
Width: 83.3 inches
Height: 65.3 inches – w/ shark fin antenna
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
Curb Weight: 4,638 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 26 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.35
0 – 60 mph: 5.3 seconds ? Top Speed=130 mph ? electronically limited.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.