It is no wonder to us that the Volvo XC60 mid-size luxury SUV has been their most popular model both in the United States and around the world.
The unique Scandinavian timeless influence on the XC60’s exterior styling and design, coupled with a distinctive refined interior featuring the finest materials, latest technologies along with powerful and efficient powertrains – set a standard for mid-size SUV’s.
So, it is again – in 2022 – with refined new and refined extended range plug-in powertrains and eAWD plus refreshed styling front and rear, luxury upholstery choices, and enhanced technology and connectivity.
The more refined powertrains are led by the Recharge Extended Range Plug-in Hybrid with eAWD featured in the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription.
2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range.
We just completed a full week in and around Central Texas in a beautiful 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range.
Subtly expressive in Platinum Gray with a handsome Driftwood interior, premium Nappa Leather heated and ventilated power seats, matte wood finishes, 9-inch integrated Sensus touchscreen, 12.3-inch Driver Display with Navigation, next generation infotainment with Google built in, Bowers & Wilkins sound, signature Orrefors Crystal shifter and more – the perfection of Scandinavian craftsmanship surrounded us.
Sporting eAWD, air suspension and running on 20-inch multi-spoke Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels, our XC60 was powerful, bold, refined, athletic and luxurious as only the Swedes know how to build them.
In a few words, there is simply nothing in a Volvo – particularly this 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range – not to like.
Rather than give a long detail of all of the features that make it so popular with discriminating buyers, we will focus on a few that make this 2022 XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription extra special in our view.
Powertrain – Extended Range
The hybrid powertrain features a new 48V electrical system with a 13-horsepower Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and Electric Supercharger (e-Charger). The gasoline engine is a specially-modified turbocharged version of Volvo’s 2.0L engine with 312 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The rear electric motor (eAWD) sits on the rear axle driving the rear wheels. The two combined give this XC60 a whopping 455 horsepower with 523 lb.-ft. of torque.
The standard Geartronic 8-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned to optimize this powertrain.
Fast? – Acceleration 0-60 mph pf 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph.
Powerful? – Tows nearly 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Efficient? – Delivers 63 MPGe Pure Electric (36+ miles) and 28 mpg Gas city/highway/combined for a combined range of 560 miles?
Did we mention Drive Modes? There are six of them for this plug-in hybrid power train. They are HYBRID, PURE (electric), POWER (gas/electric), AWD, OFF ROAD and HOLD and CHARGE (maintains battery level).
NOTE: This hybrid is capable of ‘one pedal’ driving for both acceleration and deceleration (battery recharging). It uses a ‘brake by wire’ technology that enables battery recharging whenever you back off the throttle – no need to go to the brake pedal.
This XC60 (as a PHEV) comes with what they call a TurboCord which allows charging from either a 110V or 220V wall outlet through a changeable plug pigtail. Very handy for both at home or EV public charging stations.
Goes Outback Too
In addition to solid ‘creds’ under the hood, the 2022 XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range features ground clearance of 8.2-inches and water fording of 15.7-inches giving it ‘cred’ for the outback as well.
With cargo space of 21.1 cubic feet behind the second row for gear and accessories – plus the outback capability and tow capacity – our XC60 Recharge Inscription was well suited to provide plenty of weekend adventure for us and a couple of best friends.
Ride and Handling
Our test XC60 came with the optional Air Suspension. It’s electronically controlled damping system replaces the standard dampers and shock absorbers. Automatic Leveling keeps the vehicle at a constant level ride height in all conditions. A High Speed Adjustment lowers the ride height slightly above 75 mph for efficiency and control. For ease of getting in and out, an Easy Ingress/Egress mode is available from the Sensus touchscreen to lower the ride height as needed for access and return to ride height when doors are closed.
Riding on the optional 20-inch wheels with 6-piston calipers, 14.6-inch ventilated disc brakes and electronic powered steering – handling was exceptionally firm and responsive.
Next Generation Infotainment
The 2022 XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription features a new infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in. Developed in collaboration with Google, the user experience interface is designed by Volvo to take advantage of their Sensus touchscreen feature technology.
Key elements include Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, over the air updates, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, 4G LTE connectivity, Apple iPhone compatibility and (on our test vehicle) the optional Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system with 1,100 wats of power and 15-high end speakers utilizing their exclusive Nautilus Technology for concert hall quality sound.
‘Pilot Assist’ Driver Assistance System
The Advanced Package on our XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription featured Adaptive Cruise Control integrated with Volvo’s innovative Pilot Assist Driver Assistance System. Included on the Volvo Advanced Driver Assist Sensor platform, the hands-on-the-wheel driving assistance system leaves the driver responsible for monitoring traffic and responding if necessary, without needing a vehicle in front to follow. It assists the driver with steering, acceleration and braking up to 80 mph speeds easing driver stress in commuter traffic situations.
Learn More
Learn more or build a Volvo XC60 Recharge your way by going here: https://www.volvocars.com/us/v/cars/xc60-hybrid/shop/.
Cheaper Too
The 2022 PHEV XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range qualifies for the currently available $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit. If you choose other than the Extended Range version, the available Tax Credit is $5,419.
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XC60 T8 Inscription ‘Extended Range’ – Invoice as Tested
- Inscription Trim Level $62,250
- Air Suspension w/CCD $1,800
- 20-inch Diamond Cut Wheels $800
- Metallic Platinum Gray Paint $695
- Bowers & Wilkins Audio $3,200
- Climate Package $750
- Advanced Package $2,050
- Power Tailgate $200
- Destination Charge $1,095
- TOTAL $72,840
- LESS available Tax Credit $7,500
- NET COST $65,340
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KEY DATA: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription
- Model: XC60 Recharge
- Trim: T8 Inscription Extended Range
- Class: Luxury Mid-size SUV
- Seating: Five (two-row)
- MSRP: $62,250 (Base)
- As Tested: $72,840
- PHEV Tax Credit Avail: $7,500
- Powertrain: Hybrid (Plug-in)
- Horsepower: (Combined) 458 horsepower
- Torque: (Combined) 523 lb.-Ft.
- Transmission: 8-speed ‘Geartronic’ Automatic
- Drive Modes: Six
- Drive System: eAWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 MPH / 4.5 Seconds
- Top Speed: 112 mph (electronically limited)
- Tows: 4,960 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 8.2-inches
- Wading: 15.7 – inches
- Suspension: Air Suspension w/CCD
- Steering: Electronic Power Assisted
- Wheels: 20-inch 5 Multi-spoke Diamond Cut Alloy
- Tires: 255/45R20 MS Continental Cross Contact
- Fuel Economy: 63 MPGe Pure Electric / 28 mpg combined
- Range: 36 Miles electric only / 560 miles combined
