Over the years, Volvo has introduced many new concepts to passenger cars, such as daytime running lights, headrests and three-point seatbelts. Even by its innovative standards, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a quantum leap forward in automotive engineering – a brilliant combination of electric car, diesel estate and thunderous muscle car, all rolled into one.
First unveiled at last year’s Geneva motor show, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid combines a five-cylinder turbodiesel engine with a 70HP electric motor, the latter capable of providing 32 miles of pollution-free propulsion. Three driving modes can be selected; one focuses on electric power and economy, another is the default hybrid mode and the third is optimised for searing performance.
That explains the D6 badge on the Plug-in’s tailgate, since this car accelerates with the ferocity of Volvo’s T6 petrol units. There is even a selectable four-wheel drive mode.
