Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid R-Design launched

Volvo has expanded its V60 range, offering its diesel plug-in hybrid in R-Design specification for the first time. It’s on sale now ahead with deliveries scheduled to begin in August, and starts from £51,675.

That’s a £1,700 premium on the standard V60 Plug-In Hybrid, although customers will still benefit from the Government’s £5,000 grant for cars with ultra-low CO2 emissions.

For this, Volvo has fitted the V60 D6 AWD Lux Nav with the R-Design front bumper and grille, giving the car a lower, sportier appearance, as well as repositioned daytime running lights and angular air intakes.

Additional exterior changes include 18-inch Ixion alloys and a new rear diffuser. 

The latest V60 model gains a full R-Design interior, too – featuring sports seats trimmed in a combination of textile and perforated black nubuck leather.

Volvo has also fitted sports pedals and floor mats, as well as charcoal headlining, alongside traditional R-Design upgrades. 

The front wheels will once again be powered via a six-speed automatic gearbox by a 212bhp 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel with 440Nm of torque, whilst an electric motor generating 69bhp and 200Nm drives the rear axles.

There are three driving modes, and when the default Hybrid setting is selected, the Volvo alternates between the diesel engine and motor, officially managing 155.2mpg whilst emitting only 48g/km of CO2.

In Power mode the two units work in tandem, giving the V60 Plug-In Hybrid all-wheel drive and a combined 281bhp and 620Nm. Selecting Pure, meanwhile, provides up to 31 miles of electric-only drive, the diesel engaging only if 78mph is exceeded or during heavy acceleration.

As with Volvo’s other PHEVs, there’s an On Call telematic system allowing for constant contact between driver and vehicle thanks to a free mobile app. Special plug-in hybrid instruments and read-outs have also been carried over from the regular V60 Plug-In Hybrid.