With all the talk about Electric Cars, the plug-in hybrid has been lost in the mix. This is a shame because it is the best of both worlds, EV and ICE, for many of today’s consumers. You have the benefit of driving all-electric around town for errands and short commuting. Then if you want to go on a trip, you can drive longer distances with high mileage using the hybrid engine. And once there, go back to EV mode.
This 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge is a sleeper when it comes to those two worlds. At first glance, one would not realize that this simple four-door sedan is getting 40+ miles on all-electric and in the upper 30s in the ways of miles per gallon on premium fuel.
Four Doors and a Trunk
In a world of Crossovers and SUVs the four-door sedan is often overlooked. While having that breadbox of space is great for hauling stuff, many times, all we need is to move people and not a lot of gear. So this is where four doors and a trunk comes in handy.
Volvo- when you hear that brand, many people say, ” Oh, isn’t that a boxy stodgy car for university professors and others who value safety over style? And I would say yes, in a way, but if you have not looked at Volvo recently, you are missing out on a vehicle that puts safety and technology in a timeless overall design. Volvo’s are rarely flashy sheet metal or high-speed race cars. Though this S60 Recharge will surprise you, it is quick off the line.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) v/s Hybrid v/s Electric, v/s ICE
A benefit of technology is that we now have more options with powertrains; you can have a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) that has been the standard since early on in the auto age. All Electric (EV), which few know, was the very early standard for mass-produced cars, as they were used in cities. When city streets were dirty with horse droppings and the air was polluted with fumes from more than just ICE vehicles.
Today we have the option of a hybrid, which is an internal combustion engine that has the assistance of electric power via electric motors and batteries. Add to that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – what does that mean? You get all the fuel economy of a hybrid and the round-town value of an EV. We experienced 40 plus miles on all electric plugged into a 120v outlet at home and then 31 miles per gallon on the highway in hybrid mode.
Ultimate Black Edition Trim
Ultimate is the top-of-the-line trim, and the Black Edition added black alloy wheels, metallic paint, black badging, and charcoal upholstery, plus a headliner.
Competitors in this class are the M-B C and E Class – The BMW 4 and 5 series, Lexus ES, and Toyota Camry, to name a few. While this is a four-seater – 5 in a pinch – you will find it to be more comfortable for a driver and three passengers. And the Volvo features a classic touch of Sweeden, the Orrefors crystal gear shift knob.
Let me tell you, and you can see for yourself, this is a pretty stylish four-door sedan. – In a world of Crossovers and SUVs, the four-door sedan is often overlooked. And it should not be. Plenty of people just want four doors and a trunk. And the Volvo S60 Recharge is a great option.
Overall Thoughts
In my week of driving this car, I was pleased to be able to carry three passengers in comfort and get great fuel economy on long trips. What I really liked was the all-electric or, as they call it, “Pure” operation of the S60 around town. Much of my in-town driving was done on EV power with 40 miles of range per charge. And I did not have range anxiety due to this being a hybrid. The only thing I was not really happy about was how the driver seat fit my derrière. The sides of the sport seat were not comfortable on the tailbone.
Photos and words by William West Hopper
William West Hopper is an avid automotive enthusiast. He is a featured VIP Tour Guide at the Washington DC Auto Show each year and is President Emeritus of the Washington Automotive Press Association. You can find him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. And now on the new social media platform Threads.
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