Currently reading: Volvo S60 gains 385bhp plug-in hybrid option in UK

Executive saloon is now available in PHEV form, while prices have been increased at the bottom of the line-up

The Volvo S60 line-up has been expanded in the UK with the addition of a 385bhp plug-in hybrid option, while Volvo has raised the prices of cheaper models.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling saloon can now be equipped with the four-wheel-drive T8 Twin Engine powertrain, which combines a 299bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an 86bhp electric motor for a combined output of 385bhp and 472lb ft.

In this configuration, the S60 officially offers 36 miles of electric-only range, emits just 39g/km of CO2 and is capable of 176.5mpg combined on the WLTP test cycle. 

The S60 T8 Twin Engine is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 4.6sec. The less potent Volvo S60 T5 petrol model needs almost two seconds more to complete the same sprint.

The enhanced performance and efficiency commands a substantial premium over T5 models, with the T8 R-Design Plus available from £49,805. Business-in-kind tax rates for the new powertrain, however, are less than half those of petrol-only variants. 

The T8 Twin Engine will soon be available with a Polestar Engineered upgrade, a software optimisation package that brings an additional 14bhp. It also sharpens throttle response, holds gears for longer and sends more power to the rear wheels in Dynamic driving mode. 

There have been revisions further down the S60 range as well, with Inscription and R-Design trims replaced with better-equipped but more expensive Plus versions. 

The now-entry-level trim, R-Design Plus, was previously priced from £36,750 but now starts at £37,935, with prices rising to £38,835 for Inscription Plus.

Standard equipment on all S60s includes adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, sat-nav, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

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Volvo attempts to combine the super-saloon and PHEV with its flagship S60 - but is it more a rival for the Mercedes-AMG C43 or the hardcore BMW M3?

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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Lanehogger 22 August 2019

M3 rival next, please!

If the S4, C43 AMG and forthcoming M340i were considered subtle, this S60 T8 takes understatement to another level. You'd barely know this was a performance model! Next step for the S60, a M3 rival.....perhaps?! 

Peter Cavellini 21 August 2019

Now with added grrrrrr!!!!

 Good God!, a sensible Volvo with Boy racer potential!, no, before you all start, I’m kidding, certainly takes it to BMW and Mercedes, just need a road test to tell us how it drives, handles etc.....