Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept Preview

Introduction

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept introduces the automaker's new plug-in hybrid technology, which is planned for installation in Volvo products later in this decade.

Exterior Features

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept looks much like a standard XC60, with subtle modifications. The recharging port is located behind a small panel near the driver's door, and the concept vehicle wears 21-inch wheels and tires. Volvo has also modified the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept's front and rear bumpers, and the side sill trim.

Interior Features

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept features a unique version of Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, which apprises the driver of charging station locations, when the vehicle is traveling into low-emission driving zones, and recommends the most efficient route to drive. Because the lithium-ion battery pack is mounted beneath the cargo floor, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept offers 20.1 cubic feet of luggage capacity.

Under the Hood

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a direct-injected, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with automatic stop/start technology. It makes 280 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm, and drives the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

An electric motor adds 70 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, drives the rear wheels, and is powered by a lithium-ion battery mounted at the rear of the SUV. The battery can be recharged in as little as 3.5 hours using a 220-volt outlet, according to Volvo. Recharging using a standard 110-volt household outlet takes 7.5 hours.

The driver can select between Pure, Hybrid, and Power driving modes. In Pure mode, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept provides 35 miles of pure electric driving range. In Hybrid mode, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together and are tuned to deliver maximum fuel economy and driving range, Volvo says. In Power mode, the available 350 combined horsepower are used to produce 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and a 3,300-pound tow rating, according to Volvo.

Fuel Economy

Volvo says that in Hybrid mode, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept will get 50 mpg and provide a combined driving range of 600 miles.