Volvo lifts wraps on XC60 plug-in 04 | 01 | 2012
VOLVO'S STAR AT the Detroit Motor Show, which starts next week, will be this petrol-electric XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
Combining a 256bhp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 69bhp, 147lb ft electric motor, the XC60 can drive for up to 35 miles on electric power alone.
And not only are its CO2 emissions a lowly 53g/km, it will also achieve more than 100mpg on the European combined cycle. The new plug-in, is clearly aimed at the US market where more than half of American drivers are estimated to travel less than 30 miles a day.
The XC60 is being presented as a concept, with Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby stressing it is not yet certain which Volvo will be sold first in the US with the plug-in powertrain.
“A world-class plug-in hybrid will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years,” he said. “However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature the solution.”
See more official photos of Volvo's XC60 plug-in hybrid
While the XC60 hybrid uses the same plug-in technology as the £47,000 V60 Plug-in Hybrid which will go on sale in Europe later this year, the V60 will feature a 212bhp, 324lb ft five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine.
One similarity both vehicles have is that they will each feature three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid and Power. Pure is all-electric, Hybrid uses the electric assistance to boost economy and Power uses the electric assistance to boost performance.
Other features of the drivetrain include a selectable electrical all-wheel drive mode, which is claimed to be more economical than a permanent mechanical all-wheel drive system as it is only activated when a driver needs assistance in snow, mud or similar low-grip situations.
A full recharge of the batteries on both the XC60 and V60 takes between 3.5 hours and 7.5 hours depending on the amperage of the power source.
While recharging, it is also possible to pre-heat or cool the cabin to prevent the car using unnecessary charge on these tasks when on the move.
The battery can also be pre-conditioned to its optimum working temperature, too, thus maximising the electric-only range.
First look at next generation Volvo XC90
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Jim McGill