Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has officially launched the locally-assembled (CKD) 2020 Volvo S60 T8 PHEV R-Design. This CKD variant replaces the previously USA-imported S60.

Here’s a full rundown of the new Volvo S60 T8 CKD and help you decide whether is this your next perfect car:

1. How much is the Volvo S60 T8 CKD?

Priced at RM 295,888 (OTR without insurance), the CKD S60 is priced exactly as the CBU units. This is because VCM managed to secure duties exemption from the Malaysian Government for the CBU units on the condition that they will meet a certain production quota.

2. Any new features on the Volvo S60 T8 CKD?

The S60 T8 CBU was already fully loaded with features but VCM has managed to add 2 new features to the CKD version – hands-free boot release and Park Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous parking).

However, some minor details have been omitted such as foldable rear seats and in the boot, the tie-down hooks, 12V socket, and storage netting have all been omitted. 

3. What features/equipment does the Volvo S60 T8 CKD have?

On the outside, it gets the R-design exterior kit with a sportier grille, black side mirror caps, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is furnished with black Nappa leather upholstery, 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree surround-view camera, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, and clean zone interior air quality system.

4. How powerful is the 2.0-litre Twin Engine PHEV petrol engine?

Very powerful. It uses a 2.0-litre TwinCharge (turbo and supercharged) four-cylinder petrol rated at 320 PS and 400 Nm married to an electric motor (87 PS/240 Nm) to give a combined system output of 407 PS and 640 Nm.

It’s paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.

Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes a mere 4.4 seconds which is faster than a Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan (4.7 seconds). The S60 T8 PHEV is also the cheapest new car you can buy with over 400 PS.

5. How fuel-efficient is the Volvo S60 T8 CKD?

Being a plug-in hybrid, the S60 T8 packs an 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which gives a full EV range of up to 49 km. For regular daily commute (± 30 km), technically you can go without a single drop of fuel.

A full charge from empty takes 5 hours when plugged into a regular 3-pin socket. Volvo quotes a WLTP fuel consumption rating of 2.3 litres per 100 km provided the hybrid system is used as intended – constantly charged.

6. How safe is the Volvo S60 T8 CKD?

The S60 T8 CKD is one of the safest cars you can possibly buy. It’s equipped with the full suite of Volvo IntelliSafe Advanced Driving Assistance and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving.

It bundles autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), Lane Keeping Aid, Run-off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Blind Spot Information (BLIS) with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA).

7. What about the warranty?

As with every new Volvo purchased from authorised distributors, the S60 T8 CKD is covered with a 5-Year/100,000 km Warranty. The hybrid battery, on the other hand, gets an 8-Year Warranty coverage.

8. What are the alternatives?

At this price point (circa RM 300k), the usual suspects include the BMW 330i M Sport (CKD; RM 293k) and Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line (CKD; RM 304k). There is also the Lexus ES 250 Premium (CBU; RM 299k) if you’re looking for outright comfort.

However, the S60 T8 given its pricing, performance, and specification, it’s the most bang for your buck premium compact executive sedan on sale in Malaysia.