Review: 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 - Last of the true Volvo fast wagons, but is it better than the sedan

• A true successor to the Volvo 850 T5R
• Menacingly fast hybrid, classy and premium looking 
• Bigger boot than XC60 but rear space still a drawback

If there’s one thing the 2022 Volvo V60 T8 or any other modern wagon/estate stands for – it’s for being unique, and utterly cool – the equivalent of a hard-hitting disco funk band in a sea of conveyer belt K-Pop groups.

But it’s been years since James Brown or Kool and the Gang made the Billboard charts. And the likes of BTS and Blackpink, in this case, ubiquitous SUVs and MPVs which in all honesty, offer more practicality and packaging, for much less.

Also read: Volvo V60 Recharge T8 launched in Malaysia; RM 4k more than S60 but way more practical

Traditionally, the formula of a wagon is simple enough, extend the roofline of a sedan to create a larger boot for more utility, whilst retaining the comfort and drivability of a sedan – but is that a compromise at best, or the best of both worlds?

Meaning to say, are you better off with the V60 or one of its S60 / XC60 siblings?

Overview

Launched in January this year, the 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 – Recharge denoting Volvo’s electrified range – was introduced in its range-topping Inscription trim level at RM 286,910. The retail price tag has gone up (about RM 27k) since the reinstatement of SST, to RM 313,223 now.

Also read: Review: Volvo S60 T8 R-Design – Much better than a Mercedes?

At that price – the V60 T8 costs roughly RM 10k more than the S60 T8 sedan and approximately RM 18k less than the XC60 T8 Recharge at RM 331k. Thus, as it stands the V60 T8 is positioned rather well within the larger Volvo range.

Under the hood is Volvo’s most powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, which packs a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder paired with a rear axle electric motor generating a combined output of 407 PS and a whopping 640 Nm of torque.

Also read: Ratings: Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus in Malaysia - The hybrid BMW and Mercedes-Benz alternative

Performance stats read 4.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, whilst top speed is electronically limited – as in all current Volvos – to 180 km/h.

The V60 T8 has no direct competitor, further highlighting just how unique an offering it is.

In Malaysia, the only other wagon/estates on sale in Malaysia are the Mazda 6 Touring (at RM 215k) and the fire-breathing Audi RS4 Avant and RS6 Avant at circa RM 850k and RM 1.0 million respectively.

Exterior 

The V60 T8 Inscription carries several aesthetic highlights to exude elegance, versus the sporty R-Design trim featured on the S60 sedan.

As opposed to the gloss black highlights of the R-Design kit, the Inscription features chrome trim pieces on the front grille surrounds, front and rear bumper trimmings and the window trim along the flanks.

Another notable difference is the side mirror caps, which are body coloured, instead of black on the R-Design.

The V60 T8 features 19-inch dual-tone wheels, wrapped with 235/40 profile rubbers.

As far as wheels go, I believe they are stellar looking, managing to add a touch of aggression whilst offering a premium finish. 

From pretty much any angle, the V60 T8 is a looker and few companies do wagons better than Volvo. The width to length proportions are spot on, and there’s a sense of cohesion between the sturdy beltline and roofline.

As a former owner of the Mk1 V60, I can say that you get an instant perception that Mk2 V60 looks more confident as a wagon, instead of its predecessor which looked like a stretched-out hatchback.

Interior

But if the truth is in the pudding, then where the V60 must truly shine is on the inside. 

Let us start with the positives. For one the boot is miles better than the Mk1 V60 in terms of both usable length and width.

There’s a total of 519 litres of boot space in the V60 T8, versus 442 litres in the S60, and marginally more than XC60's 505 litres.

Thus if you’re looking for the most utility in this class of executive vehicles, then look no further. The boot aperture is also visibly wider and taller than before as well.

Though familiar, get into any 60- or 90-series Volvo and you’re treated to a beautifully styled and minimalist interior.

In terms of quality and tactile perception, the V60 and likewise S60, are right up there with the W206 C-Class and G20 BMW 3 Series in terms of overall presentation.

There are 2 different interior options, one with Maroon Brown seats and as featured, the Charcoal Moritz black upholstery, blond headliner and the eye-catching Driftwood Decor inlays.

Also read: Volvo goes vegan! Leather-free interior in all models by 2030, starting with 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge

Pretty much the first thing that catches your eye once you get in is the textured wood surfaces and chrome highlights, that contrast the black surfaces. The Orrefors crystal gear knob is a thing of beauty as well.

Unlike the facelifted Volvo XC60, the V60 does not get the Android Automotive OS. Instead, it uses the familiar (and better in my opinion) Sensus Connect with a 9-inch portrait touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The Sensus Connect still proves one of the easiest infotainment suites to get used to, proven by the fact, that some 3 years after driving a Volvo S90, familiarity comes back within just a few keystrokes of the screen.

Elsewhere, in typical Volvo fashion, the seats are superbly supportive and comfortable both at the front and rear. There’s great padding and support for both your back and thighs making long journeys a fuss-free affair.

As for the downsides, it is pretty much the same as my experience with the Mk1 V60. The rear is cramped once there are four adults, and a squeeze for five. 

Though intrinsically, rear legroom is pretty much on par with the C-Class/3 Series - but given the battery pack's location, the central tunnel is extremely tall. So essentially, if you install a child seat at the rear, having 2 other passengers is going to be nigh on impossible.

If you have tall passengers at the front who need to move the seat backwards, legroom becomes even more compromised, such that a Honda City will seem like a stretch-limo next to the V60. 

Separately, whilst the rear door aperture is decently sized, the door opening angles are tight. So it can be a struggle, especially for older passengers to enter and egress from the V60. 

In terms of refinement, the V60 T8 excels, delivering a very refined experience for all passengers. 

In V60 just about manages to equal the S60 at all speeds, with almost no discernable penalty due to its larger interior. 

The S60 and likewise V60, offer perhaps the best refinement levels in their class, managing to feel even quieter inside the cabin than the numbers suggest. 

Driving Experience

In the same vein as the iconic Volvo 850 T5R, the V60 T8 is perhaps the last in a line of fast Volvo wagons stretching back to the mid-90s. 

With Volvo's plan to go all in on electric by 2030, the V60 T8 could well be the last ICE-powered wagon - which undeniably adds to the romance and desirability for any Volvo fan. 

Also read: Volvo Cars to go fully electric by 2030, says no future for petrol engine cars

That said, once on the go, the V60 T8 is sublime. Despite its incredibly complex powertrain - power delivery is smooth and tractable, and torque is simply immense at virtually any speed. 

With 640 Nm on tap with the battery juiced, it's hard to believe that this car, which weighs as much as a pickup truck, will accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (as tested) and come back to a standstill just as quickly.

The steering is nicely weighted and responsive enough to place the car down a chosen line. However, we noticed a tad bit more feedback and sharpness in the S60.

That said, the brakes are excellent and just as strong as they are on the S60, elsewhere, there is very linear modulation as the powertrain moves from regenerative to mechanical braking, as is the case with all Volvo PHEV models. 

On the road, V60 T8 delivers a very balanced driving experience, its suspension manages road undulations and large bumps with aplomb, and given its heft, always manages to feel planted to the road surface. 

But there's a penalty, a two-tonne kerb weight makes itself known in the corners. It's fine if on a cruise, but if taken aggressively, body roll becomes more pronounced. 

So whilst the V60 T8 is very quick in a straight line, don't expect it to tail a Volkswagen Golf GTI up a twisty backroad despite having almost double the power. 

Conclusion

With no direct competitor, the V60 T8 remains a niche product that should appeal to buyers that already are looking for a Volvo, but want the wagon (and are willing to pay the premium) for its exclusivity. 

Hence, throughout this article, the V60 T8 is measured against the yardstick of the S60 T8 sedan, which if you discount the extra luggage space, matches the V60 in every parameter, and in fact, offers a sportier driving experience thanks to its R-Line additions. 

That said, the V60 T8 offers a dollop of cool street-cred not many other cars do, and if I was spending RM 300k upwards on a car, I should well hope to have that covered.