Overview: Plug-In, Powered Up and Premium
If you’re in the market for a luxury midsize SUV that blends sustainability with serious muscle, the 2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Ultra delivers a responsible and fun experience. With a sleek European aesthetic, an impressive all-electric range and a tech-laden interior, Volvo’s green machine rewrites what a plug-in hybrid can be.
Performance: Punchy and Polished
This SUV isn’t your average hybrid. This XC60 has a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre engine matched to an electric motor. Together, they deliver 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque – numbers that don’t just sound good on paper; they move you in real-time, 0-100 km/h in under five seconds. That’s sporty.
Driving modes include Pure, Hybrid and Power, letting you toggle between electric serenity and spirited performance. Handling is confident. The steering is direct, and despite the SUV’s size this all-wheel drive stays composed even on patchy pavement.
The model I tested came equipped with the optional 4-Corner Air Suspension with Four-C Active Chassis, which is a game changer. Blending adaptive air suspension with dynamic chassis control, it delivers a smoother, more responsive ride. Whether you’re cruising through city streets or tackling uneven terrain, this system adjusts in real-time to boost comfort, sharpen handling and give you a bit more connected feel behind the wheel. It also can raise or lower the ride height, automatically when the engine starts. When you turn off the motor, it drops down to help you exit with ease. Need easier trunk access? Drop it down with the touch of a button.
Efficiency: No Range Anxiety Here
Here is where this SUV shines, with an electric-only range of up to 58 km, the XC60 is ideal for weekday commuting without using a drop of fuel. In Hybrid mode, it smartly balances power from gas and electric sources for optimal performance and fuel economy. Its regenerative braking is seamless, not jarring like some other hybrids. The combined fuel economy is solid if you need to drive for longer trips. This vehicle doesn’t sip gas – it gently rinses its mouth and keeps going. Charging via a Level 2 charger takes about five hours. It’s one of the few luxury PHEVs that feels practical for real-world use.
Interior: Sustainable Luxury
Slide into the cabin and the stress melts away. Volvo’s design DNA is on full display – natural textures, minimalist lines and a feeling of calm that’s hard to manufacture.
The 12.3 touchscreen is crisp and intuitive and runs Google’s built-in suite, giving you Maps, Apple CarPlay, Google Assistant and the Play Store without digging through menus. Better yet, you can vocally request whatever you need. And speaking of sound, my tester came with a very clear Bowers and Wilkins High Fidelity audio system
The Nappa leather-covered driver’s seat comes ventilated, has 4-way lumbar and is 10-way adjustable with seat massage, making for a comfy ride. Please note: If you’re taller, rear legroom might feel cramped. However, they are also heated.
Overhead, the panoramic roof opens the cabin up, letting the light in.
Exterior: Effortless Elegance
The XC60 isn’t chasing trends—it’s setting the tone. With Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, bold proportions and clean lines, this PHEV SUV drives the road between luxury and minimalism. And with new wheels (21″ 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy) and trim tweaks for 2025, there’s just enough refresh to keep it current without losing that timeless Volvo touch.
Safety: Quietly Watching Your Back
Volvo has always been about safety, and this XC60 is no exception. You get Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous highway driving), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Collision Mitigation, and a sharp 360° camera system as standard.
A driver alert system and intersection assist also detect traffic when turning. These tech features don’t just protect – they ease the burden of daily driving.
Value: Premium Without Pretense
With a starting price of $93,610, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Ultra isn’t cheap – but it’s packed with value. You’re buying true luxury, a legit Plug-in Hybrid system, and top-shelf safety tech in one stylish, sustainable package. If you’re after performance, design, and eco-conscious engineering that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Ultra checks all the boxes.
Kay Layne