As gas prices soared to 215.9 this week, I found myself thinking how lucky I was to have the 2026 Volvo XC60 PHEV Ultra at my disposal. These were pump prices that I have not seen since before the world’s pandemic, 6 years ago.
With the plug-in hybrid feature, the fuel range extended to over 800km fully charged and with a full tank. This gave me more than enough to get around town and withstand all the weather that Mother Nature threw our way.
Although the 55km full battery was quick to drain, and it felt like I got less kilometres as promised on the screen. There was the ability to charge as the Volvo XC60 coasted downhill and you applied the break. However, I found this energy hard to build, and I never got it past the 0 mark. As the gauge grows, white turns green, so that you know you are getting the full pull. Although this did not happen often or for long, so I didn’t really feel like I utilized the hybrid function all that much.
Similarly, I would plug in and charge, but this would not hold and it was not enough to get me from point A to B, and then back again to dutifully commit to.
On the first drive, it felt like you were hauling around with the weight of the vehicle. It was slow and sluggish to accelerate, and as soon as you moved your foot off the pedal it quickly stops at a standstill. Therefore, you need to put more work and pressure to gas forward.
This need to be mindful with your movements was heightened when reversing. There was a fairly substantial learning curve, and you have to figure out how much pressure to apply. The apprehension was only worsened by the foggy and very grainy overhead and reverse cameras, which didn’t completely clear blind spots as a result.
Although, once the XC60 and you got going it is exceptionally quick and feels like things are almost gliding. It was a smooth drive, where you hardly felt any of the bumps on the road and were protected by its sturdy frame; with the ability to cup and bucket your seat for support. You can customize your comfort from flanks down to your thighs, offering more respite for those longer drives.
I fully enjoyed the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, smack dab at the centre of the dash. It sort of looked like a microphone and gave the cabin stadium quality surround sound. Its patterned metal plate had a very intricate and detailed design, giving it a very stylish appeal.
This match with the over all ambiance of the car with its slick aesthetic the likes of chrome metal accents and plush cream leather seats. I loved the extra long cupholder compartment with sliding door to conceal. And the infotainment system that looked like a giant iPad, that was set up to display extra large font.
The heated steering wheel and seats take a longer time to charge up, but once there it was very hot. I normally like a high setting, but felt myself overheating and comfortable at the “2”. I was also surprised to see that the wheel had three levels to choose from as well, and didn’t think things needed to get hotter than level 1.
Once you step out of the vehicle you can hear the hydraulics whirl and the chassis lower. This was noisy and startling affair the first time around. When locking up, there was no beep to verify that the vehicle was indeed locked, so I was left physical checking.
