Volvo was one of the first mainstream manufacturers to have a plug-in version available for every one of its model range, but that hasn't stopped it adding more choice to its offering. In that vein, the company has expanded the XC60 line-up with the Recharge T6.

Sitting at the bottom of the XC60 Recharge range below both the XC60 Recharge T8, which we tested last year, and the 400bhp T8 Polestar Engineered version, the T6 is the most affordable and yet still highly-specced version of the SUV.

Powertrain

Like the other cars in the range, the XC60 Recharge T6 is equipped with a twin-charged 2.0-litre petrol engine (combining both a turbocharger and a supercharger) which drives the front wheels, and an electric motor which powers the rears.

Total system power stands at 340bhp – 50bhp less than the T8 and 60bhp less than the Polestar Engineered. It's still a considerable figure, though, and combined with the 258lb-ft of torque enables the T6 to hit 60mph in just 5.9 seconds, which isn't bad for a car that tips the scales at around two tonnes. Top speed is capped at 112mph.

Enabling the XC60 to travel up to 32 miles on a charge is the same 11.6kWh battery as found in other plug-in variants. Whilst we'd be sceptical of that official figure given the fact we found closer to 20 miles as realistic, it's still plenty usable for undertaking most day-to-day journeys in zero emissions mode. It also enables the XC60 Recharge T6 to post figures of 55g/km and 113mpg on the WLTP test, making it a tax-friendly option for company car drivers.

Equipment

Whilst you do have to cough up for the XC60 (see availability and price), you do get a lot for your money. As standard the R-Design spec car is equipped with 19 inch alloys, twin integrated exhausts, a lowered sports chassis and metal mesh inlays on the outside. Inside, it gets a 12.3 driver's information display, 10 speaker sound system, a host of safety systems plus driver alert control and lane keep assist.

Using the Volvo On Call app, owners can preheat or precool the car, whilst a 9 inch touchscreen deals with the navigation – complete with European mapping. The infotainment and various controls are voice activated. Connectivity via Bluetooth provides smartphone integration.

Availability and price

You can order the XC60 RechargeT6 right now in Inscription form and R-Design form. The Inscription-spec car starts at £50,695, saving around £5000 versus the T8 version.