Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
What a sporty, safe, and dazzling midsize SUV I just experienced during a recent exploration in Maryland during its picturesque fall weather. Through the vibrant metropolis and beautiful rural landscapes, I relished the sites from the driver’s seat of Volvo’s city-friendly and highway-efficient 2025 XC60 T8 AWD plug-in hybrid. The premium, midsize SUV is engineered by Polestar, a Swedish automaker and Volvo subsidiary specializing in electric performance vehicles.
Interestingly, my lifestyle centers around nomadic adventures—whether stateside or internationally—clean eating, higher learning, and automotive technology presented in the form of advanced safety engineering, assertive styling, and intelligent infotainment capabilities. Suffice it to say I was highly pleased with the Swedish package. The XC60 T8 AWD is also a plug-in hybrid vehicle incorporating an 18.8 kWh high-voltage battery that powers the electric motor, which is paired with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injected engine. Thus, the SUV can skate around town using up to 35 all-electric miles before you need to plug it up again. However, I would like to see an increase beyond 50 miles.
Upon first look you will see by the slick 21″ 5-Y Black Polished Polestar rims, 265/35 R22 Pirelli P Zero summer tires, and massive Akebono brakes with gold calipers that the Polestar Engineered XC60 T8 AWD is ready to rock and roll. On the road, the youthful Volvo moves with the skillsets of NFL punt returners, especially with AWD and the stop-and-go force from the grabby brakes. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 4.5 seconds (but feels much lighter and quicker), emanating from 455 combined horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Traditional shifting (no paddle shifters) comes from the 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with start-stop capabilities. A uniquely engineered Polestar chassis and suspension including Ohlins dampers, stiffer springs, a lower center of gravity, and a Polestar front strut bar, provides added performance for road warriors.
Inside the inspiring cabin, Volvo owners will enjoy diverse materials and a layout curated with elements that appease the senses from a meditational perspective. The elevated environment highlights Tailored Wool Blend upholstery, Nappa leather front seats and leatherette rear seats (Open Grid Textile), and Driftwood décor inspired by the natural forces of water, waves, and wind. Other attributes include power performance seats with thigh extenders (although hard and flat), a crystal gear shifter, gold-colored seatbelts, charcoal headliner panoramic sunroof, and an air purifier.
The hybrid’s brain is a single 12.3” vertical display powered by Google’s built-in ecosystem, including Google Maps, Google Play Store, and Google Assistant. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and a studio-quality Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker high-fidelity premium audio system with metal speaker grills to play my Roots Reggae Rhythms. A Graphic Head-up Display, 360-degree Surround-View Camera, Park Assist, Driver Assistance System with Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Unlocking after Collision, Lane Keeping Aid, and Forward Collision Warning add to the safety orientation of this Volvo.
I appreciated the XC60 T8 AWD plug-in hybrid’s precise maneuverability, spirited power, and impeccable AWD traction. Of course, other luxury brands, especially the Germans, poignantly define their products with stellar designs and top performance. Volvo is now uniquely positioned to save lives inside a Scandinavian cockpit and doing so with a unique freshness in a $75,250 package. The Swedish automaker also includes three years of complimentary regularly scheduled maintenance.
