A performance-tuned plug-in hybrid station wagon? That’s something new to think about.

Price: $114,900 ($121,400 as tested).
Powertrain and performance: 2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine with plug-in hybrid electric drive. 246kW/6000rpm, 430Nm/2200-5400rpm (Combined 311kW/670Nm). All-wheel drive. 2.0L/100km.
Vital statistics: Length 4761mm, height 1432mm, width 1850mm, wheelbase 2872mm. Luggage 390 litres. Wheels: 19-inch alloys with 235/40 R19 Continental Premium Contact6 tyres.
We like: Handsome sportwagon styling, seating comfort, interior finish quality and effortless high torque performance.
We don’t like: High-rise central tunnel makes five passengers marginal.

NOT many years ago Volvo served the luxury market with a typical mix of sedans and estates.

Today the brand is another case study of how far the market has shifted toward SUVs with just a single four-door in its 2020 New Zealand line-up and the new V60 filling the wagon role while XC models represent the volume of its business.

For drivers who prefer the sportwagon configuration over something riding higher, the V60 offers space and a thought-provoking blend of attributes and technologies.

The V60 flagship pairs the stylish R Design equipment package with the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain - a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine boosted by electric drive and with the rear electric motor also being the enabler for all-wheel-drive.

The dual-boosted four-cylinder petrol engine develops 246kW at 6000rpm along with 430Nm of torque from 2200-5400. The electric motor contributes 65kW and most importantly 240Nm of torque.

It’s an impressive combo of efficient sophistication and genuine performance with combined output totals of 311kW and up to 670Nm of torque.

In Polestar drive mode the V60 T8 can sprint from 0-100kmh in 4.5 seconds and electric torque fills any gaps or pauses in the torque delivery from the relatively small combustion engine. A braked towing capacity of 2000kg adds a little more versatility to the wagon theme.

Claimed average consumption is 2.0L/100km but like all plug-ins that figure varies significantly based on the driving environment.

The best indicated range I saw when driving away with a fully charged battery was 40km. That’s enough for short city commutes and errands to be completed with zero - or close-to-zero - consumption and emissions.

The road test reality for a 122km run over a mix of open road and city driving was a 4.8L/100km consumption average. On a longer highway run the consumption is likely to settle in the high-5s or low-6s – still an appealing level of efficiency for a 4.8-metre long family-size estate with some serious performance potential.

The lithium-ion battery is rated at 11.6kWh capacity – slightly smaller than a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for example. Charging from a domestic supply will take about four hours at 10amp charge rate.

Using a Type-1 plug in the New Zealand market seems something of an anomaly in an industry that is heading towards Type-2 fast charge capability. But the reality for plug-in vehicles is they will be most commonly charged overnight from a domestic supply.

The V60 T8 can be driven in Pure (electric), Hybrid, All-Wheel-Drive and Polestar modes. Additional energy recuperation can be prompted by nudging the gearshift lever back into Brake mode. The steering wheel paddles still shift the eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission rather than adjust the level of energy recuperation.

A highlight of the T8 driving experience is the way the comfortable sportwagon slips effortlessly along in bumper-to-bumper traffic queues on electric drive avoiding the hesitations of awkward stop-start systems. But can then be prompted to deliver serious acceleration in Polestar mode.

The new generation V60 is a medium-large format wagon and continues where Volvo has excelled in the past. There is family-size load space and convenient accessibility via the powered tailgate and it’s sensibly kitted out with the load securing and separation nets.

But the reality of the rear seat layout with a high-rise centre tunnel - for the battery storage – falls somewhere between marginal five-seat accommodation and very comfortable four-seat capability with generous rear headroom and supportive seat shape.

The V60 T8 AWD R Design is priced from $114,900. Options on the test car included panorama sunroof, window tints and Bower and Wilkins premium sound system – grouped as a Premium Pack – to bump the price-tag to $121,400.

Specific highlights of the R Design equipment level include charcoal leather with mesh textile inserts and contrast stitching and R Design detailing of the steering wheel, pedals, shift knob and tread plates with a charcoal headlining.

The exterior carries R Design badging along with gloss black treatment for the roof rails, mirrors and grille while diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels are generously shod with 235/40 R19 Continental PremiumContact6 radials.

The 4-C Dynamic Chassis active damping allows plenty of adjustment of the body control and ride comfort characteristics to progress between luxury and firm sportwagon settings.

Also standard is a head-up display, excellent 360-degree camera, Park Assist, four-zone air conditioning and heated front seats. All of the infotainment, satellite navigation and heating/ventilation functions are controlled from the 9.0-inch portrait format Sensus touchscreen.

The V60 R Design showcases Volvo attributes of an uncluttered control layout and clear displays with an emphasis on quality surfaces including mesh metallic décor.

There is excellent visibility past the cleverly shaped A-pillars and Volvo seat design continues to provide a lesson in both welcoming comfort and firm long-distance support with full power adjustment including four-way lumbar and cushion length adjusters.

Part of the challenge is for luxury brands is to differentiate themselves and offer an identifiably unique experience.

Modern plug-in hybrid performance and effortless refinement sits very neatly with handsome Volvo wagon design and traditional brand attributes of comfort and safety.