Following the presentation of the new V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Volvo has released more information as well as pricing in certain countries including Britain where it will be available for order from the beginning of 2012, with first deliveries expected in November.
In the UK, the European market-only V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid will cost between £45,000 and £50,000, not including the “Plug-in Car Grant” government subsidy.
Pegged as the world's first diesel-electric plug-in hybrid production model, V60 D6 features a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 215HP and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque that drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 70HP electric motor, which draws energy from a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, driving the rear axle.
The V60 D6 can operate three different modes. In hybrid mode, the diesel and the electric engine work in parallel, achieving a range of up to 621 miles (999 km) and emitting just 49g/km of CO2.
In “pure” mode, the car is powered by the electric motor as much as possible offering a range of 32 miles (52 km). For maximum performance the driver can select the “power” mode, in which both motors work together, producing 215HP+70HP and 440+200Nm (324.5+147.5 lb-ft) of torque respectively. In this case, the V60 D6 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.2 seconds.
"Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo. “Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver color, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment.”
Volvo’s plug-in hybrid will be available from November 2012 in a limited run of just 1,000 cars. This initial batch will be launched in just one color (“Electric Silver”) with glossy black details in parts like the grille and the front spoiler.
Its standard specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels, integrated exhaust pipes and a chromed “Plug-in Hybrid” logo on the front wings and the tailgate.
The interior features leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood, a gear lever knob with integrated indicator, speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call. Also standard are a High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with a 4x40W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.
After the initial 1,000 units of the 2013 MY, production will increase to 4,000-6,000 cars from the 2014 model year, with Volvo expecting 80% of sales to go to company cars.
About 30 per cent of the car’s production is allocated to Sweden and the other Nordic countries. Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK will each receive a share of between 5 and 15 per cent.
"We expect the order books to fill very quickly”, commented Jacoby. “The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there's only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid.”
PHOTO GALLERY
