Volvo XC60: Putting Volvo's mild hybrid to the test

The 2020 Volvo XC60 B4 adds 48-volt mild hybrid technology to one of the best premium SUVs on the market. In this CarGurus UK review Rebecca Jackson gets behind the wheel to see what benefits electrification has brought to the XC60.

Pros
Classy styling inside and out
Strong engine range
Practical enough for family use

Cons
No seven-seat option
Not exciting to drive
Expensive to buy

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[robertwalker]

Drove my b4 like this one on a row hundred mile journey in summer with air con on motorway and single track, 53.7 mpg keeping to limits that is fantastic.

[rwg]

I have had the infotainment screen in my XC90, I’m on my 2nd and never had an issue, you can move the location of the different settings, so the ones I use I move to top row, but honestly how many times do I ever need them whilst driving, almost never, so don’t get put off by that, it’s just a nice place to be

[simonjgriffithshr]

Had one on a four day test-drive recently. Was rather impressed by how smoothly it pulled away, and the MPG I got over the course of the week. It was only when I mentioned this to the man collecting the car that he pointed out it was the B4 not the D4. I hadn't even known, so it must make enough of a difference if even a non-petrol-head like me notices enough of an improvement to comment.

[AJ-xmxc]

Always love Ms Rebecca’s reviews 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[theotalma]

Reviewer points out that the B4 AWD has about the same fuel economy as the D4 tested earlier which was "admittedly" FWD. So, she obviously knows that AWD makes a difference, the question is how much. The D4 FWD has 10% better fuel economy than the D4 AWD, which is far from "marginal to non-existent." It's clueless to expect a 48 volt mild hybrid system to improve fuel economy by much more.

[johanvanderborght]

Fully agree with the review. I have a B4 since two months now and indeed fuel savings are not noticable. My old 2013 XC60 ( also 4WD) took 7 liters to 100 km ( 40 MPG) and this does the same except when I drive pure eco mode. Then when I am Lucky only 6 l per 100 km. ( 47 MPG) driving very careful !!! However it is great to ride. I bought it because it feels very smooth and luxureus. Also got it for a very good price compared to the competitors. End of last year these were pactically given away. I got a B4 not even asking for one. It was a free benefit. Main reason for buying it is that Volvo still has the best safety rating. Far better than even Lexus. So I feel comfortable in a safe car that is great to drive and reasonable fuel economy. By the way Lexus and Toyota fuel economy is also seriously overrated. They make electricity with petrol so what are they saving anyway? Now I am waiting for the new CO2 neutral diesel that will be available soon and then no more environmental nonsense. Oh yes. One more thing. Linking CO2 to global warming is the biggest fraud of the century. Hybrid technology so far is a joke anyway. Wait for the Hydrogen cell cars and then things will really change.

[kenbell]

I have a 2019 XC60 Diesel. Noisy? Not at all, unlike what the young lady says. MPG? 36 generally. Its gorgeous. Best car I’ve had.

[paultaylor]

Lovely Jubbly, I always find CarGurus give a fair review of whatever car their testing unlike others.

[morganvon]

I've never seen Rebecca in sunglasses. That's some climate you have over there!

[paulchilds]

Would definitely have one of these great review

[AY-zefp]

I'm so confused. Why did volvo call it a "B"? The "D" means diesel. That makes sense. They will soon make an XC40 P8 Recharge which means approx a 400hp pure electric set up. Then there is the T8 which means plug in hybrid with supercharged and turbocharged. Then there is the T6 which is the same but minus the "electrified" components. Then there is an XC40 T5 which they have in the US which is a 2.0 turbocharged 4 cylinder with approx 250hp. THEN they announced the T5 twin engine which is like the T8 but minus a cylinder and a turbocharger and a little less battery energy. NOW THEY HAVE THE B?!?!?! So a B means mild hybrid. With no distinction between diesel or gasoline?! T could mean turbocharged, turbocharged with a PHEV setup, super and turbocharged, super and turbocharged with a PHEV setup, D means diesel ONLY. P means electric FOR NOW, and B means diesel or mild hybrid. Alright it's only T, B, D, and P. I cannot imagine someone would get confused AT ALL with this vile nomenclature. What's next, a J?! How about an ø. Or a ķ? Or a ğ? Ə anyone?!

[fmsantoscar]

You can tell when setting off from start/stop mode. It’s much smoother in the B5 and you don’t even notice the transition

[CapitanoHoria]

It's 14 HP and 40 Nm that are added by the electric motor.

[Dmaelstrom]

Thanks for the vid! Is the b4 engine the same as the d4 plus electric motor? Thanks!

[lucasbarton]

It’s very good for British roads and weather!

[ethan]

Can someone let me know how it has the new gear selector, b4 engine and seats while still being the pre-facelifted model with the old dials, old infotainment system without google and old front & rear bumper.

[olympus]

The music can be too loud, and can’t hear what she was saying!

[lazziebardakos]

Great review.

Just a fancy stop start system if you ask me. They shouldn't be classified as a hybrid

[robertlangham]

Massive fan of Volvo but am never goingbto buy a car which uses touch screen for 95% of it's systems, it's simply unsafe.

[Starkalicious]

Look, fellas. Rebecca isn't going to sleep with you, no matter how many creepy compliments you put in the comments. Dream on!