2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design Review

The Volvo S60 T8 R-Design launched in 2019 targets the Malaysian D-Segment consumer group seeking a balance between performance and environmental friendliness. This category of consumers wants the sense of quality from a luxury sedan without compromising on power or fuel efficiency. As Volvo's plug-in hybrid performance version, its key selling point lies in the contrast between its combined 413PS power and an official fuel consumption of 3.18L/100km, while also featuring the visual impact of the R-Design sporty kit. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can truly achieve a balance of performance, energy efficiency, and luxury during daily commutes, highway cruising, and occasional spirited driving.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2019 S60 T8 R-Design leans towards compact sportsmanship without the bulkiness of some other models in the same segment. The front fascia features a vertical waterfall grille with black trim, paired with an R-Design exclusive front bumper — the air intakes on both sides are larger, with matte silver trim highlighting the edges, creating a high level of recognition. The body side lines run from the front to the rear, paired with 19-inch twin five-spoke sporty wheels with 235/40 R19 tires, further emphasizing its sporty vibe. The rear design is relatively minimalist, with LED taillights adopting the iconic "Viking axe" design, boasting high recognizability when lit; the dual rear exhaust pipes (decorative, with actual exhausts hidden underneath) and diffuser styling also align with the sporty positioning of the R-Design. For the lighting system, all models come standard with LED headlights with automatic on/off and adaptive high/low beam functions, convenient for daily use.

Inside the cabin, the R-Design version features a black color scheme with silver trim and Alcantara upholstered seats, striking a good balance between luxury and sportiness. The center console uses a vertical 9-inch touchscreen running Volvo's Sensus Connect system, with a straightforward user interface, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its operational smoothness is among the top in 2019 model vehicles. The steering wheel adopts a three-spoke sporty design, with cruise control and multimedia buttons integrated on the left side. The grip feels solid, and the Alcantara material on the steering wheel cover adds extra friction. The seats are well-contoured, with power adjustment and lumbar support for the front seats, while the passenger seat also provides power adjustments, ensuring long trips remain comfortable. In terms of configuration, standard features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and Volvo's signature City Safety system — which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Safety features are comprehensive.

As for dimensions, the 2019 S60 measures 4761mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1431mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2872mm, making it a standard D-Segment sedan. Front-row space is generous, with over a fist's worth of room for head and leg clearance for passengers up to 180cm tall. Rear-seat space is also commendable; a 180cm passenger will have about two fists' worth of legroom and four fingers of headroom, though the sloping roofline slightly reduces head clearance, it doesn’t feel oppressive. Regarding storage space, the trunk offers a capacity of 391L, slightly smaller compared to the gasoline versions (as the battery occupies some space), but it still accommodates two suitcases with no issue. The rear seats can fold down in a split design, offering decent flexibility. There are also plenty of small storage compartments inside the car, including the center armrest box and door pockets that can hold everyday items. Additionally, there is a wireless charging pad in the front (not optional — as it's standard on the 2019 T8 R-Design), providing ample practicality.

In terms of power, the S60 T8 R-Design is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system, delivering a combined maximum output of 413PS and a peak torque of 670N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). For daily commuting, the pure electric mode can be used, with the motor driving the front wheels. The power response is direct, providing brisk acceleration, and the maximum speed in pure electric mode can reach 130km/h, which is more than adequate for short trips within the city—the official pure electric range is 53km, but in Malaysia's climate, the actual range is around 45km. When switching to hybrid mode, the engine and motor work together, delivering strong bursts of power during acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.4 seconds, and in actual tests, there is a noticeable push when stepping on the accelerator, providing ample confidence when overtaking. During highway cruising, the engine primarily drives the vehicle, with the motor assisting when additional acceleration is needed. There is ample power reserve, and accelerating from 120km/h to 160km/h is effortless. In sport mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, the throttle response more sensitive, and the steering wheel heavier, making it suitable for occasional spirited driving.

In terms of handling, the chassis tuning of the S60 T8 leans towards sportiness, with a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setup that offers excellent support. When cornering, the body roll is minimal, the steering is precise, and there is little slack, instilling great confidence in the driver. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, but rear passengers may feel some bouncing when crossing speed bumps, as it is tuned for a sportier ride. The braking system also performs well, with a linear brake pedal and evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 3.18L/100km, but actual usage depends on the frequency of charging. If charged daily and driven primarily in electric mode for commuting, fuel consumption can be negligible. However, if not charged frequently and driven mainly in hybrid mode, fuel consumption is roughly around 7-8L/100km, which is excellent for a car with over 400 horsepower. In terms of noise control, the pure electric mode is almost silent, and when the engine engages during hybrid mode, it transitions smoothly. At highway speeds, tire and wind noise are slightly more noticeable but remain within an acceptable range. The regenerative braking system offers three adjustable levels, with the highest level providing a near one-pedal driving experience. Once accustomed, it can reduce the use of the brakes and improve range.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design are clear: 1) A balance of performance and efficiency—acceleration in 4.4 seconds rivals that of high-performance cars, while the pure electric mode allows for cost-effective commuting; 2) Comprehensive safety features, with Volvo's City Safety system being among the top in its class; 3) The sporty exterior and interior design of the R-Design version caters to the aesthetic preferences of young consumers. Compared to competitors in its segment, such as the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid version, the S60 T8 offers more powerful performance and a more attractive price (its official price at the time was RM295,888, which is slightly cheaper than the RM320K price tag of the 330e). It also boasts richer standard configurations, such as standard heated seats and a panoramic sunroof, which may require additional options on the 330e.

This car is clearly targeted at specific groups of people: firstly, families who prioritize safety and environmental protection—its pure electric mode is perfect for urban commuting, while the hybrid mode meets long-distance needs, and the safety features are well-equipped; secondly, young people who seek performance but don’t want to compromise on practicality—with 413PS of power, it’s sufficiently aggressive, and the rear seat space and trunk can also meet daily usage; thirdly, consumers who like luxury brands but are on a budget—Volvo’s brand appeal combined with the R-Design sport package makes it more distinctive than ordinary luxury sedans.

Overall, the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design is a "versatile" D-Segment plug-in hybrid sedan. It combines the acceleration thrill of a performance car with the energy-saving advantage of a new energy vehicle and retains Volvo's consistent safety and luxury feel. If you want a luxury sedan that doesn’t compromise, it could be a great choice.