Volvo V60 2022 Review

The 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription is a luxury mid-size plug-in hybrid wagon that balances the practicality of wagon loading, plug-in hybrid power, and Nordic luxury features.

RM 286,909

Volvo V60 2022

Segment

D-Segment

Body Type

Wagon

Capacity(L)

2.0

Transmission

Engine Power(PS)

Engine Torque(Nm)

View Volvo V60 > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

The midsize station wagon market in Malaysia has always focused on practicality and driving enjoyment. The 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription, as a plug-in hybrid model in this segment, retains the loading advantages of a station wagon while achieving a balance between power and fuel efficiency through its hybrid system. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this car can meet the daily needs of family users while providing the luxury feel and driving quality aligned with the Volvo brand's ethos.

Approaching the V60 Recharge T8 Inscription, the overall exterior maintains Volvo's signature minimalist design with no excessively complex lines. The front grille with vertical chrome bars, paired with the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, delivers a high level of recognition. The side profile showcases smooth lines, with a clear station wagon silhouette extending from the A-pillar to the rear. The 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels further enhance its refined look. At the rear, the "Viking Axe" LED taillights create a unique visual effect when illuminated, while the hidden exhaust layout below the rear bumper emphasizes the understated identity of a hybrid model.

Entering the interior, the Scandinavian minimalist style is immediately apparent. The center console features a layered design, with the upper part covered in soft-touch materials complemented by metal trims, providing both tactile and visual luxury consistent with a premium midsize car. The dual-screen system, composed of a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 9-inch central touchscreen, offers clear interfaces and smooth operation, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Exclusive configurations of the Inscription version include Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the comfort of everyday use with meticulous details.

In terms of dimensions, the V60 Recharge T8 Inscription has a wheelbase of 2872mm, offering ample space for both the front and rear passengers. The front seats provide moderate support, ensuring comfort even during extended drives. In the rear, three adults can sit comfortably, with about a fist's worth of legroom remaining and no cramped headroom. Regarding storage capabilities, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 529L, expandable to 1441L when the rear seats are folded flat, catering to family outings or transporting large items. Additionally, thoughtful touches such as the center armrest storage box and door panel compartments make it convenient to store small everyday items.

The powertrain consists of a 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined maximum power of 310kW and a peak torque of 670N·m. It is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the vehicle defaults to hybrid mode, wherein the electric motor provides power at startup, ensuring a responsive and smooth performance. Pressing the accelerator pedal harder engages both the engine and electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds, ensuring ample power reserves for overtaking. In pure electric mode, the car can travel powered solely by electricity, ideal for short commutes within the city. Switching to sport mode results in more direct power response, with the engine actively engaged, enhancing driving pleasure considerably.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zone. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension system, tuned towards comfort without sacrificing firmness. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, delivering minimal bumps to the cabin. In corners, body roll is well-controlled, and the stability is high. Noise control is also commendable, with minimal wind noise and tire noise during high-speed driving. The Harman Kardon sound system further enhances the driving experience with excellent sound insulation.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.92L/100km. During the actual test drive, the fuel consumption was around 7.5L/100km under combined road conditions. Considering its power parameters, this performance is excellent within its class. The braking system performs consistently, with a moderate brake pedal travel, linear braking force output, and stable vehicle posture during emergency braking.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription lie in its balance between power and fuel economy, a wealth of luxurious features, and the practical space characteristic of station wagons. Compared to its counterparts like the BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant, the V60 Recharge T8 Inscription's plug-in hybrid system and higher configuration level make it more competitive in terms of value for money.

This car is suitable for consumers who value family practicality, pursue luxurious comfort, and also have certain needs for performance. Whether for daily commuting, family outings, or occasional long-distance drives, it offers balanced performance. If you are looking for a mid-size station wagon that combines luxury, practicality, and performance, the V60 Recharge T8 Inscription is worth considering.

Pros

Practical and reliable safety configuration, active braking has avoided collisions multiple times, bringing a strong sense of security

Refined and premium interior, Nordic wood grain + crystal gear lever + soft materials, providing a comfortable riding experience

Powerful hybrid performance, 4.6-second acceleration, easy climbing and overtaking, stable grip

Cons

The coverage of charging stations in Malaysia is low, and charging requires a detour, which is inconvenient

Occasional misjudgment of tree shadows with highway assist driving, minor flaws exist

The rear middle floor height is relatively high, making it uncomfortable for children on long rides

Overall Rating

4.6

Excellent

From 4 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.5 / 5

Interior Design

4.8 / 5

Safety

4.3 / 5

Exterior Design

5.0 / 5

Showing 4 reviews

5 Excellent

CX30

Owner of 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription

Last week, I took my family to Cameron Highlands. On the way, a sudden downpour made the mountain road as slippery as if coated with oil. I was fully concentrated on handling the steering wheel when suddenly, the car in front of me braked sharply. Before I could react, the side of my seat tightened abruptly, fixing me firmly against the backrest. The active braking warning light on the dashboard flashed frantically, and the car came to a steady stop with a screech, just half a meter away from the car ahead. My wife in the passenger seat was so scared that she gripped the armrest tightly, but my daughter in the back seat was still playing with the toys on her car seat—she probably hadn’t noticed that heart-pounding moment. The wipers were working furiously. I took a deep breath and felt the fine Nappa leather on the steering wheel under my fingertips. The cool touch instantly calmed me down. The wood grain trim on the center console emitted a gentle luster in the foggy rain, interweaving with the soft ambient lights inside the car, creating an inexplicably soothing feeling. I remembered when I bought the car, a friend had laughed at me for spending nearly 300,000 Ringgit on a station wagon, saying it wasn’t worth it. But at that moment, looking at my family’s peaceful sleeping faces in the rearview mirror, I suddenly felt that it was money well spent. On the return trip along the coastal highway, we encountered rush hour traffic. I switched to pure electric mode, instantly cutting off the engine noise. My daughter leaned on the window, counting the palm trees along the roadside, while my wife in the passenger seat used CarPlay to play some soothing jazz music. I suddenly thought of last month when I took my parents to Penang, and how the trunk had plenty of room for three suitcases with space to spare. My father couldn’t stop praising how much more spacious this car was compared to his old Toyota. Honestly, I chose Volvo mainly because of its reputation for safety. I remembered the day I picked up the car, the salesperson demonstrated the City Safety system, and I thought those features were flashy but impractical. Then just last month in a parking lot, while I glanced down to look for my phone, the car suddenly stopped on its own—it turned out a kid riding a skateboard had dashed out from the side. My palms were sweating from the fright, but thinking about it now, I feel reassured. As for fuel consumption, I primarily use electricity for daily commuting, only switching to hybrid mode for weekend road trips. I filled up the tank once last month, and there’s still half a tank left. Calculating it out, the fuel consumption is just over 6 liters per 100 kilometers, which is more efficient than my previous 2.0T sedan. However, charging can be a bit inconvenient. Charging stations in Malaysia aren’t as widespread as in China, so I always have to make a special trip to a mall to charge. Overall, this V60 Recharge T8 Inscription is truly a great car. It doesn’t have flashy designs but reflects respect for life in every detail. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, every time I sit in the car, the sense of safety that emanates from within is something money can’t buy.

5 Excellent

4DRacer

Owner of 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription

This interior is absolutely amazing! Everywhere you touch feels soft, the wood grain doesn't look outdated, and once you sit inside, you won't want to get out.

5 Excellent

XpengP7

Owner of 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription

The previously owned Japanese SUV had enough space but lacked a refined touch. After switching to the V60 T8, I was instantly captivated by the interior—Nordic wood grain and a crystal gear knob. Every time I get in, it feels like stepping into a small tea house. A full 5/5, no complaints! As for safety, that's Volvo's forte. The automatic braking saved me once during the morning rush hour in Kuala Lumpur. However, the highway assist sometimes misjudges shadows from trees. Deducting 1 point seems fair. Took the family to Cameron Highlands over the weekend, and the hybrid mode performed excellently on steep climbs. The 4.6-second acceleration makes overtaking super satisfying. The only downside is that the rear middle floor is a bit high, so the kid starts complaining after sitting there for too long. Overall, this RM280K+ wagon is both refined and practical for use in Malaysia. The small drawbacks are totally acceptable!

5 Excellent

EVO_X

Owner of 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription

Last week, I took my family to an orchard at the foot of Genting Mountain. Just after passing the toll station, we encountered a heavy downpour. On the slippery mountain road, stepping hard on the accelerator, the instant burst of power from the motor + turbocharger (breaking 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds is no joke) made overtaking clean and effortless. At the red light, my wife touched the Nordic-style leather seats and said they were softer than our home sofa, though the shallow depth of the passenger side storage box (deducting 1 point for the interior is fair). While taking shelter from the rain by the roadside, the coupe-like roofline paired with the Thor headlights even caught the attention of the fruit-selling uncle, who gave it a second glance—this appearance truly stands out amidst the greenery of rainy Malaysia.