There’s something about Volvos. I’d call it “je ne sais quoi” but do Swedes even use that expression?

The 2025 XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid exemplifies Volvo’s safety priority and unique Scandinavian styling in a luxury compact SUV.

Volvo has dropped the Recharge name for its plug-in hybrid models. The 2025 XC60 T8 PHEV trim levels are Core, Plus, Ultra, Ultra Black Edition, and Polestar Engineered. Pricing starts at $59,345 for the Core. I drove the Polestar Engineered, priced at $76,545. It’s the sport-oriented model in the lineup.

All-wheel drive is standard on every model.

Formidable power is provided by a souped-up four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a colossal 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. On a full charge, you can drive up to 35 miles using electric-only power. In hybrid mode, the XC60 PHEV has an EPA rating of 28 mpg for combined city-highway driving.

The XC60 T8 interior provides utmost comfort and roominess. Front seats are fit for a queen, and back seats for would-be royals. Headroom and fore-and-aft adjustment for the driver’s seat is NBA-worthy.

Build quality barely needs mentioning when it comes to Volvo, but since I brought it up: Premium materials are used exclusively, fit-and-finish looks obsessively precise, and overall the XC60 T8 is rock solid. Driver’s door heaviness was a bit of an issue, until I thought of it as beneficial weight-bearing exercise.

The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered has one of the world’s greatest heated steering wheels. Its grip circumference is nice and fat. It doesn’t just take the chill off; it really cranks out the heat. And the whole wheel heats up well, not just a hand’s worth of inches at the 9 and 3 positions.

Gear shifting of the eight-speed automatic transmission isn’t as fluid as it could be. The lever doesn’t have a straight shot to Drive or Reverse and has to deal with Neutral along the way, requiring an extra step.

The XC60 T8 aced my critical Wild Birdseed Standardized Test for SUV cargo areas. The 40- and 50-pound bags slid out smoothly and effortlessly, like they were on a skating rink, and landed on the dolly just right. I half expected them to take a bow.

2025 VOLVO XC60 T8 PHEV POLESTAR ENGINEERED

Base price, including destination charge: $76,545

Price as driven: $77,345

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.