Set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next week, Volvo’s latest Twin Engine model is based on the locally produced, long-wheelbase S60L. Its powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving 238 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels with a 50-kW electric motor (juiced by an 11.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack) kicking in another 68 hp and 147 lb-ft to the rear wheels. The new model would appear to be the production version of the S60L PPHEV showcased last year in Beijing.
It’ll drive for a good 33 miles on electric power alone, and with such green credentials, it qualifies in Shanghai for a license plate right out of the box instead of having to bid on one at auction. Combine those benefits with the extra space afforded by the S60L and Volvo’s got a compelling package on its hands. Shame it’ll only be offered for the time being in China and nowhere else.
– S60L T6 Twin Engine China sales start on April 22nd
– The first locally manufactured medium-sized premium plug-in hybrid in China
– Offers unique 3 cars in 1 experience: Pure – Hybrid – Power
Volvo Cars is set to show the latest addition to its growing portfolio of plug-in hybrid cars at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.
“We are delighted to signal the start of sales in China of our brand new S60L T6 Twin Engine. The Chinese consumer is ready for this product. Our offer of no compromise performance and efficiency, coupled with very clear ownership benefits, means that we are perfectly positioned in the growing plug-in hybrid market,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Global Marketing, Sales and Service at Volvo Car Group.
Bestselling
Volvo Cars is a pioneer in the field of plug-in hybrid powertrain development. In 2012 the company was the first to launch a premium plug-in hybrid and the first to use a diesel engine in such an application. The V60 D6 Twin Engine continues to be the bestselling premium plug-in hybrid in Europe, delivering a unique 3-in-1 no compromise car experience with individual drive settings that deliver unequalled performance, economy or pure electric propulsion options. All-Wheel Drive is also available on demand, thanks to the innovative electric rear axle drive.
Petrol plug-in hybrid
The new S60L Twin Engine is manufactured in Volvo Cars’ Chengdu Plant. A true Swedish heart beats beneath the bonnet in the form of a Drive-E four-cylinder 2–liter petrol engine, linked to rear-axle drive 50 kW electric motor, powered by an energy-optimized 11,2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers 306 hp (238 + 68 hp) and 350 + 200 Nm with emissions of just 49 g/km*, making it one of the best performing plug-in hybrids on the market today. The S60L T6 Twin Engine also delivers a full 53 km* of pure electric range, making it perfect for pure electric city driving.
Key ownership benefits
“There are many benefits to owning a Volvo Twin Engine variant. In the city of Shanghai**, for example, S60L Twin Engine customers will qualify for a hard-to-get license plate. Offering both convenience, power and efficiency with low emissions makes the car perfect for city dwellers while supporting local pollution initiatives by enabling pure electric drive,” added Alain Visser.
With the sales start of the S60L T6 Twin Engine in China, and the recent introduction of the XC90 T8 and V60 D5 Twin Engine in Europe, Volvo Cars now offers the broadest range of premium no compromise plug-in hybrids on the global stage.
“We have a very strong portfolio of plug-in hybrid products right now. In fact we have the broadest offer of all car manufacturers. But we are not stopping there. We will introduce two new Twin Engine variants every year in the coming years,” said Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
