Volvo announces V60 D5 Twin Engine diesel PHEV
The new D5 model is essentially the same as the existing D6: a V60 wagon with a plug-in diesel hybrid powertrain, only the new model will be less powerful and more accessible. Instead of 283 horsepower, the new model packs just under 230 hp – 161 from the diesel engine and 67 from the electric motor, juiced by a 11.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Volvo is launching the V60 D5 Twin Engine in Europe in a limited edition of just 500 examples decked out in white with gloss black trim, 19-inch wheels and a black and tan interior. Expanded availability is slated to follow in the spring, but don’t count on it coming to America anytime soon, since Volvo doesn’t currently offer diesels in the United States.
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The new V60 D5 Twin Engine expands Volvo Cars’ class-leading plug-in hybrid technology range
Special Edition of just 500 cars will celebrate the introduction
Follows in the footsteps of the V60 D6 Twin Engine – the # 1 selling plug-in hybrid in the European premium segment
Volvo Cars has unveiled a D5 Twin Engine Special Edition of its bestselling V60 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The new car will take the established Volvo Cars plug-in hybrid solution to a wider audience.
“We were the first car maker to develop and produce a diesel-based plug-in hybrid powertrain with the launch of the V60 D6 in 2012. Since then we have been working on further refining our innovative approach to electrification and hybrid powertrains, as can be seen in our brand new XC90 T8 Twin Engine which is just entering full-scale production. With the launch of the V60 D5 Twin Engine Special Edition we are broadening our Twin Engine product range,” said Dr. Thomas Müller, Vice President Electrical and Electronics Systems Engineering at Volvo Car Group.
The V60 D5 Twin Engine will deliver 120 kW via the combustion engine and about 50 kW from its 11.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack using the same proven configuration used in the V60 D6 Twin Engine. This translates to a maximum driveline power output of approximately 230 hp when the electric motor and diesel engine are working simultaneously.
“We decided to offer a special edition of the V60 D5 Twin Engine to celebrate the growing success and continued roll-out of our Twin Engine product range. We are one of few car makers that deliver a true no compromise driving experience – combining the benefits of pure electric drive, high performance and great fuel economy,” added Dr. Thomas Müller.
The Special Edition is delivered with Crystal White exterior paint, 19-inch wheels and glossy black exterior detailing. Inside, the car is equipped with a black headliner and piano black trim. The V60 D5 Special Edition will also feature the unique Blond sport seat upholstery with decorative white stitching as seen in our Volvo Ocean Race editions.
Just 500 examples of the special edition model will be built, while a regular V60 D5 Twin Engine will be more widely available later this spring.
Notes to editor:
Twin Engine technology is Volvo’s name for hybrid powertrain innovation, as a part of the Drive-E Powertrain program. It represents Volvo’s commitment to maximising driving pleasure while minimising both cost of ownership for the driver and environmental impact and maintaining its lead in hybrid powertrain innovation.
Drive Modes: Pure Hybrid Power
As with the V60 D6 Twin Engine the D5 comes with several drive modes that deliver three entirely different driving experiences: Pure, Hybrid or Power.
In Pure mode, the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The range is up to 50 kilometres.
Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to achieve CO2 emissions (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) of 48 g/km (1.8 l/100km).
In Power mode, the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor combine to deliver a total power output of 230 hp and maximum torque of over 600 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds.
Save battery power for later
The driver can choose to save battery power in order to drive on pure electricity later on, for instance in an urban green zone or in the heart of a city.
When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in Pure mode. If necessary, the high-voltage generator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in Pure mode.
Preconditioning while charging
The V60 Twin Engine can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A fuse) at home or in a parking lot. Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.
It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start to your journey. This also means that more battery power is available for actually propelling the car.
The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries if necessary. Cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximise battery charge and thus also range.
The V60 Twin Engine has two heating systems. In electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater. The car also has a diesel-powered heater.