No Ford hybrid has ever been sold in Europe, and the Lexus HS isn’t available either. But here’s one hybrid Americans won’t be driving: the Volvo V60 diesel plug-in hybrid. All German brands sell diesels in America, and there’s no reason why Volvo shouldn’t either. Europeans see it as the best of both worlds: the most fuel-efficient ICE, and a green plug-in hybrid.
The diesel is a solid five-cylinder turbocharged unit, giving it 215 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor is a 51 kW affair, with 148 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Nissan LEAF’s motor produces 80 kW and 207 lb-ft of torque. The V60 is about 400 pounds heavier than a LEAF, probably due to its SUV-configuration.
Volvo V60 diesel plug-in hybrid
But this Volvo has other virtues. First, it’s a four-wheel drive. The diesel sends its power to the front wheels, whereas the electric motor works with the rear wheels. This set-up should provide better traction on snow, or for fast cornering. At very least, this hybrid should also be much more fuel-efficient than the standard diesel V60 model. This car really puts the driver in control.
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