Volvo Car Malaysia has recently launched the updated 2021 Volvo XC60 facelift here in Malaysia, and if we’re being honest, this might actually take the cake for the “world’s mildest facelift exercise” award. But is it really an “issue” if the pre-facelift model already looks this good? Not for us, at least – anyway, we digress.
Just as before, the XC60 will be offered in two variants, although with one completely new option – the B5 Momentum, alongside the Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, with pricing stating from RM292,267 for the entry-level model.
In case you were wondering, the letter ‘B’ is Volvo’s new nomenclature for its mild-hybrid powertrains. On the B5, you’ll find a 2.0 litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid Drive-E engine underneath the bonnet, making 249 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
The Recharge T8, meanwhile, gets a full-blown plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain underneath the hood. It’s still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill, but instead of the 48V mild-hybrid technology, it gets a more “traditional” supercharger. The engine works together with the electric motor at the rear axle for a total system output of 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque.
Power is sent to all four wheels on both variants, the B5 with a more traditional AWD set-up, while the Recharge T8 gets a electric AWD configuration. In terms of performance, the new Volvo XC60 B5 completes the century sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the Recharge T8 does it in just 5.3 seconds.
Other differences between the two variants include the different exterior design packages (the Recharge T8 gets the fancier Inscription Plus pack with more chrome bits), as well as better standard interior appointments such as the 15-speaker, 1100 watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and the illuminated Orrefors crystal gear knob.
However, the key upgrade on this new facelift Volvo XC60 model is the switch to Google’s Android Automotive OS on the screens inside, which brings along built-in Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice command feature, and a Play Store to download apps directly into the car itself.
As standard, both variants of the new 2021 XC60 come equipped with the Volvo IntelliSafe advanced driver assistance systems, which include features such as Pilot Assist L2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, autonomous emergency braking with steering support, blind-spot monitor with steer assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert with mitigation support, and a new Ready to Drive Notification (lead car departure alert).
