Review | 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine | The Beta Future

[@charliejoker79]

Did design and product testing stop on cars when I wasn't looking? It reminds me so much of mobile phones or other technology items where the consumer is the tester. I don't get why anyone would buy a car like this, or even lease it if they understood all the new un-tested (and I mean years of serious testing like you do) technology which will be at the very least highly inconvenient to repair. I can't see ever actually owning this thing. It's a lease-only car to my mind, like the stupid GM EV-1 or the Honda Clarity. I have a co-worker with a new leased Audi A3 with the stupid LCD dash. Not only is it too damn bright at night (but he doesn't notice because like most Americans, he has his dash lighting so bright it kills his night vision), but it also broke. Somehow it is also the controller for the starter. So on cold mornings it wouldn't actually start consistently. Audi's solution was to shotgun parts at it until it worked. He has had a loaner for about 20 days the last month. He says he is glad he leases and that this new tech is just too much. But we are constantly told this new future of zero testing, just-in-time, Six Smegma, H1B, voice-controlled is SO MUCH BETTER than our old and busted traditional world. I'm a bit salty, as my brand new car needs a new engine. I'm also tired of being the one who finds and has to live with shoddy design and lack of testing just so some stock holder can suck out the money which used to go to such things. Rant complete.

[@JDubbs07]

Liked for six smegma. But you're right - so many companies are so desperate to be on the bleeding edge of tech it seems like not enough discussion was had on the practicality and reliability of the features. The saying "just because you can doesn't mean you should" seems to have fallen out of favor. I prefer the car makes that have a higher emphasis on good, functional HMI.

[@JBags1230]

They test these cars from Scandinavia to deserts in the Middle East. They torture these cars. They literally freeze them....literally. Check out all they do before they’re released. Every car that’s new has issues with its first couple of model years. This guy in the video who is supposedly a professional seems to know nothing about pretty much the same car as the XC90 T8.... He clearly doesn’t have much common sense. Cars have come with user manuals forever for a reason. I could get in that car (and did) and figured out everything on my own. This guy is a moron.

[@dealzguyYT]

Candice Juliano Shooting - you can take your effin rant somewhere else, just don’t buy it... even Porches, AMGs, Audi’s, BMW, Honda all have turbo charged 4 ... as far as digital dash go, atleast in this car it is not blinding. This reviewer too is as if XC60 is new...because the indash and everything is same as XC90. For Twin Engine he should first watch manufacturer video so he gets a better understanding of how stuff works. He should also look at sites like Autogefuhl ( typo) or Kris Rifa etc on how reviews are done.

[@charliejoker79]

I agree. F this Mark guy and he should go learn his stuff. Turbo 4's are very tough. My dream supercar is a turbo four, with a supercharger and a hybird. I'll be sipping fuel while burning electrons and enjoying KZbin on my digital dash. In my dreams there are no warranty claims and everything works perfectly all the time.

[@p1st0ls44]

the problem is more and more car manufacturers are using consumers as beta testers really... look at hondas cvt transmissions and toyotas engine injection system. its all new and most broke down because tollarences were really wrong. its a scarry world to be in as a buyer. my idea is always buy a mid cycle refreshed car with updated ecu tuning an a system that works. mercedes did this to us all 3 years ago. be smart buying people.

[@gambiting]

So I have owned an X60 T8 for a year now, Inscription spec too, and I have a few points. 1) the 2019+ models now have a slightly bigger battery - I easily get 25 miles out of it in normal use 2) Nearly all of my journeys are within the sort of 30-40 mile range. My fuel economy average is ~90mpg because most of the travel is done in electric mode. Perfectly fine for me. I think this is where the strength of this drivetrain lies - if you have short to moderate length journeys, then the hybrid drivetrain allows for some exceptional fuel economy. If you frequently do very long drives then yeah, maybe the PHEV isn't for you. You also said that you use the charging mode in the car - and then are surprised the car shows about 20mpg?? It's the worst possible way to charge this car, it destroys the fuel economy and unless your fuel is close to free you will never come ahead doing it this way. That option is there for compliance reasons, that's not how you're meant to charge the car in day to day use. 3) Did a 700 mile drive in the summer - 4 adults, dog, fully loaded roofbox. Averaged 34mpg. So even on long trips it's not *that* bad......as long as you don't charge the battery while driving! 4) The 2020 models got a faster processor - the system starts up much much faster than what was seen in your video. 5) There's one other thing I wish you mentioned - the HUGE appeal of this car(for me) is that while in electric mode it's completely 100% quiet inside. It's like being in a Rolls Royce, since it's completely quiet. I'd take that over any fanciest V8 or V12. Any day. Just such a great experience for day to day driving. I also have to massively disagree with the methodology used in this review - I understand that you wanted to approach it "like a normal consumer" and not do any research at all, but I think that was a big mistake. Even a customer who has done absolutely no research would have the most basic stuff explained at handover when buying this car, and you decided to just skip this step. It's like collecting your new car but saying to the salesman "thanks, I'm good, don't need any explanations!" and then complaining 20 minutes later that you don't understand what the car is doing. And it's really not that complex - like you said, it's just while in the blue - you're on electric power, out of the blue - on fuel. Easy peasy. Compared to displays in PHEVs from Merc, BMW, Audi - the way Volvo has done it is very readable. Also wanted to point something else out - I did a test drive of this car on regular springs and on the air suspension, and ended up buying it on regular springs. Much much softer, more "plushy" feeling when driving around. I have no idea how you concluded that this car drives better on the air suspension - even Volvo themselves say that it's counter intuitive - the air suspension is there to offer adjustability and stiffen up when necessary, but if you want soft suspension in the XC60 then absolutely get the steel springs. And finally, no issues whatsoever with it in the year of ownership. Of course every model is different, maybe yours was particularily bad, maybe mine is particularily good - hard to say. But yeah, I really enjoy your videos, decided to look up if you have one for my car and you do - so I just wanted to offer my perspective from a slightly newer model than the one you tested.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Sounds great. I've noticed Volvos on regular springs should have about 2 pounds less PSI than recommended. I don't know why they spec them with such high tire pressure. It adds impact harshness to the ride quality.

[@gambiting]

@@benjaminsmith2287 probably for the fuel economy - the higher the PSI the less rolling resistance you have. But yeah, I think the wheel size is also incredibly important to the ride comfort - it's very easy to spec these with 21/22" wheels because it looks good and then wonder why the comfort is poor. I have mine on the 19" wheels and the ride quality is great, I have no complaints.

[@lizhangyip]

Interesting perspective. Thanks!

[@gambiting]

@@lizhangyip just want to add this - it's been over 3 years now and I still stand by every word. Very happy with this car.

[@EDHBlvd]

I’d get the T6 all day. Huge cost savings, better AWD (which can send more than 80hp to rear wheels), and no drivetrain tech issues).

[@KrisRifa]

I had an XC90 T8 tester last summer for about an week and didn't have any of the drive train issues you had. Owned an XC90 for two years and have never had any infotainment issues. Neither have a had those issues in any of the 7 Volvo testers I had last year. But I finally encountered lag issues with a rental I had, and it was frustraiting as hell! Took more than a minute before I could use anything.. 😂

[@hedydd2]

What made that one rental car laggy I wonder? Like your general experience, mine suffers no lag and screens are functional within about four seconds of turning the ignition switch to start the engine. Phone may take more like six seconds to connect.

[@thingsibuild7534]

I would normally not watch a Volvo car review but you do it so well. I just got to watch.

[@ameikeies]

IF YOU SEE THE GUY WHO IS HERE FOR THE CONTROL ARMS, TELL EM IT STARTS @7:35

[@bradcomis1066]

That guy is me

[@savagegeese]

Did you see all those control arms?

[@marky678]

No shxt... for 71k it better has all aluminum control arms!! Quick question, what's the black steel arm behind the aluminum control arm in rear axle @11:27? Why is not aluminum?

[@bradcomis1066]

@thesavagegooser: I did see them. Quite lovely. I wonder what those little grid lines on the bottom of the rear arms are for though. You said they are for rigidity, but that sounds a bit dubious to me, at least upon a cursory glance. They are so shallow, so they shouldn't contribute in a major structural way, unless perhaps it changes the way the force loads flow through the surface of the part, or maybe it alters the way the molten aluminum flows through the mold, or maybe they are for inspecting the arms for deformation? I can't find anything online in the basic casting design guides.

[@2010fa5]

savagegeese love the suspension shots but honestly curious, why the fetishism over Al everything? The weight savings isn’t necessarily that large (depends entirely on the suspension design) and the failure mode isn’t necessarily better either...

[@realbeetlejuice]

Just watched reviews from Matt Maran and Redline... saw new video from savagegeese and could not click fast enough! savagegeese does real car reviews! Redline is OK but still nowhere near savagegeese and while Matt is a nice guy and I love his Friday auto news show, his reviews in comparison are a joke.... Love you savagegeese, stay golden.

[@johnd5805]

Yea Matt loves almost everything about every car. He is a nice guy and his news videos are some of the best.

[@seanrazali]

The most honest review of a car. Telling it as it is. You have gain a subscriber. Keep on doing what you do best!

[@Nitrium]

Great review, dude. Appreciate going out of your way to look for details and real world use cases (like how slow the menus are) instead of just barfing the press release. Great stuff.

[@goons123flofy]

Great review! Wish I had seen it before I ordered mine. Now I will go and cry.

[@103eaglecrest]

videography and depth of coverage on your reviews are top shelf and greatly appreciated!!

[@kaesden]

Mr goose, you are by far the best car reviewer out there today, from the various KZbin reviews, to the big magazines and full time pros. You bring an air of sincerity and honesty to this business thst has been lacking for years, and may have never even existed before. Keep up the awesome work.

[@dannoyes4493]

Wow. I don't know how you do it. SavageGeese is the only Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine video I can watch in its entirety. Score - 8.9

[@sergiysergiy]

Watching this in almost 2024, by the change of the behaviour/voice/temperament feels like Mark was a kid 5 years back :D Also makes you notice the HUGE improvement in the video production. Great work!

[@tfwang5649]

I am surprised that the review is so negative. I have had my XC90 T8 for two years. Compare with first generation of Volvo XC90, it is day and night difference and driving a PHEV is so fun. The touchscreen is coming and you will see less and less physical buttons just like the cell phone development path. Safety issue? I don't think so. Sensus system is just like an iPad. Software upgrade is just like Apple iOS upgrade. You really need to test drive it and find out whether it is a car for you!

[@matth2213]

I have a 2019 XC60 T6 Polestar. I really want to like the new Volvo’s. We’ve been a Volvo family for years. I’ve written a couple words about our experience with the newer ones as replies to some of these comments already. Short version - our older Volvo’s were bulletproof, just as our Lexus GX460’s were. Glad we leased the latest fleet of XC60’s, S60, and XC40. But at some point, the loyalty lease deals won’t override the regret(s). Everything Savage said as far as concerns - I’ve lived it.

[@dragospahontu]

For me Audi is smashing it right now

[@kevman949]

lol 71k. Depreciation city.

[@MrHav1k]

Good if you buy used... do so at your own risk though. This Volvo will keep you physically safe unlike just about anything else on the road. Your wallet won't fare quite as well though.

[@brucec43]

This is a demonstrator, so it will be loaded. The last $6,000 of options are mostly fluff. Then there is about $3,000 of dealer discounts now, plus $1,000 loyalty rebate for Volvo owners, plus a $5,000 tax credit, making it in the upper 50's. Get a Momentum with some wheels and blis and you've got a $50,000 vehicle that hauls ass.

[@g1981c]

you would need to get a good discount on these cars for them to be worth it. i was offered $10,000 off an S60 T8 for example. some cars are worth it without any discounts - others clearly are not but sometimes dealers understand that and willing to work with you.

[@dragospahontu]

@@MrHav1k o don't think it's expensive to buy new

[@tequilalover27]

Outstanding review, I must say. Most reviews sound like a paid advertising - you know, where the reviewers praise features and stuff and never talk straight about weak points. This one is different, it talks a lot about failures (this slow-loading control app on a main screen, omg!). great, honest review. Thanks a lot, keep up good work!

[@farazsiddiqui6689]

One of the best reviews I have seen in a while. To the point and honest. I like this guy.

[@garykb1]

I’ve owned one of these for nearly a year and really like it. I’ve not had any issues with it from a reliability pov. I’d agree that driving the car hard feels very different to a standard engined car and if you’re looking for a sporty SUV maybe look at a Porsche instead. However looking at the fuel consumption around town and on medium length journeys, the overall build quality and looks of the vehicle I’m more than pleased.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Thanks for keeping it honest. I think you towed the line very well too as you summed it up. I keep seeing these auto reviews on YT where the reviewer has absolutely minimal to no criticism of the car. Thank you for not doing that to yourself and your viewers.

[@thedevincrutcher]

There's way too much complexity here. It's really not surprising that the car had issues. Active suspension, turbo, supercharger, hybrid motors and batteries... Not only is there a lot to go wrong, but performance issues could be very difficult to diagnose if there's no check engine light to provide clues. This car will live at the dealership.

[@autohelix]

Devin Crutcher Yes it will.

[@autohelix]

Tom well they can keep their Volvos I'll buy simple cars and keep them till they die. I don't lease I buy and drive till they die.

[@dealzguyYT]

Devin Crutcher just stick to your corolla

[@difflocktwo]

Dunno if it's your audio setup, voice, post or all three but this is one of the very few channels where I can listen to your clear dialog without shaking the walls. Many youtubers have this radio vocal compression thing going on that makes everything crazy boomy and difficult to listen to.

[@etbadaboum]

I never thought I would said that but the underbody is so beautiful... Perfect integration.

[@Rico_G]

Just give me a car with real knobs for audio and hvac and I'm happy. This is just absurd. Mr. Goose's old Civic looks better and better to me.

[@remytv]

Cankersaurus it's like f*ck y*u for all of us who drives with mittens for half the year

[@alexander1485]

my 2017 nissan altima 3.5sr has real knobs

[@dx221000]

Can't agree more. A few months ago I got myself and old 2004 toyota corolla and I am really happy with it. Its a basic car which moves and doesn't break(often). Its that simple. And its so refreshing compared to the c-class I had for 6 years before that which always had something not working quite well.

[@bobkilla430]

Cankersaurus the volume knob is physical around the play/pause button but I agree this and every car should have physical buttons/knobs for hvac. They could integrate it within the vents like some audis or the camaro or if they absolutely wanted to keep with the design, have slim toggle switches above/below the physical controls for media. Maybe at least the auto climate settings are saved so when the car starts up it goes to a desired temp by itself and/or the physical buttons on the steering wheel are configurable to have your hvac options there.

[@fighter835]

Agreed. Function over form always wins. If I can't adjust my AC without looking at it, I'm not buying that car, ever.

[@joakimsjostrand7181]

Must say that this is one of the best car reviews I´ve ever seen. Beeing factual and not at all exaggerated like most american videos (being boringly swedish hehe) I much enjoyed your approach, and the way you balanced all the pros and cons with constructive criticism is super! It seem lite a really nice car and you really pinpointed my own thoughts and disturbancies of it. If there is anything I want to question in this video it's the part about the rear lower control arms and their grid lines. I would say that they are there, not for ridigity, but for reducing the drag of the airflow underneath the car - much like the dimples of of a golf ball. I might be wrong but since the control arms have quite a large surface it is an easy feature to implement in the casting molds. Keep it up, you just found yourself a new subscriber! / mechanical engineering student

[@larsspannenburg]

A good and useful review. Thanks! But I ride a XC60 for two years now and I don't have any problems using the screen. Reacting perfectly. Don't recognize at all your review on this.

[@PaulHojda]

In Europe you can get it with a diesel and a 6-speed manual. That would make it a much more compelling buy

[@savagegeese]

+Paul Hojda Id love to try that.

[@weedmastersr]

Which would also make it much cheaper and reliable compared to this version. Easier to maintain as well. Better deal definitely.

[@PaulHojda]

Most certainly the reason why most people buy that version compared to the T8. Diesel still makes a lot of sense in Europe for large-ish cars

Where does that happen? I doubt thats true here in Sweden where autos have overtaken manual gearboxes some time ago, and actually a long time ago for expensive cars. For small cheap cars, absolutely, but when I tried finding a manually geared Kia Sorento it was basically impossible.

[@PaulHojda]

Yes of course, it depends on the type of car. Expensive cars are mostly automatic, but most people don't buy expensive cars. They buy Golfs, Meganes, and Corsas. And most of those are still manual.

[@emash_]

Your style has elevated, another upload for the better

[@dylanw9412]

Mr. Goose, first of all I'm a huge fan. I have a question. When you were doing your review of that compact Lexus suv (the one where you threw the couch off the balcony), what roads were you driving on, and where? I live in Illinois as well, somewhat close to you (I think), and I'm trying to find some decent roads to drive on. Thank you in advance!

[@savagegeese]

It's by Union Illinois and Huntley. I forgot about the couch throw!

[@dylanw9412]

savagegeese awesome, thank you for the reply! That's actually pretty close to me. And yeah, I thought you guys were joking about doing that, but when you did I was cracking up! This video was great by the way. I'm surprised you got a check engine light, and I'm sure I speak for all of your viewers when I say that we really appreciate your transparency and honesty, despite potentially compromising the ability to get press cars, etc. Really speaks to your character and I have tons of respect for you and your channel, and I will continue to support your videos for as long as you make them. Have a good day!

[@utamav]

It’s aesthetically amazing and a ticking timebomb

[@iPat6G]

I must be so clueless about cars. I find this car fantastic to drive. LOL.

[@obliw113]

Volvo has never said that all of their cars will be electrical by 2019, what they did however says is that every car will be either electrical, hybrid or have a 48v system.

[@siwi666]

you sir are such an honest and investigative journalist reviewer. That was a really thorough tech review. Thanks.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I just recently drove a Volvo S90 T8 (same drivetrain and platform)- i immediately was shocked at how bad the NVH was - 400 hp, but sounds and vibrates like a subcompact. 400 hp but feels strained going 30 mph. I don't understand how anyone would buy expensive Volvos after test driving them for 1 Minute. During my drive there also were 2 false alarms from the driver assists (one time without any reason, the other time because of a train driving by at around 20m distance.)

[@Pete4rings]

It sounds to me like Volvo has some work to do on the T8 tuning and integration. I hope you get an opportunity to drive a BMW 330e or 530e, I’ve been driving one recently and the transitions between power trains and the response of the electric motor is as close to seamless as I have ever experienced. I’ve been getting about 17 miles of EV range and averaging 49MPG with normal driving afterwards. IMO all of these PHEV are “lease” cars instead of ones to own long term as it seems to be very version 1.3 that keeps improving every year.

[@chandlerkwek7745]

best review of the xc60 i have seen so far. thumbs up

[@FlyinGato]

haha, quick review is 23 minutes, I love it, great work as usual, stay savage.

[@savagegeese]

+FlyinGato Yo bro, keep up the vids yourself!

[@thesim1990]

Is anybody else tired of manufacturers put LCD/LED screens in as instrument clusters? Give me an IC that's made out of actual dials and gauges not this computerised crap! And this is coming from someone who's in IT for a living...

[@savagegeese]

Everything is a trend and fad in the automotive (tech) world you know that. What I can't wait to see is all the burn in and ghosting these cars have in 5 years.

[@antoinepageau8336]

I always buy used cars 3 -5 years old and I always avoid models with navigation and idrive. Take a look at an BMW E90 interior with and without idrive. Nothing looks worst than the second hump on the dash with a crappy low res screen.

[@thedevincrutcher]

I agree. I find the big LCD screens bother me at night. And I don't wear glasses.

[@AlumarsX]

Gotta love those TFT displays with shitty black levels (basically gray). THEY SUCK

[@hedydd2]

savagegeese Jaguar and Range Rover have had full LCD instruments like the VW and Volvo for well over five years and have no particular issue that I have yet seen or heard of. It does seem that you are almost willing newer technology to fail in every way you can. My father was like that, even back in the 1960’s. His pet phrase was "they don’t build them like they used to", meant in an equally derogatory manner to your comments. He was wrong and cars last longer, more reliably, with less servicing than ever before.

[@4lemer]

Does anyone know what kind of camera suction mount that is @ 14:09? These guys should really start putting a list of the equipment they use in the description and link to amazon. People, like me, actually use'em and it's also a good way to support you guys!

[@savagegeese]

It depends on the car but most often its a Delkin Gecko 3 mount.

[@4lemer]

Thanks! :)

[@AndriesTom]

It's a fantastic fun and luxurous wat to drive. To me, time to main flaws are: 1. the electric range is way too restricted. It would work at about 100/150 km on my daily commute. It now strongly does reduce gas consummation in traffic jams. I'm at 5,2 - 5,4 l/km. 2. The pilot assist disengages when the system cannot read the road markings for some reason, WITHOUT ANY AUDIBLE WARNING. This is really NOT SAFE, and after a year Volvo hasn't yet improved it! I disagree with the critic on their central screen. It's crystal clear and easy to use.

[@RomainSandt]

T8 is for executives as their company car. Less taxes for the company in Europe at least. in Europe lots of Banks, investments firms, bit companies, have XC90, Panamera Hybrid... as company car, they get huge tax breaks for using an hybrid.

[@bt6joso]

So when you are driving pure EV mode the car is rwd. If you come to a very icy corner, how long does it take petrol engine to start up and deliver torque to front wheels? Are you already in a ditch?

[@dangreen4046]

great review, as always, savagegeese! Might I suggest that you consider having a dedicated camera on the instrument cluster when driving, to show how the speed and tachometer are changing (showing gear changes) and also in hybrids to show how the electric motor is engaging vs. the gas engine? And do you have any thoughts about the quite-small gas tanks in these new Volvos, which lead to very small ranges in which the driver needs to visit gas stations much more frequently? I think the gas tank in the T8 is only about 11 or 12 gallons in size, kind of Fiat-esque.

[@AL-pu7ux]

you’ve hit all the points that sadly were my reality. I wish your review was around a few years ago

[@savagegeese]

Tell me more?

[@AL-pu7ux]

savagegeese T6 CC90 for me but we had it all- slow infotainment, severe throttle lag, sometimes power bursts when coming out of a stop making a left turn. kind of scary and unpredictable because the car would either be a slug or just go darting ahead.They reset the ECM which helped for a few days Transmission was terrible like you referenced too. So many electronic gremlins - car went into limp mode a few times - nobody could figure out why other than getting an engine misfire reported - they replaced the plugs twice. check out the older posts from the swede speed xc90 forum to see some of the pain from the early adopters. It seems things have improved. Sadly since we had recurrent issues that could not be explained or fixed VCNA would not buy back the vehicle and they forced me to go through the lemon process. the early adopters were essentially non appreciated beta testers. i went ahead and leased a gls450 which is very solid but i fantasize that volvo will improve their vehicles so i will come back.

[@joedomingos8486]

Great job on your reviews, love the technical stuff.

[@Mohankeneh]

"Welcome to a quick review..." this video is 23 min long LOL cracking unintentional jokes right off the bat. keep up the good videos SG !

[@swanblake]

Your final thoughts nailed it! Love your takes

[@nyguerilla]

Excellent as always [Mark]! Love your honesty, knowledge and thoughts, and really appreciate your video work SG! However please Mr Savage, give the XC60 another review, sans the (overly complicated 'beta') T8 twin engine, and taking into account how Volvo has added redundant (HVAC and other) controls via voice commands. These two changes would seem to address your biggest (albeit legitimate) gripes w/this. And how does it (w/T6 engine) compare to similar Audi, Lexus, MB and BMW?

[@Daveiscool180]

Last comment, I went to Washington DC auto show last Saturday, and there was literally one person trying to meet and greet people gathering around the 6-7 Volvos. It was like a abandoned car lot. I read this show is one of the top 5 auto shows in the US. What a bummer.

[@nishithar.5708]

Hi Savage, Could you please review the mainstream trim for xc60.. thank you

[@TassieLorenzo]

The electromechanical layout of this Volvo seems similar to the Acrua RLX hybrid.

[@Caldwell1234]

The man is a scholarly in his reviews,however he is a savage 🤗

[@weedmastersr]

It gets the mpg of a Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2 V8 and the reliability of an Alfa Romeo. What's not to love? Seriously Volvo, you need to get it together. I am a Volvo fan and owner. Their 90s cars were amazing, which is why I daily drive one. However, this does not cut it for me, especially at the price range. That screen looks horrific to use. So laggy that it would make me angry every day. In my 90s Volvo, I can make changes to the climate controls instantaneously, using knobs. The reliability of this will be a nightmare. My 90s Volvo is 21 years old and it starts every time. In the past year I only had to change the thermostat and clutch pump slave cylinder. Both cheap and easy to do. Maintenance is easy and cheap. On this Volvo, maintenance will be the worst imaginable nightmare. It's also too expensive and not worth the money. If I would own this car, it would turn me into the angriest man in the world. I think I'll stick to my 21 year old Volvo. Fortunately, you can buy this in Europe with a torque 2.0 liter diesel with 190 HP that gets 35 real world mpg. I'd much rather have that. It's still 60k, which is too expensive, but compared to this it's much better.

[@baasbaasje6960]

Protector of the Republic dont agree at all. Own a xc90 t8 now for 3mnths: what a FANTASTIC car!!

[@weedmastersr]

I agree. Almost everyone seems to be doing that these days.

[@weedmastersr]

I understand its appeal. I like it too. The exterior and interior designs are both fantastic and the cars do offer quite a lot in terms of luxury and performance. However, they truly are overpriced and maintenance will unquestionably be a nightmare, which is a deal breaker for me. Good luck with yours!

[@weedmastersr]

I don't like that. That practically makes for a single use disposable car. It's like a trash item you only buy to use once and throw away. I think leasing is a stupid financial decision that will keep you perpetually in debt. Of course maintenance is more expensive, it's a premium brand after all, but it doesn't have to be a total nightmare, like this car. I do agree they've gotten better since parting with Ford and that their designs are top notch inside and out. However, this move toward insanely complex nonsense like this is stupid to me. If I would get an XC60, I'd just get it with a 2.0 diesel engine. No batteries, no complex crap.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Protector of the Republic True- the screen is laggy and takes 30 Secs-1 minute to load when starting the car.... my phone doesnt take that long A lot of the assistance features dont work like they should (reads 30 km/h instead of 80 and then beeps ) Go go insane with it...

[@sbklvr]

When I was in high school in the mid 90s, I had a new Volvo 850 glt, and a new 850 turbo a yr later. Those cars were faster than most mid 90s cars, and were tanks. I beat the snot out of em with zero issues.

[@JeffLogan]

This guy likes Patagonia. Three different jackets in this video.

[@K03sport]

love that bendpak lift...do you think your issues are reserved to the test drive/review mule you received? I'm sure that car has been put through it paces, something a "normal" Volvo will never see, but the extra duty the mule receives may expose some of the car's weaknesses...4k miles seems like a short distance to experience some of these issues. I like the center screen, but climate controls are best as actual dials/knobs/buttons.

[@jhm5016]

Yea I’m not so sure that honeycomb pattern in the lower control arms do anything for rigidity.

[@rajeshkvs425]

Really the best review I have ever seen.i still wonder why other auto journalists don't give thoughts about the mechanicals.awesome sir hope somebody from india will follow this pattern. By the way SUBSCRIBED.

[@Trades46]

I love what Volvo is doing with their lineup compared to the Ford-era. Lots of people are criticizing its price & reliability which is definitely true, but have you seen how much BMW is asking for a X3 these days? Yes their rapid change is leading to a less than reliable system which I hope would improve with time & money once Volvo gets comfortable with PHEV technology. I personally driven the XC90 T6 & father recently brought an Outlander PHEV, both which I enjoyed driving and this XC60 T8 feels like an amalgamation of best of both.

[@james2042]

I think the gauge cluster and powertrain interaction is just designed to be seamless. It isn't about knowing, its about not, just letting the car do its thing

[@Curryolla]

I discovered the same things when comparing the Volvo XC90 T8 with the RX450h. We got the RX. The Volvo forums were full of complaints about the T8 being unreliable. And, 24 mpg after the battery is depleted was just not good enough. I've been getting 28.5 to 31 mpg out of my Lexus. My cousin has a XC90 T6. I'm curious to see how that thing holds up...

[@jimgood1949]

Do you plan on doing a test of the XC60 T6? Does it seem to you that the non-electric version will be more reliable and user friendly for typical drivers?

[@The_action_is_the_juice]

This review is on point! Are you my brother? We felt the same way driving the T8. So we bought the T6 r-design for my wife. It's not perfect but she loves it.

[@hks071]

The infotainment laggy issue has been fixed with update, not a hardware issue. Event the earlier MY car has been fixed.

[@dealzguyYT]

Great review, the underbody explained is best yet in any of your reviews so far. Why did you drop Turbowski? He didn't seem to know much, or at least speak ..but now miss him...

[@leumasen156]

Volvo's VEA engines (4- cylinder engine, most of the engine is the same for diesel or petrol.) prevents traction problems by shutting of a cylinder, wich keeps the wheel from spinning. They combined high frequency signals from ABS sensors with superfast piezoelectric injectors.

[@Auguste10]

NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO BE THIS EARLY

[@jaykumar-pm9hq]

This is a good car . No issue .. my census is way faster than shown . Possibly updated now

[@rcpmac]

Specifications and other reviewers indicate both a front and rear electric motor. Is that for a different version? PRICE AS TESTED: $71,590 (base price: $53,895) ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 313 hp, 295 lb-ft; 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, 46 hp, 111 lb-ft and 87 hp, 177 lb-ft; combined output, 400 hp, 472 lb-ft; 10.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

[@ruirodtube]

Great review. Never seen one as thorough before! Thx.

[@alexmobil7463]

Once again you blow up the moon but, is great you re talking..automotive. Watching you always with pleasure.

[@harrismi7]

This is an interesting review because it shows the challenges of technology and integrating it with the mechanicals so that its a cohesive and reliable package. Hopefully Volvo can figure it out. The area where I live is preparing to open Volvo's first American manufacturing plant and we all want it to be successful.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

It is not that big of a challenge. The Problem here is that Volvo never designed this car as a hybrid. They just need to sell a plug-in hybrid to save tax. To save costs they simply added the plug-in hybrid tech to the gasoline version, which is total bs and causes all those problems.

[@Praenuntium]

I can't believe the kind of feedback that touch screen has. So how long do you have to sit there after startup just staring at the screen before it fully boots, and can be used smoothly?

[@savagegeese]

+Clockwork over a minute

[@danielLPRADO420]

Is it worse when it's really cold outside, or does it take the same amount of time even if it's, say 70-80 degrees outside?

[@Praenuntium]

Daniel Prado, I can't see temperature really affecting the boot up issue. It's most likely a lack of sufficient hardware in combination with inefficient software.

[@hedydd2]

5C temperature here today and I made cold starts four times and it took about four seconds each time. By the time I had turned the switch and started the engine, all systems were go.

[@DavidLumb]

Seems there is mixed reviews with regards to the touch screen system boot up and lag. Is this still an issue today? I guess it could affect many cars in Volvo’s range if so?

[@aappoosst]

Could you review a T6 in the future? I think that is most buyer's choice. Thank you.

[@oceanadventure6430]

Try the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid. More refined, 321HP, 0-60 5.7s (s2000 is 5.9s), V6, 27 MPG, DCT, dual rear torque vectoring motors. It's a good value at $53k. It's been a fun ride.

[@davidgeller6109]

Glad I found you. Great reviews. Great pace and video style.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Gotta love that intro lol

[@vVeazel]

I am guessing that drain plug in the rear is for the diff and not the electric motor?

[@VQSeries]

@savagegeese Curious, as a car enthusiast and reviewer if you considered owning a project car of some sort? Or is your thing "only" stock/new[-ish] "sporty" cars? Also wondering how the M3 is treating you if you still have it (I fell off KZbin for a bit lol)... Keep up the good work, long time follower here.

[@openmikeacoustic9726]

Thanks for your review. Causing me to have 2nd thoughts about the T8. Have you tried the 2019 model? I am curious if you think the same problems remain.

[@DavidLumb]

Ditto here. Would be good to know if views have changed, for better or worse!

[@mizzorian]

Ever since I saw the new Volvos specially the SUV line up, I got hooked on how beautiful and luxurious they are both on the outside and in, and I would buy any just for the looks. They look better to me than any Rolse Royce, Bently, Mercedes or Audi...etc

[@karmasee]

dam... i have been watching many car videos recently because im planning to purchase one. had to subscribe . great video

[@syenosis]

For what it's worth if it's really hot or cold you can remote start the car and set the temperature from your smartphone in advance. So maybe they're thinking you're going to do that instead of getting into the car and then having to wait for the computer to boot up.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

I'm sorry, why can't a 2018 $80K car do what my parents' 1980 Tercel could?

[@ComblessMan]

I really like your attitude, makes for a genuine driver perspective. And I can see why the Turbowski sat this one out. Too bad for Volvo considering the cost of this vehicle.

[@SeleezSE]

I got my car checked by Scott Turbowski and the other mechanics in the shop in Woodstock IL. HIGHLY recommended. Scott Turbowski is honest, and doesn't lie to rip you off. If you are in the area, stop by.

[@V10PDTDI]

Doesn’t the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have similar set up minus the turbo and supercharger did you ever tested one yet ?

[@CACars]

Thanks for another great review. It seems like that car, had some serious issues. And you are spot on with the danger of that kind of complicated setup. But in all fairness to Volvo, J.D. Power in england made a big research on faults on never cars, resulting in Kia and Volvo being the ones with fewest. That could indicate, you were really unlucky. But it´s great, that you point out the possible issues, so we know what to look for.

[@ZDY66666]

*holy shit is this car's speaker option fucking amazing* It's way better than my Harman Karden in my Benz GLE. I just can't believe the eargasm. The best I've heard is the burnmeister in (can't care enough about my SUV so I can't even remember the code) my 2009 BMW X5 previously owned. And my friend's Maybach (obviously). But holy shit the optional speakers (can't even remember what they were because I was so amazed and was driven in it for an extremely short time)

[@darcygoesfast]

I really wonder if those composite panels will trap salty, corrosive winter slush and rot out the floors like our old '78 Malibu did.

[@ggawron6678]

Great and honest review.good job like always.

[@jamesb8510]

71k?? Nope

[@sheldonmoser7429]

I'd love for you to take a look at the Porsche Macan GTS. Not the sport or the turbo but the GTS. Would love to see your opinion on that car. You're always so grounded and honest in your reviews and I appreciate that

[@openwheelracing88]

I just watched three of your latest Volvo videos but all three have the air suspension. Please show the regular suspension I am really interested in the leaf spring setup in the new XC60 and XC90. Plus most people get the normal suspension anyway.

[@hedydd2]

I have an XC90 with standard springs. Double wishbone coils at the front and a single plastic leaf spring at the rear. It works very well and the only thing I miss from previous air sprung vehicles is the adjustable ride height. Lower to aid access to my very old parents and higher for rough farm roads.

[@Towert7]

This 'technology' is a stopgap between full electric vehicles and pure gasoline vehicles. As soon as we create a better technology than chemical batteries, electric cars will be a revolution. The mechanical simplicity of electric vehicles will be a sigh of relief when you look at the complexity of gasoline engines and ESPECIALLY these electric / gas multi engine vehicles. We are living in an interesting time. Our kids and grandkids will look at us and think "gee, how did you ever survive? You mean you had to put explosive fuel into a car and the car burned the fuel? That's so stupid!" We will have the enjoyment of seeing the before and after.

[@Musikos]

i am fine with that car, driving it since July 2017 - here in germany there are a lot satisfied users. But thats true, the more stuff is inside the more could go wrong. The infotainment is OK for me, but it´s true, I am not talking too much with the system, especially with the navigation, this is really not working so well (does not understand very often what i want). But there are other folks who dont have problems in talking with the car. Simple Things like "set temperature" are working good. But this is the only complain until now. I am not a sportive driver, so i am making (as a volvo fan since 35 years) a good and comfortable experience with this (all in all) fantastic car. And for the most of the time i use this car within a 50 km radius and i charge every day. So my tank with gas lasts for about 900 kilometers and an average of 4 liters per 100 km.. Of course i am driving sometimes to places far away and also use the power of the car (speed on german autobahn up to 180 km per hour) the car swigs, but after for instance 1000 km drive, there is never more than 10 Liters in avarage. As conclusion i have to say that it consumes less than my old xc90 diesel, which i have had for 15 years.

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

4 years later - any update? How long did you keep it - and any issues to report? I am buying a used T8 2016 next week. Thank you!

[@Musikos]

@@Wellspicedchaffinch still running, but i am not the owner anymore because of personal circumstances

[@cxns155]

We're do for a Turbowski Talks Cars | Part 3. Please and Thank you.

[@MrMackanno]

I'm a Volvo fan but this doesn't mean I agree with Volvo's Electrification AND the LCD "do-it-all" obsession for a number of reasons, the two most obvious in my opinion are: 1) AC/heating controls; it's a pain in the ass trying to deal with any LCD display when my winters regularly have -16C. A regular bunch of knobs and buttons do the job perfectly. 2) Volvo is totally going against its Safety priorities by (again) making the controls for everything accesible through the LCD display. A total and borderline dangerous ongoing distraction for the driver. I guess all other car makers are doing the same irresponsible fashion, it just saddens me Volvo is following this trend. Thanks for your review, Savageese, I appreciate your no-nonsense approach.

[@deet4895]

You should try to get your hands on the Volvo V90 T6 R-design AWD, would to see what you think of that car.

[@mrpmj00]

I disagree with your review. Today I test drove the 2019 XC60 T8 R series and I love it more than the 2019 Jaguar iPace and the Tesla Model 3. Instant power in performance mode like the pure EV and no range anxiety. Out of fuel? Just pull into a gas station. I do agree that the complexity is higher for something to go wrong.