Volvo adds third plug-in hybrid model – the S60L T6 Twin Engine – but only for China

A third plug-in hybrid model has been revealed by Volvo, with a plug-in, twin engine version of the China-only S60L debuting in Shanghai ahead of going on sale.

Volvo are determined to offer as many plug-in hybrid versions of their cars as they can roll out, and the latest is this, the Volvo S60L T6 Twin Engine – destined for a debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this month.

We’ve already had the V60 PHEV – and it’s latest sibling, the Volvo V60 D5 Twin Engine – as well as the promise of the T8 version of the new XC90 offering impressive performance and appealing economy, and the S60L T6 TE adds a further model to Volvo’s hybrid offerings, but only for China.

In fact, not only is the S60L TE only on offer in China, it’s actually being built there too – at Volvo Cars’ Chengdu Plant – and will be going on sale on 22 April, straight after its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The S60L sees a petrol-engined version of Volvo’s Twin Engine Powertrain which offers more power than the diesel versions we get in the UK, with the new T5 Drive-E petrol engine mated to the 70bhp rear axle electric motor delivering a total of over 300bhp, yet still comes with emissions of just 49g/km (which means official – if fairly meaningless – economy of getting on for 150mpg).

All of which makes the S60L T6 an appealing prospect, but that appeal is enhanced by its green credentials delivering Shanghai licence plates without a lottery – a big deal in a market where it can be very hard to get a car licensed for the road.

Dr. Peter Mertens, Volvo’s R&D VP, said:

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.

Let’s hope that means more petrol-engined versions of the Twin Engine Hybrids go on sale in Europe; surely, a petrol-engined plug-in is a more appealing buy than a diesel for just about everyone?