Volvo has ripped the covers off The Beast 2.0 – a customised, one-of-one plug-in hybrid XC60 aimed at changing South Africans’ perceptions about electrified vehicles.
Unlike the original Beast released three years ago in the form of the “most extreme XC90 the country had ever seen,” the Beast 2.0 not only gets a unique look but this time around it also benefits from subtle powertrain upgrades.
The Beast 2.0 specs
Volvo’s new one-off creation is based on the XC60 T8 Recharge, the most powerful model in the XC60 line-up pushing out 340kW and 709Nm from a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain.
With the addition of the Polestar package, however, The Beast 2.0 boasts even sharper reactions than its standard sibling who already sprints to 100km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds.
“The Polestar software results in faster engine response, more rapid gear shifts, and better control during cornering (thanks to the intelligent shift schedule), as well as improved balance in the corners and better traction at take-off courtesy of the bespoke AWD calibration,” said Volvo.
To make the SUV sound the part, it’s then equipped with a stainless steel Heico Sportiv exhaust system with active flap control ensuring an aggressive growl from the four tailpipes.
After performance was dealt with, Volvo went about cutting and shaping the XC60 R-Design to get bespoke vents and angles for its special experiment.
Riding on black diamond-cut alloy wheels measuring 21 inches, The Beast 2.0 features more aggressive bumpers, darkened light clusters, and a high-gloss black wrap complemented by yellow detailing around the body, brake calipers, and exterior badging.
To complete the exterior design, an aerodynamically-efficient roof box in the same colour scheme has also been installed.
Inside, the SUV gains Polestar yellow seatbelts and a full spec sheet including four-zone climate control, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a heads-up display, a 360-degree camera system, massaging front seats, and as many as four separate equipment packages.
“The plug-in hybrid version of our XC60 is the perfect vehicle for South African buyers keen to sample an electric car while still having petrol as a back-up plan,” said Volvo Car South Africa’s Shannon Gahagan.
“With this particular example, we hope to alter some local perceptions around electrified vehicles and furthermore prove that being safe needn’t be boring. We think The Beast 2.0 does exactly that.”
The Beast 2.0
Loading ...
