Violvo's XC60 hybrid is a comfy, classy and powerful 4 x 4

Coupled with an in-car system which is immediately user friendly to those of us of a certain age who like comfort as well as functionality, this plug-in Hybrid is simply one of the best cars in its class.

The controls are easy to work with, basic knobs to turn on the car and the audio system, while a digital swipe system on the dashboard, allows you to navigate the extensive options for car controls, sat-nav, music and information on the vehicle's stats – and all with a simple one touch action, helping to avoid distraction.

Volvo always do a nice blend of leather and wood and the XC60 has a classy interior with a definite luxury feel

The panoramic sunroof is easy to operate with one finger from the roof and gives great light to the interior both front and back.

Nappa leather seats have multiple settings for comfort, including a four-way lumber and side cushion selection as standard, enhanced by quick action heated seats, both front and back and a heated steering wheel.

The leather in the model on test was 'blonde' and while it blended beautifully with the Denim Blue exterior. I wouldn’t recommend wearing denims while driving as it as it attracted the dye from trousers and so if that's your chosen attire, or you have small children or dogs, then opt for something darker!

The X60 is furnished with a 10-speaker sound system, automatic phone charger and USB connections front and back and Sensus connect, allows access to a range of apps. It would benefit from a specific phone holder and a key holder in the front console as the space at the front is an odd shape and not really much use for either.

The XC60's driveline is full-time AWD, with a punchy two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine but has the pull and acceleration of a six-cylinder thanks to added benefit to its 253 horses from the 87hp battery and electric motor.

That makes it pretty fast and the official timed run from 0-60mph takes just 5.6 seconds. That kind of performance means that the fact that it is packed with safety features, including Driver Alert with Autobrake, gives Volvo-esque security of safety along with its ownership. Even the seats are constructed to help withstand side-collision.

If topped up, the electrical system will take you for 33 miles on its own, said Volvo ... but with frosty mornings in the week I tested it, you can count on much less than that.

You can easily top up the battery overnight using a three-pin plug and it gives enough for about 20-30 miles of electrically-powered motoring

In fact, the biggest issue with this car with no battery back-up was its steady 27 mpg, which has to be weighed up against the luxury you can enjoy with this vehicle.

The steering feels light for the size of vehicle but it is sound on corners without a hint of movement.

Stepping out of the vehicle, is almost as good as stepping in, as it is at a height, which is just perfect for any age to get in and out of easily.

While not as big a boot as the likes of the Audi Q5, the X60 has an ample area, with a split-fold row of rear seats for extra room.

There is an optional adaptive air suspension to lower the rear suspension by 20mm to ease heavy loading. It also had a useful pull-out protector which covered the bumper and paintwork to help prevent damage while loading.

The rear luggage area in the Volvo XC60 can swallow a lot of gear, especially when the split-fold rear seats are deployed

All in all, this is the stylish looking comfortable upgrade to the X60 line, which we’ve come to expect from Volvo.

The XC60 starts at £40,460 and recharge models cost from £54,520, which is a hefty surcharge for being hybrid. With extras, it was £64,000 for the model tested – but that is comparable to others in this class of vehicle ... and it is a top-of-the-class contender too.