I had multiple diesel Volvos and they were all... tanks. Reliable. Great cars.
I had two plug-in-hybrids and they were by far the most problematic cars I have ever owned. Both were bought back by Volvo eventually.

Stay away. Years and models do not make a difference. People keep lying to themselves with this weird idea of "it is the older models only." Give it some time, this forum is going to be full of 2024 cars with failed ERADs...

 

Put it this way...

Want an uninteresting ownership experience? Get the diesel.

Want an exciting ownership experience? (akin to having an Italian ex-girlfriend)? Get the T8.

Trust me, speaking from experience, my T8 is re-enacting Phantom of the Opera and I couldn't love it anymore than I already have. Best car I ever owned. No complaints regarding it.

 

2020 xc60 t8, 57000 miles - maybe i am lucky no problems

 

Ha! Well...I want excitement, but considering my age I am seeking for some predictability also. But I know, noone has crystal ball to predict reliability.

Regarding diesels I test drove 235 HP B4 (was it B4?), love the diesel torque, and there's just enough power for my taste. But B5 is newer, rite? With less power, duh (

Is there some known reliability difference between B4 and B5?

 

My choice would be diesel

If you intend to keep the car longer than 4-5 years, consider selling it later, replacing the battery in the T8 model is extremely expensive.
As you know, diesels are popular in the EU, unlike the US market

B4 190HP
B5 235HP

https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/en-gb/models/xc60/2020/specifications

Specifications for Volvo XC60 D4 Geartronic, 190hp, 2019

465 registered specifications for Volvo XC60 D4 Geartronic, 190hp, 2019. Engine & Performance, Dimensions & Weight, Exterior, Interior, Features, Safety & Security and Other.

www.car.info

Specifications for Volvo XC60 D5 AWD Geartronic, 235hp, 2018

466 registered specifications for Volvo XC60 D5 AWD Geartronic, 235hp, 2018. Engine & Performance, Dimensions & Weight, Exterior, Interior, Features, Safety & Security and Other.

www.car.info

Volvo XC60 II 2.0 D4 (190 Hp) AWD Automatic | Technical specs, data, fuel consumption, Dimensions

Technical Specs: Volvo XC60 II 2.0 D4 (190 Hp) AWD Automatic SUV, Crossover /2018, 2019/ | Fuel consumption, Dimensions, 190 Hp, 205 km/h, 127.38 mph, 0-100 km/h: 8.4 sec, 0-60 mph: 8 sec, 5.5-5.8 l/100 km, 42.77 - 40.55 US mpg, 51.36 - 48.7 UK mpg, 18.18 - 17.24 km/l

www.auto-data.net

Volvo XC60 II 2.0 D5 (235 Hp) AWD Automatic | Technical specs, data, fuel consumption, Dimensions

Technical Specs: Volvo XC60 II 2.0 D5 (235 Hp) AWD Automatic SUV, Crossover /2018, 2019/ | Fuel consumption, Dimensions, 235 Hp, 220 km/h, 136.7 mph, 0-100 km/h: 7.2 sec, 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec, 5.6-6.0 l/100 km, 42 - 39.2 US mpg, 50.44 - 47.08 UK mpg, 17.86 - 16.67 km/l

www.auto-data.net

 

Maintenance cost is the same at least between the T8 and petrol motors. Obviously the more systems you put in a vehicle the more can fail. I wouldn't ever own a T8 outside of warranty personally just because it's double the likelihood of risk (gas and electric).

 

Diesels are best for highway driving but more problematic if used for short distances. Are you able to get a gas-engine model of the B4 or B5 in your market?

 

Of course there are those versions
But one big but, the consumption of the gasoline version is 40-50% higher compared to diesel
Now the price of fuel in the EU is from 1.65 - 2.0 EUR per liter

 

Important information, the gasoline engine of the T8 PHEV model often does not reach operating temperature when driving on short trips.

 

Important information, the gasoline engine of the T8 FEV model often does not reach operating temperature when driving on short trips.

Really interested in this point, is it a pro or a con? anything should be cared for T8?