The XC60 has joined the dark side, in availing in a limited count special edition.

BY year end, one of Volvo’s staple car will have fully entered the electric age: The impending EX60 is vital to the make’s long-term plan.

Expectation is that the battery-wed progression from the internal combustion XC60 should do fairly well here, as well.

While electric cars still only account for 6.5 percent of overall registrations, the premium medium-SUV segment is hot on electric - according to Volvo NZ, 50 percent of volume in that sector goes to fully battery-wed products.

That penetration could well grow as fuel prices rise, the brand said on Tuesday, when introducing its biggest electric car yet, the EX90.

During that electric-centric presentation, it also reminded there’s no thought yet to sidelining the internal combustion cars it sells, including the EX60’s ICE equivalent.

Even though it has been a solid seller for some time, with almost 35 percent of volume last year, the XC60 is now entering a black phase, nonetheless.

But that’s a good thing … because in respect to that, Volvo NZ is talking about a special variant, the Black Edition.

Forty examples of a product offered solely in XC60 T8 form and selling for $119,990 plus on-road costs, so $3000 above the regular T8 Ultra, are inbound. The first lot are on a ship that was expected to arrive today.

The fundamental drivetrain is as per the T8. So it’s an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid, involving a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with a rear-mounted electric motor, a 14.7kWh battery pack, and all-wheel drive.

Combined output remains at 335kW/400Nm, with 0-100kmh in 4.9 seconds, 1.3 litres per 100km optimal economy and a pure electric range of 67km, as per WLTP judgement.

As the name suggests, and images where confirm, everything is about a special look.

The Black Edition loses chrome exterior highlights for black trim, adds a set of gloss black 21-inch wheels, and gloss black roof rails.

The interior fitout delivers the standard 11.2-inch centre touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster. The type features a 360-degree camera, head-up display, parking assist, a panoramic glass roof, Nappa leather upholstery, a power tailgate, a Bowers and Wilkins sound system and wireless charging among ingredients.

The Black Edition isn’t just Black. It can optionally be picked up in White, Denim Blue and Vapour Grey.