The car will be the first diesel-electric plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale in the UK early next year, using a 215bhp D5 engine to power the front wheels and with a 70bhp electric rear axle to give a range of up to 31 miles on battery power alone and four wheel drive for slippery roads. 

Because the combined performance matches its T6 petrol models, with 62mph arriving in 6.2 seconds from rest, the manufacturer will badge the new powertrain D6.

At 148mpg and 49g/km, with no diesel levy, the resulting 5% benefit in kind tax band means it will cost company car drivers around £83 per month, which is likely to make it popular with the fleet sector, Volvo has said, with corporate sales expected to take up 80% of the car’s volume.

Production starts in week 46, with the initial batch of 1,000 models all being built to a single specification. It features styling that’s close to the concept cars, with only the satin white paintwork absent. Instead, all launch models will be finished in a new “Electric Silver” metallic with gloss black grilles and aerodynamic parts.

In the UK, the 130 launch models will be in SE Lux trim and priced between £45,000 and £50,000 and private buyers will be able to take advantage of the £5,000 plug-in car subsidy. Full production of between 4,000 and 6,000 units per year, will begin in week 20 of 2013. Though the UK is expected to be one of its biggest markets, around 30% are expected to sell in Sweden and other Nordic countries.

Stefan Jacoby, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Car Corporation, is confident that it will be popular with buyers: 'There is immense interest from the markets. We are convinced that the first thousand cars will be sold even before production gets under way next autumn,' he said.

'We expect the order books to fill very quickly. The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there's only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid.'