Editorial Review

Consumer Reviews

My 1st Volvo ownership… Heard lots of horror stories about the brand but i begged to differ after 1mth of ownership for this 9y/o car. Bought this car when i saw the annual depreciation dipped below 18k & so far it's the lowest in this crazy COE period

I have test drove Audi A6, Q3, Q5, BMW 5 series, X3 and X5, Mercedes C200 and E200 and Lexus NX200 and RX200. I still find XC60 is the best value for money with the car build and power. It has smooth transmission and only Lexus is better and the worst is Merc and in terms of power, it beats the rest in the similar cc category. It has reasonable amount of feature

I've been driving the car for 13 months. Overall, the build quality of Volvos has deteriorated over the past few years. In terms of the feel of the car, it is lighter and a lot more powerful than older Volvos. It is also front wheel drive. Therefore, it does not have the same stability or road handling as older Volvos. Being used to my old XC90, I skidded the XC60 twice in the first week. Since then, I approach every corner with the expectation that unless I am very careful I will end up wrapped around a tree. When I raised it with Volvo, the service team told me that I had to drive these new cars very carefully due to the above factors. I took their advice and I am still accident free.
I have had 3 major issues with the XC60 that were not present in the XC90. (1) The leather seats rub against the centre console and cause a loud squeaking noise; (2) sounds come from the dashboard (I have had a problem like this on a previous car and it was the result of insufficient soundproofing); And (3) the internal parts of my car seat hit me when I stop (it feels like a child kicking the back of the seat). Volvo has not resolved any of these issues. They are inherent to the car.
My Auto Start / Auto Stop function stopped working after 4 - 6 weeks. My electronics starting failing after 12 months. Volvo blamed my car camera. But switching off the car camera has not made any difference.
Incidentally, a couple of years ago the Volvo Service team tested different car cameras with plan to either sell or recommend the best ones. However, they couldn't get any to work satisfactorily and they told me that they were therefore unable to recommend any camera for the car. It is not clear to me if a car camera can be installed in the current Volvo models, but as soon as I started suffering any electronic issues, Volvo blamed everything on the car camera. So you can read what you like into that.
This is my third Volvo, and definitely my last.

The XC60 now comes updated with the DrivE engines made by Volvo, and an 8-Speed Gearbox. I am already quite familiar with the XC60 and I am pleased to report that the 8-Speed gearbox is a generally smooth and responsive gearbox. With our speeds, the gearbox seldom goes into 7th or 8th gear... With 8th gear usually being engaged at around 130km/h. The engine is surprisingly economical... I average around 11.5km/l and this is despite this being an unaerodynamic SUV that is packed with nice features. The car is generally quiet though strong crosswinds can throw this car off slightly and the accompanying noise intruding into the cabin (the GLE resists those better). What is surprising is the boot... It is more practical vs the GLE even though the GLE is a class above - I am able to fit 4 medium sized luggage into the XC60 but not in the GLE without removing the tonneau cover. The XC60 has a suspension that has an excellent compromise between comfort and handling. It has good primary and secondary ride comfort whereas the GLE has superior primary ride comfort but poor secondary ride comfort - it gets thrown off by multiple regular bumps that are littered on countrysides though when it comes to highway cruising, it settles down like how a Merc should ride. Well done to the XC60 then. What irks me is that this car doesn't have AWD as the agent chose not to spec it. The XC60 suffers as a result in slippery conditions when you try to put all 245 horses onto the (wet) tarmac. It's a shame really because the XC60, being such a tall and heavy vehicle, needs all the traction it can get. Without AWD, the XC60 is really more of a city dweller (i was almost stuck in wet grass and a little bit of mud). Overall, this vehicle is a vehicle that has lots of appeal. It is an excellent partner who takes care of you and whom you can depend on. Highly recommended.

I have been driving the Volvo XC60 2015 edition for a month. Was considering between a BMW X3 and the Honda CRV as alternative. Very happy to have chosen the XC 60.
There is suffiicent pick up with the turbo engine and the ride experience was very smooth and everyone of my family felt comfortable and safe.

I have owned the T5 drive E for 2 weeks now and each day I got to appreciate a little bit more of it.
My purchase options included the X3, Evoque, B class, CX5, latest Harrier and Outlander. First off, outlander hasn't got enough grunt, harrier's interior isn't quite harmonious and can't test drive it. B class pretty impressive but lacking in space. CX5 has the space and specs but the sport mode isn't quite smooth. X3 had quite a bit of road noise, surprisingly as I expected it to be hush. Now Evoque had all my boxes ticked except for the somewhat firm and small back seats, and not forgetting the quoted high maintenance costs. So I am left with the XC60 ... My third time with a Volvo.

Having the R Design for slightly more than a month. Great, fierce looking on 20" rim with a difference. The 20" is tuned to stiffer ride, but lesser body roll. Still getting used to SUV ride position.
Engine is sufficient for everyday driving with a zest. Braking power is strong enough to put the car to a immediate halt when I encounter an e-brake on the h'way but could be a better handler if AWD is available for rainy days.
Good vision for all around driving. Only have to get used to the reverse parking, luckily there is a rear cam to assist. The softer perforated leather steering & seats is of much better feel sensation when holding & seating than the normal "harder" leather of the standard version. Sport pedals not only a looker, also adds a better grip when my foot goes there.
FC not has what the "paper" mentioned but I guess this is expected from an SUV. 1st tank on 6.8km/l, 2nd tank on 7.8km/l & the 3rd on 8.6km/l.
Went to Ikea last weekend, boot was "gulping" down all the things that we bought there (we got a shelf). Did not even lower the back seats whereby my previous car will have an issue.

It was very comfortable and the seats were superb so was the interior. The boot space was more than adequate while the fold down rear seats were useful.The styling outside was effortlessly classy and the electric tailgate was very quick and silent.

Was driving an Audi before switching to XC60. Looked at the Q5 and the X3 but decided to settle on XC60 for the best exterior and interior styling. Both the Q5 and X3 look too boxy,

Tested this stylish XC 60 couple of weeks back and forgotten to write a review on it..
Firstly, I must say, the staff from Wearnes Automotive (Volvo Cars) are the best I have ever encountered. They are friendly, knows the specs (inside, out) and professional in every manners. THUMBs UP !!!
Back to the XC 60, the exterior looks stylish and sporty in every aspect. The curviness of the body certainly makes it sporty feel and the tail lights is an attractive factor.
Interior....a true luxury feel from Volvo pespective...push start button, electric seats (on both passenger and driver), easy to use screens with not much complicates to it...
Best of all is the electric tailgate that only XC 60 offers, compared to others like Q5 or X5 PLUS its safety feature where driver end can open it by a push button but not close due to safety reason, which was what Volvo is great to think of this at a safety angle.
Drive on the road is certainly a breeze, although some do say T5 is not powerful enough, I feel its good enough as its not as heavy as the elder being, XC 90, so not really necessary to look at T6.
The cruising was smooth and pickup was excellent...being a light footer myself, the XC 60 certainly feels a great car to have when you need the power to pickup.
The turbo kicks in at around 3,000 rpm and was a smooth pull than a drag, compared to the rest I tried.
During cruise, as according to sales person, it pulls to a halt when nearing a vehicle or object in front, a good safety feature indeed but I must say although other makes may have similar feature, the braking you can feel it as it force pulls u to the front whereas XC 60 gradual brakes without you even feeling it on the foot brake or force pulling at all. EXCELLENT !
Overall, this is certainly a good car to consider in many aspects and areas, in comparing to its competing brands out there, being safety is Volvo's No.1 concern and with its basic and necessary features in it (and not complicating it by having many things that are not useful), its definately a good luxury car (or SUV) to get.

I have had the T5 for about 5 months. Firstly if you are drawn to the T5 because of the claimed fuel consumption, turn away now don't look back, it comes nowhere close. I use the ECP often and try as I may, the best I managed under normal driving conditions for some one who has to drive the kids to school in the morning and brave the 7 pm traffic home is 7.6km/L. Forget about sudden overtaking or any spirited driving, you will be repaid by worse fuel consumption. I tried driving under the egg shell rule, i.e. an egg under the accelerator so you depress as though wd not want to break it, no dice. The engine. The T5 has a hollow engine note and the manual powershift gear change exhibits noticeable lag. Those who have tried a VW DSG will be greatly disappointed with the Powershift, like a special needs cousin, a bit slow. The ride is well dampened and if you allow the powershift to do its work itself, gear change is seamless and smooth. Real world acceleration is lacklustre. This is not a off road vehicle and at 2WD it does not claim to be. If I had to do over, I wd get the T6, i cannot imagine the fuel consmp to be much worse, but at least I wd have 306 ponies to boot. And there is no replacement for displacement. Get a T6 with all the options pedestrian collision, collision warning, active bending lights, BLIS etc... as these cannot be fitted after sale. The XC60 is to be enjoyed for all its bells and whistles...the vanilla models (T5) will disappoint. Get the T6 with the works. Curiously the basic T5 sold in Malaysia by Wearnes comes as a higher spec, why?

Just got the T5 version. Sweet ride and pure enjoyment so far. Feels big, but actually drives like a saloon. Surprisingly nimble given it's weight.
Real leather interiors definitely feels different from the Japanese synthetic leather. High upright ride gives good view and control. Excellent standard features means you save a ton over optionals, such as City Safety, power boot, smart keys, USB port, power front seats (both sides) with driver-side memory setting, dual climate control, approach lighting, etc.
Ride is very smooth with gear shifts almost unnoticeable. Power response with almost no turbo lag. However, not used to the rather light steering which cannot be adjusted unless you take the option. Eco tech also means the auto transmission makes use of "engine brake", sort of. And, that does sometimes give the effect of premature braking. So far, can't feel any understeer. FC still not really tested since I only drove it for 2 days.
Other pluses, lower insurance and road tax for this beauty. In fact, less than half of a Lexus350, which in my opinion, not really that much better.
Overall, am loving the XC60 every bit. The comparison of this over Tiguan, all win hands down. Over Q5, perhaps lose over drive quality. I said drive quality, not drive experience. If it's an experience, including comfort, safety, feeling of Zen, power, then XC60 could be the crossover you're looking for.

Stunning, beautiful, immaculately muscular.
I've just gotten my XC60, and am amazed by how well it bonds with the driver (me!). Behind the steering wheel, i can feel full control over this behemoth, and well protected at the same time. Handling's perfect and it is so comfortable to drive. Acceleration is cool (I'm driving a T6 version), and braking was awesome. I've looked through Audi Q5 and chose the XC60 instead for its unique European muscular look.
However, having more of its European features (e.g. lane departure warning) would have made it an even more impressive crossover. I added the Sunroof though.

Bought the car for the safety features such as the latest, City Safe, actually put to test on the road. The system worked as claimed, at below 30km/h during slow-moving traffic condition, got distracted for a split-second, and next thing I knew, the car stopped & prevented a rear-end collision!! Phew! Thank goodness! Money well-spent, was the next thing that came to mind! Tried to do the same at other times, but never got to let it happen, it's just too close for the rational mind to allow the machine to take control (Did it at the showroom though, before making purchase, but that was in a controlled environment, besides, it was not my car!) The Smart Key was another perk that I did not want to part, since driving the S80. Imagine, just walk to the car, pull the door handle, get in, step the brake & press the Start button and you're ready to go!! What? Did I forget to mention about digging into my pocket to press the unlock/disarm button? No I didn't! You really don't have to! Now that's what I call Keyless Entry. Well, if you step out of your car & unable to lock it by pressing the button on the door handle, you (or probably your partner) has probably left a key in the car! Volvo did not call it the Smart Key for nothing, you see, it can tell whether you're inside or outside the car! Imagine if the key was inside & you managed to lock it, it would also mean that a stranger who walked by would be able to open it since the key was in the car, well-thought huh! One of a few 2.0 litre that has more than 200bhp, this car has impressed me since I got my hands on it! Take a look at the top of the car, there is already the side-railings, sleek-design, you only need to buy a pair of he load-carriers & additional space on the roof-top is available. There are of course many other worth-while advantages to mention about this car, such as the electric tail-gate, electric park brake etc. Now, the not so nice thing is the voice-activated bluetooth phone, very unlike the one on the S80. It is optional though, so I would not recommend fitting it, simply because there are other portable ones in the market.

Review
I test drove the car last Sunday, at 2L on an almost 2 tonner, there is no slack or lack of power. Surprisingly, the drive experience was great with this 2L SUV.
Overall, it is easy to drive and the safety feature (esp the city safety) is impressive; not sure how these electronics will hold up when the car turns 3-5 though. Volvo will continue to shine, even under Geely's leadership!
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