What We Like
T6 engine offers hugely impressive performance
Sparkling driving character
Stacked with lots of safety features
What We Dislike
Touchscreen infotainment system a but tedious to operate
When Volvo first launched the XC60 back in 2009, not many could have imagined the impact that it would make on the automotive scene. It looked peculiar, like a half-breed mixture of station wagon and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), and as the term 'crossover' had not quite embedded itself into the motoring masses' vernacular yet, people weren't quite sure what to make of it.
The signature 'Thor's Hammer' LED head lights now extend into the front grille on the new XC60Fast forward almost a decade on, and not only has the XC60 become Volvo's best-selling model, it also foreshadowed the advent of the compact premium crossover segment. The fact that similar car-like crossover SUVs like the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the BMW X3 all followed in the XC60's footsteps proved that Volvo was clearly on to something, and their gamble has most definitely paid off.
But Volvo has allowed the XC60 to sit still during its lengthy production run of eight years, while its rivals have continually moved to push the game on in this fast-paced automotive segment. The leader had fallen behind, and Volvo has now put that right by introducing the new and improved second generation XC60.
Sharp-suited
While the overall silhouette stays true to the original XC60's concept, the new car's styling is refreshingly bold, boasting sharper lines that incorporate the new family look that was first previewed on the second generation Volvo XC90.
Powering the XC60 is a 2.0-litre twin-charged engine that produces a highly impressive 320bhp and 400Nm of torqueThere's no mistaking this car for anything other than a Volvo, but there are still some distinctive styling details to make the XC60 stand out from its siblings. The iconic 'Thor's Hammer' LED head light design is now extended towards the front grille, while at the back, the LED taillights boasts a sleeker design and an extended horizontal element reaching into the centre.
Our test car came with the R-Design body kit, which adds on sporty elements such as the silver-capped side mirrors and a unique mesh grille finished in glossy black. In our view, it only serves to hint at the XC60's hidden potential under the bonnet.
As with any good crossover, the XC60 boasts a commodious and practical boot, offering 505 litres worth of cargo capacity
Silent killer
Powering this particular T6 version is a 2.0-litre twin-charged engine that produces a highly impressive 320bhp and 400Nm of torque. This allows the XC60 to propel from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, a time that betters cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the Subaru WRX. You can just about imagine the looks on the faces of these drivers as you beat them at the lights in your family SUV. Power is delivered so smoothly and sweetly that your other half is probably unlikely to notice your traffic light shenanigans.
But it's more than just outright performance where this Swedish star shines. The XC60 also comes with adjustable air suspension as an option, which adapts itself accordingly based on the drive mode you select.
But Volvo has allowed the XC60 to sit still during its lengthy production run of eight years, while its rivals have continually moved to push the game on in this fast-paced automotive segment. The leader had fallen behind, and Volvo has now put that right by introducing the new and improved second generation XC60.
Sharp-suited
While the overall silhouette stays true to the original XC60's concept, the new car's styling is refreshingly bold, boasting sharper lines that incorporate the new family look that was first previewed on the second generation Volvo XC90.
Our test car came with the R-Design body kit, which adds on sporty elements such as the silver-capped side mirrors and a unique mesh grille finished in glossy black. In our view, it only serves to hint at the XC60's hidden potential under the bonnet.
Silent killer
Powering this particular T6 version is a 2.0-litre twin-charged engine that produces a highly impressive 320bhp and 400Nm of torque. This allows the XC60 to propel from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, a time that betters cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the Subaru WRX. You can just about imagine the looks on the faces of these drivers as you beat them at the lights in your family SUV. Power is delivered so smoothly and sweetly that your other half is probably unlikely to notice your traffic light shenanigans.
But it's more than just outright performance where this Swedish star shines. The XC60 also comes with adjustable air suspension as an option, which adapts itself accordingly based on the drive mode you select.
If you're feeling particularly enthusiastic, Dynamic mode lowers the car by 20mm for better handling and road-holding. Off-Road mode goes the other way, allowing you to raise the car up to tackle slightly tougher bumps and potholes on rough roads.
Steering is well-weighted, sharp and absolutely accurateThe sports car impressions continue in the handling stakes, with the incisively sharp steering mated to a well-sorted chassis to offer hardly any roll, making the new XC60 arguably one of the finest SUVs to drive at the moment. The air suspension also contributes towards giving the XC60 a comforting and cosseting ride, turning this crossover into a superb all-rounder indeed.
Scandinavian slick
You get to enjoy all of that performance from the comforts of a slickly-designed interior that infuses the very best of Scandinavian minimalism. The cabin should be a familiar sight to those who have experienced the recent slew of new Volvos, like the S90 and the V90, with the giant tablet-style infotainment system taking centre stage on the dashboard, surrounded by high-quality materials that give the cabin a premium feel.
Like any Volvo, the XC60 comes equipped with an extensive list of safety features as standardWhile the design undoubtedly looks stylish, and will very much appeal to the millennial generation who are used to the touchscreen style interface that mimics their smartphones, improvements can be made in terms of its functionality. For instance, features such as deactivating the engine start-stop function should probably be done via a physical button instead of having to fiddle through the touchscreen menu, which is a tad too distracting while you're on the move.
That minor niggle aside, the XC60 scores remarkably well in almost every other aspect. Volvo being Volvo, the XC60 is packed to the brim with safety features as standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Aid, City Safety with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Run-off Road Protection System, to name but a few.
The cabin of the XC60 will be familiar to anyone who has experienced recent Volvo models such as the S90 and V90
A Swede success
The second generation XC60 marks such an improvement over its predecessor that it's probably no exaggeration to say that it has leapt to the front of the class once more. The new car is such an excellent well-rounder that it's hard to find much to fault about it.
Volvo seems to be on a roll of late with their recent slate of truly excellent cars, and the new XC60 is the clearest demonstration that the Swedes mean serious business in the premium car segment. The Germans have much to be worried about indeed.
Scandinavian slick
You get to enjoy all of that performance from the comforts of a slickly-designed interior that infuses the very best of Scandinavian minimalism. The cabin should be a familiar sight to those who have experienced the recent slew of new Volvos, like the S90 and the V90, with the giant tablet-style infotainment system taking centre stage on the dashboard, surrounded by high-quality materials that give the cabin a premium feel.
That minor niggle aside, the XC60 scores remarkably well in almost every other aspect. Volvo being Volvo, the XC60 is packed to the brim with safety features as standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Aid, City Safety with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Run-off Road Protection System, to name but a few.
A Swede success
The second generation XC60 marks such an improvement over its predecessor that it's probably no exaggeration to say that it has leapt to the front of the class once more. The new car is such an excellent well-rounder that it's hard to find much to fault about it.
Volvo seems to be on a roll of late with their recent slate of truly excellent cars, and the new XC60 is the clearest demonstration that the Swedes mean serious business in the premium car segment. The Germans have much to be worried about indeed.
