Volvo XC60, More Premium Than Ever

The second generation of the successful Volvo XC60 is already on our streets and, like the XC90, it sports the new Swedish lines, with an end result almost as impressive as that of its older brother. In fact, at first glance it is difficult to differentiate them.

The models of the last few years were crying out for a complete makeover. Brands such as Mercedes, Jaguar and company already looked much more modern and dynamic aesthetics, which made the reasons for buying a Volvo increasingly cornered.

That does not happen with the new generation of models: they are capable of looking the best made-up competitor in the face and they bring a spectacular technological load.

Volvo XC60 exterior design

The biggest change from the previous generation is in the cleanliness of the car’s lines, with much more fluid shapes. The whole set shows a minimalist air very well resolved by the brand; It’s still a low-key car compared to some of its rivals, but the end result is impressive.

The nose is quite bulky and has a large grille with vertical chrome ; the pilots are quite small, so they give all the prominence to the chrome grille. Without a doubt it is the newest part of the set.

At the rear it has less angular pilots than the previous model. It maintains that zigzag shape, perhaps in order to wink at its ancestors, but the truth is that the result is much more elegant than before.

Interior design and habitability

The same sensation that the exterior leaves us transmits the interior of the new Volvo XC60. Now, a large screen placed in a vertical position presides over the cabin, and it does so without giving up that minimalist style we were talking about.

Despite all the technological endowment that the model boasts, one has the feeling that everything is in its place and that adaptation to all those controls is going to be fast. To put a problem to the distribution of the vehicle’s controls, we would remove the air conditioning management from the main screen; its use is too distracting for such a common action.

The quality of materials is remarkable. It does not reach that of an Audi Q5 or a BMW X3, but it is above the average for the segment and the materials are very pleasant to the touch. The space in the front seats is very good, and the center console does not box the front passengers too much.

The space available in the rear seats is very similar to that of an Audi Q5, although it has less room for the knees than a Lexus NX and the width of the bench is designed for two passengers, since the central square is narrow and has a backrest pretty tough.

The trunk has 505 liters of capacity, a figure below the average for the segment, although it is not decisive, since it has enough space to accommodate the luggage of the five occupants.

Dynamics and engines

The dynamic capabilities of the Volvo XC60 are what you can expect from a vehicle of these characteristics and price. The ride quality is extraordinary and passengers enjoy a quiet ride worthy of a luxury saloon.

Steering and suspension reactions are not on the level of a BMW X3, but it more than delivers, and conveys confidence and poise to the driver. In cornering areas the support changes are slower than in a saloon, but it allows to maintain a high pace without jeopardizing the stability of the car.

Volvo has endowed its mid-size SUV with a somewhat limited range of engines, but either option successfully moves the Swedish model.

• Gasoline : part of  250 hp that it draws from a turbocharged 2.0-liter block. With the same engine, it also offers a more powerful 310 hp variant, with which it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds.

• Diesel : with 2.0 liters of displacement, the access engine of this model has 150 hp of power and a consumption of only 5.0 l / 100 km. This is the most demanded version, although the engine that is above with 190 hp is a better option. As the top of the diesel range, we can equip the XC60 with the same two-liter block, but with 235 hp.
• Plug-in hybrid: it has a gasoline engine and an electric motor that join forces to achieve a power of 407 HP. With such an engine, this XC60 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in just 5.5 seconds and sporting an average consumption of only 2.3 l / 100 km.

Prices and conclusion

From € 41,950 worth the Volvo XC60 Momentum D3 with 150 hp to € 76,917 that costs in the T8 hybrid version with the Inscription finish.

If what you are looking for is a vehicle with the elegance of a premium SUV , with the latest technology and a plus of exclusivity, this is a choice to take into account.