Scandinavian Style: Volvo’s 2018 XC60 is here

REPLACING a model that accounts for 30 percent of your global sales sounds like a daunting task, but it seems the all-new Volvo XC60 is up to the challenge. It’s been close to a decade since the world first saw Volvo’s premium mid-sized SUV and now, the second-generation one has arrived in the Philippines.

Previewed late last year at the Nordic Chamber of Commerce’s annual Crayfish Party, the all-new 2018 XC60 looks pretty much like a scaled down XC90 and for that, it looks beautifully sculpted and timeless. Dubbed “The Scandinavian Athlete” it makes a strong, yet understated visual statement. With sharp creases and lines abounding, it’s muscular and contemporary. The headlights are fully illuminated with LEDs that’s made even more distinctive by the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. The rear sees the vertically-oriented taillights arranged in a more modern manner while still keeping in tune with the Volvo design language. And like the headlights, they’re illuminated with LEDs.

Fitted with the Momentum design package, the 2018 XC60 features a chrome framed grille with high-gloss black inserts, polished integrated roof rails, silk metal window trim, and dual integrated tailpipes with chrome sleeves. It’s completed by 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tires at each corner.

Initially, Volvo Philippines will be offering the 2018 Volvo XC60 with just one powerplant. The 2.0-liter twin turbocharged diesel engine produces 190 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and a stout 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Mated to this engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission making it capable of a 205 km/h top speed while still achieving fuel mileage up to 19.6 km/L. At a later time, this D4 model will be complimented by the D5 with 235 horsepower, the T5 with 254 horsepower, and the T6 with 320 horsepower. Power is routed through all four wheels courtesy of an allwheel drive (AWD) system.

Inside, Volvo is particularly proud of the XC60’s design, fit and finish, and the use of the latest technology. The design language first pioneered by the XC90 continues in the XC60. Emphasizing airiness, the dashboard is filled with genuine wood and metal (iron ore) inlays and is dominated by a large tablet-like display called Sensus. This intuitive touchscreen-based infotainment system has been upgraded to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Putting the comfort of the occupants above all else, the XC60 is also fitted with a four-zone climate control system called CleanZone. This system removes harmful pollutants and particles inside the cabin. Other features include comfort leather seats with power adjustment for the front occupants, power folding rear seats, and even a hands-free power tailgate.

Given Volvo’s penchant for safety, the 2018 XC60 comes fully loaded with driver assist as well as passive and active safety features. Chief among them is Active Cruise Control with Pilot Assist, Volvo’s singlelane autonomous driver assist system. The City Safety system has also been upgraded to offer Steer Assist which helps assist the driver to steer away from head-on collisions. It also comes with Park Assist Pilot technology which gives the XC60 the ability to park itself in both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

With a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest technology, the 2018 Volvo XC60 undoubtedly carries on that legacy. Representing the next step in Volvo’s transformation plan, it’s deemed the perfect car for the active lifestyle. Stocks of the 2018 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD Momentum remain limited as of now, but it carries a suggested retail price of P4,288,888.