All-new Volvo XC60 looks fantastic, but what’s it like to drive? We give our verdict
Our verdict as we get behind the wheel of new smaller brother to XC90, which has a tough act to follow
IT’S been a remarkable couple of years for Volvo since the launch of the XC90. That car, along with the S90 saloon and V90 estate, has firmly established the maker as a proper premium brand, battling BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Land Rover.
Now it’s the turn of Volvo’s 60-series cars, starting with the XC60 SUV. And if you thought the XC90 had it tough, this car is replacing the best-selling Volvo in history – and it’s up against the current Auto Express Car of the Year, Jaguar’s F-pace. It also rivals the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. Tough gig.
The similarities between the XC60 and XC90 are clear. From the LED running lights and upright grille to the distinct profile and a traditional rear, the XC60 is Volvo through and through. But if you were to put the two SUVS together, you’d notice that the 60 is curvier, with a sharp crease atop the rear wheelarches and wider lights to highlight the lower and, whisper it, sportier look.
The XC60 shares much more than simply its design with its brother. It sits on Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), and borrows the XC90’S engines, much of its tech and plenty of the cabin bits and pieces, too. It’s 261mm shorter, 9mm narrower and 118mm lower, and it’s a little shorter and lower but slightly wider than the F-pace, too.
That translates to decent space, with good rear knee, shoulder and headroom, although the middle seat is firm and a bit of a short straw. The 505-litre boot is dwarfed by the
“Newcomer is replacing the best-selling Volvo in history. Tough gig”
F-pace’s, but it’s big enough for most family needs. One thing we’ll check when we try the car in the UK is how easy it is to get a kid into a child seat through the back door – the apertures seemed narrow and the doors could do with opening more widely.
Up front, though, the XC60 leads the class. This is another stunning Volvo cabin, dominated by the nine-inch portrait touchscreen. Here, however, it’s better integrated than in the XC90, with revised functionality that makes navigation easier. It also provides access to a host of safety and connectivity features that are missing from many rivals – especially the F-pace.
You sit lower in the XC60 than in the 90, making you feel closer to the dash, but the driving position is good, everything (except the glovebox) has a high-quality feel and Volvo’s designers are masters of putting things exactly where you expect them. Visibility out is superb, and there’s no end of electronic aids to help you with manoeuvring at slow speeds – and indeed faster ones, too.
This car will steer you back into your lane if it sees something in your blind spot, and the standard City Safety package has been beefed up to
Sharp-looking new Volvo SUV has Jaguar F-pace in its sights Shares design and platform with acclaimed XC90 big brother
enhance steering input if you swerve to avoid pedestrians, cyclists or big animals. Pilot Assist will now accelerate, brake and steer at up to 80mph – although you’re still the boss and have to keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
So the XC60 is clever, comfortable and supremely quiet, too. The 232bhp D5 diesel is noticeable when accelerating, but at a cruise it’s almost silent. You’ll hear a little wind, but only because everything else is so hushed.
Powerpulse tech sends compressed air to spool the turbo quicker and reduce lag, which helps towards decent acceleration. The result is a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.2 seconds – the same as the slightly more powerful 237bhp Jag. With 480Nm of torque, there’s plenty of mid-range oomph, too. However, Volvo stops short of using words
“It’s clever, comfortable and supremely quiet; at a cruise, 232bhp D5 diesel is almost silent”
such as “sporty” and “agile” for this car, instead talking about “inspired confidence” in the way it drives. Quite right – if you’re not going to topple BMW, why claim you can?
As a result, the newcomer falls short of the F-pace’s well honed dynamics. Our test car’s air-suspension hunkers down by a few millimetres if you select Dynamic, yet it still feels tall through corners, with steering that’s direct, if devoid of feel. The eight-ratio auto on all models moves up through the gears slickly, but it’s not the most responsive to a prod of the throttle, and there’s a slight stickiness as it changes down when you slow to a halt.
An F-pace is more fun, then, but you won’t be quite as
comfortable. In Comfort the XC60 rides well, even on 20-inch wheels. Of course, not all cars get air-suspension, and it’s a £1,750£2,150 option on most models depending on trim. Volvo engineers say cars without the option, featuring steel springs, will be firmer; let’s see if that upsets things on UK roads.
While existing XC60 owners will be blown away by the new car’s style, quality, comfort and tech, they might catch their breath when they see the prices. You’ll be getting a much better model, but you’ll have to pay for it. The entry price has risen by nearly £4,000, while this range-topper peaks at £44,905 before options. It’s slightly cheaper and better equipped than an equivalent F-pace, while improved residuals should soften the blow.
Company car buyers will like the 144g/km CO2 emissions, which puts it in the 30 per cent tax bracket, beating some rivals. All engines are 2.0 litres, with a more frugal D4 also available. It’s cheaper, and the well kitted-out Momentum is a strong choice. R-design has a sportier look, with Inscription topping the range. The XC60 also gets the XC90’S T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will appeal to fleet buyers.
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