The same, but different
For 2018 Volvo renews its popular midsized XC60
As Volvo introduce the next generation of their midsized XC60 crossover they have cleverly integrated almost all the features, particularly those involving safety, that come from its big brother XC90.
More than that, the interior is quite similar, except for only having two rows of seating. In fact, size is the only real difference between the two models. Even the suspension systems are the same – just the front and rear wheels aren’t quite so far apart.
The XC60 gets the same standard safety systems as the XC90, and you can add the same active safety features, such as Blind Spot Steering Assist, the City Safety package with adds evasive maneuvering from pedestrians, cyclists or even bigger animals. This system works between 31 mph and 62 mph.
There is also Pilot Assist, which now works up to 80 mph and truly drives the car, although the law requires human steering input every 10 seconds or so to be legal. With this generation of the system your vehicle needn’t be following another car for the system, which uses the adaptive cruise-controls, to work.
Volvo’s powerplant setup is easy. All the Volvos sold here use the same engine. The difference is that some are gasoline, some are turbocharged and supercharged and some are part of a hybrid-electric powertrain.
The XC60’s powertrain lineup begins with the turbocharged 250-hp version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Then the turbo and supercharged version produces 316-hp in the mid-level Inscription. The 400-hp. for the T8 hybrid, which is a combination of power from a gas engine in front and electric power in rear. All powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Historically Volvo’ emphasis on safety has always been, and evidently always will be, the primary criteria for a Volvo product. They say that for decades Volvos were designed for engineers, rather than for customers.
That has changed, and if you look back at previous Volvos, you see they get more-and-more stylish. With the current crossover Volvos, the XC90 and XC60 they are as good to look at as any of their competition.
They expect that to continue. The new version is slightly bigger, and that is based around a longer wheelbase and shorter overhang, so there is more usable space between the wheels. The rear end continues the vehicle and longitudinal taillights, and the front running lights continue to be the Scandinavian-ally appropriate “Thor’s Hammer” design.
The interior gets the most changes in looks from the previous model, but is very similar to the current XC90. Most noticeable is how few “hard” buttons there are in the car. That’s on purpose.
When you have a physical switch or button for something, you can’t easily change it. But the digital controls shown on the car’s center console can be changed by a software update so engineers and designers can more easily add further development and features.
The XC60 has been their best-selling vehicle at 30 percent of their sales. Overall sales in this segment was 407,000 vehicles in 2016 and Volvo is looking to keep five-percent share of the market. As many as 40 percent of buyers lease these Volvos, and the “average” customer is referred to as being “affluent post-family,” although there are certainly others. About 80 percent of them are married.
The Model lineup includes the Momentum, which is the introductory model, the Inscription which fills the luxury-equipped spot, and the R-Design will be the sportiest model. These trim levels fall in line with the rest of the lineup of Volvo models.
Pricing for the XC60 runs from $41,500 to $56,700. The hybrid-powered T8 powertrain also earns buyers a $5000 tax. Having said that, realistically the majority end up priced in the mid-$60K range.
For 2018 Volvo is also changing their S90 sedan to a longer wheelbase in the U.S. As this is a “reward-yourself” car, most buyers should be pleased. With China and the U.S. preferring larger interiors, Volvo decided to add the space, which is all behind the front seat.
At the event in Denver they also gave us the chance to drive their V90 station wagon. While the off-road focused Cross Country version will be sold here, there is so little demand for the station wagon that for American customers it will be available on special order. Volvo folks are going to encourage people to opt for the European factory delivery program, which adds some fun into the buying process. Under this program customers can pick the car up, do some touring, then have the car shipped to them at home.
To add more excitement for their future, Volvo has already announced that by 2019 every model line will have an alternative-energy or electric version. Granted at first that will mean hybrid-electric alternatives. But eventually that will evolve to even more efficient vehicles.
Interestingly when Volvo announced this, the broadcast media, almost to a person, made it appear that by 2019 Volvo’s wouldn’t even use gasoline. Volvo was quite amused at the lack of technological knowledge and the apparent lack of fact checking. Automotive journalists were even more amused.
Volvo is also moving ahead in the self-driving arena was well. This year in Sweden they will begin an on-road testing program using real people on real roads.
Volvo has an interesting take on self-drivers. In their view, they are giving people back a week of their lives each year to do something other than sit in traffic.
Volvo also has another goal, and seem to like to announce them so everybody knows whether they make them or not. Several years ago, they announced that they expect that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo by 2025. Bravo to them.
My guess is they will succeed. Furthermore, these Volvos are as attractive, capable and efficient as they are safe.