Swedish plush rider
Stunning SUV offers good power, so- so handling
David Booth: Despite all the headlines that the XC90 generates — Volvo’s most profitable export ever is one that particularly stands out — this is Volvo’s top global seller, the one- size- smaller, significantly cheaper and quite a bit cuter XC60. It is 120 millimetres shorter than its bigger brother, but it is 90 mm bigger than its predecessor. It’s also more expensive, better equipped and sportier, thanks to the same basic powertrains as the heavier XC90, all attributes which, Volvo hopes, will keep it at the front end of the luxury “sport- cute” segment.
The new Volvo is more attractive than BMW’s slab- sided X3, more svelte than Lexus’s RX350 and, truth be told, a whole bunch tidier than Mercedes GLC.
Peter Bleakney: You’re right about the cute part. Actually, I’d say dead sexy, baby, here in R- Design guise with $ 900 Bursting Blue paint and on $ 1,000 21- inch alloys ( 19s are standard). So yes, design is a big element of the XC60’ s appeal. Same with the cabin; there’s a simple, elegant Nordic esthetic going on here, and the materials and execution are top shelf. Although, with an as- tested price of $ 68,400 ( base $ 55,450 for the R- Design), this fully kitted tester better be impressive.
Thing is, the R- Design’s visuals have written a cheque the chassis can’t cash. As far as dynamic acumen goes, the XC60 is really more cruiser than crusher. A Jag F- Pace, Porsche Macan and BMW X3 will rise to the occasion on a twisty back road. This XC60 R- Design, even with its standard Sport Chassis,
never really gels, with numb steering directing a chassis that can’t find its groove. Although, I suppose we could say all that doesn’t really count when it comes to the average premium CUV buyer. What does matter is ride quality.
DB: I think the reason it is a bit of a cush- mobile is that the previous generation elicited complaints of a buckboard ride. Volvo is probably targeting Audi’s clientele rather than Porsche’s. With all the hoopla surrounding the electrification of the Polestar brand, it’s easy to forget that Volvo’s in- house tuning brand is still going to be upgrading Volvo’s traditional powertrains. PB: Yolanda Yoga wants to know if
this new Volvo will zip her to the mall with the comfort and cachet of a Mercedes, BMW or Audi. She certainly will love the suede sport seats in this R- Design. Volvo’s big portrait- oriented touch screen is pretty slick too. But I find accessing most things ( like HVAC and radio functions) to require way too many distracting prods on the screen.
DB: My favourite upgrade is Volvo’s new Sensus infotainment interface. I love the vertical format, I love swiping right for different functions and my favourite part is choosing from all those Sirius radio stations. Driving. ca