When the second-generation Volvo XC60 arrived, it carried with it a considerable burden of expectation.
Its predecessor wasn’t only Volvo’s best-selling car, it was the best-selling vehicle of that type in Europe. The latest model continues the good work, while at the same time extending the Swedish company’s culture of safety and innovation.
As of 2020, the XC60’s top speed will be limited to 112mph in a bid to boost safety – part of Volvo’s Vision 2020 programme to reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a Volvo car.
To add to that, Volvo introduced two diesel engines with mild-hybrid technology, which reduces emissions, improves fuel economy and gives a boost in performance.
The mild-hybrid B4 and B5 models add electrical gubbins that recuperate energy when braking, which is then stored and used to assist with acceleration later on.
In B5 form – the model we tested in Inscription Pro trim – it makes a healthy 235hp and 480Nm from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
It’s no slouch, overtaking is a doddle, and the switch between electric power and diesel is virtually undetectable.
The latest XC60 brings more tech and even more safety features too.
Fitted as standard to every XC60 is a nine-inch centre console touch screen, Volvo On Call with app, Sensus Navigation, voice-activated control system, Sensus Connect, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with CleanZone air-quality system, power-operated tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, 12.3-inch active TFT crystal driver’s information display and heated front seats.
Safety features on the XC60 include: City Safety with Steering Support which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance; Oncoming Lane Mitigation which automatically provides steering assistance if you unwittingly drift out of your lane, guiding you back into your lane and out of the path of oncoming vehicles; and Run-off Road Protection which automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road, while front seat frames with a collapsible section reduce vertical forces to help prevent spinal injuries.
Inside the cabin of our test car, sumptuous nappa leather upholstery covered the seats, door panels and armrest, with the same colour leather also used on the car’s remote control key fob – a subtle but nice touch.
Further enhancing the feeling of luxury was driftwood décor – a unique wood treatment influenced by the Swedish company’s heritage.
From a practicality perspective the XC60 is both spacious and versatile, with a load compartment volume of 505 litres to the top of the rear backrests and 1,432 litres with the backrests folded.
The Volvo XC60 range is available on the road from £38,915 for the D4 front-wheel drive Momentum model, while the B5 diesel all-wheel drive in Inscription Pro trim is available on the road from £52,035.
All cars have an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In summary, the XC60 looks and feels classy inside, is roomy and well equipped, making it a very strong choice if you’re in the market for a large SUV.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC60 B5 Diesel AWD Inscription Pro
Price: £52,035
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel
0-62mph: 7.1secs
Fuel consumption (WLTP): 39.2 - 46.3mpg
Co2: 147g/km
