2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The second generation of the Volvo XC60 is the smaller version of the large showcase SUV from Sweden. The small version of the XC90 is much more elegant.
There are car models that you come across quite often on the road without really noticing them. The first generation of the Volvo XC60 is one of those, the best-selling model of the Swedes in Germany, but in appearance inconspicuous to invisible. That will definitely change with the second generation, which has been available for a few weeks. The new XC60 is a mid-range version of the luxury SUV XC90. Although the 26 centimeters length (4.69 meters) and the three centimeters smaller width (1.90 meters) look pretty good, it is much less bulky than the very big Swede.
But please don't get it wrong: The XC60 is still a powerful and very eye-catching car. But it looks more elegant than its big brother, does not overwhelm the viewer with sheer presence. The lines, devoid of any fashionable guidelines, have been chosen so that the SUV should still look fresh in a few years. Whereby the rear with its sloping lid below the taillights did not convince us personally.
Operation takes getting used to
The interior of the XC60 is also based on the 90s; Clear design, noble materials, comfortable seats and lots of shelves make everyday life on board pleasant. The operation takes a bit of getting used to, but after a few days this is no longer a real problem. Space is also in abundance, but rear passengers first have to work their way into their luxury seat through the relatively uncomfortable entrance thanks to the narrow door opening.
True, Volvo hasfour out of five SUVs of the old XC60 generation with a diesel sold, but in the future the Swedes will rely more on the gasoline engine. In order to curb his greater everyday thirst, then also electrified. There was still no question of our test car. The abbreviation T6 hides the largest pure gasoline engine. Like all Volvo engines, it draws its power from four cylinders and a displacement of 2.0 liters, in this case a whopping 320 hp.
Regrettable waiver of six cylinders
There is also more than enough torque (400 Nm), especially since thanks to the standard all-wheel drive, the power is also confidently transferred to the road. Nevertheless, it has to be stated that with such performance values a six-cylinder would certainly be a more attractive offer. Especially since the unit is quite easy to swallow under load. So we came to an average consumption of over ten liters, around 30 percent more than stated.
And this despite the fact that we moved our Volvo very relaxed most of the time. Because that's exactly what the SUV invites you to be. The basic set-up is very comfortable, the eight-speed automatic shifts gently and the standard air suspension irons the asphalt so smoothly it feels as if there were no problem with road damage in Germany. However, in the "Comfort" mode, which is recommended for everyday use, the XC60 is anything but an athlete, in fast corners it is rather rocky, so that you quickly take your foot off the accelerator again voluntarily.
Comfort instead of dynamic
For sporty ambitions there is the "Dynamic" mode - and the contrast could hardly be greater. The engine then reacts almost over-nervous to gas commands, the start is toxic and the steering is tighter. We only had fun for a short time, we quickly turned the switch back to the comfort setting, which is much more suitable for the large Swedish SUV.
Solid, with a comprehensive fleet of security and assistance on board, comfortable and convenient: the XC60 meets all expectations in this regard. And stands out in its very own way from the competitors from Stuttgart, Ingolstadt and Munich. However, anyone who thinks they can save money by opting against the German premium trio will be disappointed. On top of the base price of 60,250 euros, there were so many extras for our test cars that the list price is an astonishing 85,730 euros. Sip.
If that's understandably too much for you, there are of course also other engines available, for example the smaller diesel with 190 hp, which is available in the basic version for around 48,000 euros. Or you wait a few more months until the XC40comes on the market, so to speak the smaller brother of the smaller brother of the XC90. It will certainly not be as classy as the family members, but it will be a few thousand euros cheaper. (SP-X)
