The Volvo XC60 was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, and in less than a year, it became the company’s best-selling model. The XC60, like most crossovers these days, is built around a car platform and in the case of the first-gen model, borrows its underpinnings from the S80 sedan. Sales of the XC60 remained strong and in 2017, the Swedish carmaker introduced the all-new replacement for the first generation. This new XC60 not only sports a fresh design and better technology, it’s now based on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.
Since its introduction is so recent, the 2019 Volvo XC60 continues largely untouched. Interestingly enough, the new XC60 was the first model to be developed after Geely’s acquisition of the Swedish brand in 2010. As for its chief competitors in the UAE, the 2019 Volvo XC60 goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Jaguar F-Pace.
Exterior
Just as with its larger XC90 sibling, the 2019 Volvo XC60 uses the marque’s latest design philosophy. And though not as imposing as its elder sibling, the new XC60’s styling looks wonderfully crisp and bang up-to-date. The front fascia looks ‘marvel-ous’ with its sleek LED headlights and Thor Hammer-inspired daytime-runners. The latter extends into the chrome-laden grille with its multiple vertical slats. The sculpted hood looks athletic and muscular, while the aggressively-carved bumper portrays the XC60’s sporty demeanor.
The clean yet edgy side profile of the new XC60 gives this crossover poise and grace. This is complemented by the XC60’s pronounced shoulder line and rising window line, along with the sporty side skirts and classy 19-inch rims. The main highlight at the rear is the complex design of the LED taillights and neat bumper with well-integrated dual exhausts. A size smaller than the XC90, the 2019 Volvo XC60 measures 4.688 meters in length, 1.902 meters in width, 1.658 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of 2.865 meters. Being a strict five-seater means Volvo has been able create 505 liters of space behind the second row of seats.
Interior
The interior of the new XC60, as with the XC90, feels expensive and looks mind-blowing. The layout of the dashboard and center stack, along with the feel of minimalism and quality all contribute into making this a very nice interior. Almost everything in this cabin feels well screwed-in and with the dual-tone effect, this cabin feels even larger and airier. There’s generous amount of room and that’s aided by some of the best seats in the car industry.
On the convenience side of things, the 2019 XC60’s equipment list includes adaptive cruise control, automatic & adaptive LED headlights, adaptive air suspension, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated & cooled front seats, all-around parking sensors with camera, electric tailgate, a 9-inch touch-display with navigation, and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The XC60’s safety chest reveals over half a dozen airbags, ABS with EBD, blind-spot & lane-departure warning, and a surround-camera system, among others.
Engine and performance
Strapped with a supercharger and turbocharger, the most potent powerplant sits under the hood of the XC60 T6 variants. It commands 320 horses and 400 Nm of torque to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Result? 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed nudging 230 km/h. Considering the performance that’s at your disposal, a fuel economy number of 7.7 L/100 km doesn’t seem so bad.
Verdict
The 2019 Volvo XC60 range starts at AED 220,500 for the base T5 Momentum, and goes all the way up to AED 308,700 for the top-of-the-pack T6 Inscription Highline trim. Meanwhile, cost of insurance ranges between AED 3,437 and AED 4,812.
