The 2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design is Swedish, quick, and a joy to drive. Sorry, no, not the Koenigsegg. It is, in fact, your favorite Swedish brand, Volvo. It's time to stop stereotyping Volvo drivers, especially you Westerners! The mature, grumpy country types who like to sit in the overtaking lane and drive slowly on weekends are taking a back seat. Volvo has made great changes in their brand over the last decade, shedding the once frumpy, boxy image and introducing modern sporty and appealing cars that challenge the competition while still appealing to the more mature audience.

This R-Design XC60 enthusiastically takes on competitors like BMW’s M department and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG. With this in mind, I took this car to test its eligibility against other SUVs on the market, driving it through challenging mountain roads more suited to a sports car.

Style

2014 Volvo XC60 Side View

The design of the XC60 is distinctly Swedish, embodying the smooth and minimalistic ethos typical of Scandinavian products. The body style sits comfortably between the BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque. The BMW has a more robust look, while the Evoque is smooth and curvy. Reflecting on Volvo’s past, when the 300 Series was notorious for its unattractive design, it’s clear that Volvo has made significant strides. They draw inspiration from across their model range, adding a touch of fitness to create this sleek collection of vehicles.

Interior Material and Finishing

2014 Volvo XC60 Interior Finishing

Volvo has spared no expense on the materials inside the XC60. The quality is on par with other premium models, set out in a unique manner. The trademark floating center console remains a proud feature of the brand, complemented by titanium-colored touches decorating the door cards and dashboard. The seating is exceptional, with Volvo offering some of the most comfortable seats on the market. The R-Design seats are leather-wrapped and extremely supportive, adorned with the R-Design logo.

Interior Space and Visibility

2014 Volvo XC60 Boot Space

The XC60 provides ample space without feeling oversized, resembling a roomy hot hatch rather than a traditional SUV. Legroom in the front and back is comfortable; however, those around six feet tall may find the rear headroom a bit tight. The boot offers approximately 490 liters of space, accommodating family shopping and golf clubs with ease.

Interior Technology and Options

2014 Volvo XC60 Interior Technology

Technology is abundant in this car, especially if you opt for the premium packages. Volvo appears to have been inspired by sci-fi, making you feel like you’re opening a long-awaited gift. After sliding into the soft, supportive, memory-powered heated seats (optional extra), the TFT tachometer lights up, reminding you that you’re driving an R-Design. The center 7-inch integrated color screen comes alive, ready to entertain you with its 8-speaker surround sound system. The system includes an optional reversing camera and an onboard Bluetooth connection with steering wheel controls for safe, two-handed operation. USB and Aux sockets are conveniently located in the center console armrest. Dual climate control functions effectively, with minimal fan noise. As with any premium vehicle, the options list is extensive, covering navigation, front parking sensors, a rear entertainment system, cornering headlights (fitted to this car), and more.

Safety Features

2014 Volvo XC60 Safety Features

Volvo has always prioritized safety, and the XC60 is no exception. Many believe that a Volvo is the safest car on the planet, and while it leads the class, it also keeps pace with safety technology akin to other premium brands. Unique features include a rear center foldable child seat, introduced in the Volvo 850 in the mid-90s, and still relevant today. The XC60 also includes a new integrated turbo and manifold system that enhances direct injection and combustion control. Other safety features consist of:

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist)
Advanced stability control
Driver and passenger airbags
Side impact protection system
CITY SAFETY collision avoidance technology
DSTC (Dynamic Stability Traction Control)
ISOFIX for child seat installation

Power and Transmission

2014 Volvo XC60 Power and Transmission

The Volvo XC60 is powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0L turbocharged engine from Ford, paired with a 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox. This engine delivers 240 horsepower and 320Nm of torque. The official 0-100 km/h time is 7.6 seconds; however, I struggled to achieve below 9.11 seconds.

Handling and Suspension

2014 Volvo XC60 Handling

Driving through the northern emirates on challenging roads, I prepared to evaluate the R-Design's handling. Engaging semi-auto mode revealed that the engine lacks the melodious note of Italian sports cars, offering instead a throaty growl. Initially, the steering provided little feedback, making it difficult to gauge the car's response. The car features 20-inch alloy Ixion wheels, which, while visually impressive, could benefit from smaller 18-inch wheels for a more comfortable ride. The suspension requires greater firmness and stiffer anti-roll bars. Acceleration out of bends proved challenging, not due to power but rather torque steer. While I enjoyed the scenic route, it became clear that the XC60 is more suited for city driving than aggressive cornering.

Braking

The braking performance is commendable, with a stopping distance from 100-0 km/h in just 2.57 seconds, despite some sliding in and out of the ABS.

Verdict

The 2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design is not the Volvo of years past. While safety and robust construction remain priorities, Volvo now builds well-designed, modern vehicles that appeal across generations. The XC60 R-Design is a sporty SUV perfect for families, offering comfort and style for highway and city cruising, rather than aggressive cornering. Against rivals like the BMW X3, VW Tiguan, and Range Rover Evoque, I would rank the XC60 third, with Range Rover at the top, followed closely by BMW. In terms of styling, I believe the XC60 surpasses both German competitors, although it may fall short in driving dynamics. The XC60 is a must-see for anyone exploring premium SUVs.