Volvo continues its product offensive with the launch of new XC60 SUV in Geneva. The new mid-size crossover benefits from all the technologies debuted in the bigger XC90, wrapping one of the most comprehensive safety packages we've seen in a chunky, attractive body.
Like any good Volvo, the new XC60 demonstrates a pathological focus on safety. The team in Gothenburg has set itself the lofty target of having no-one killed or seriously injured in its cars by 2020, a goal it hopes to achieve by combining the latest in semi-autonomous aids with stronger, safer bodies.
Along with Pilot Assist II, which will take care of throttle, brakes and steering on the highway, the XC60 comes with auto-emergency braking and obstacle avoidance. Not only will its blind spot warning system tell the driver when there's a car just out of view, it will actively steer away from cars in the next lane if it senses the drive risks a collision when changing lanes. The car will also automatically steer itself out of oncoming traffic if the driver wanders past the median line.
Power will come from a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, headlined by the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid debuted in the XC90. With 407 hp (304 kW) on tap, it'll hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.3 seconds when you're in a hurry, before becoming an efficient eco-warrior when you aren't. Those who can't stretch to the T8 will be able to spec a four-cylinder diesel in 190 hp (142 kW) and 235 hp (175 kW) trims, with petrol power coming from the four-cylinder 254 hp (189 kW) T5 and the 320 hp (239 kW) T6.
On the outside, there's no mistaking the XC60 for anything but a Volvo. It looks like a shrunken XC90 from the front and in profile, while the taillights share more with the V90 wagon. We're huge fans of the look, especially with the bigger wheels and more aggressive bodykit from the R-Line package are fitted.
The family resemblance continues inside, where a focus has been placed on reducing the number of buttons on the center console. A vertical touchscreen takes care of infotainment and climate control, leaving a pleasingly clean dashboard like the one in the V90 and XC90. Although black leather and aluminum are optional, we're huge fans of the pale leather and wood combination pictured in the gallery.
Volvo hasn't released pricing information about the XC60, but the car is on show in Geneva. New Atlas is on the ground covering all the action, so stay tuned for more. If you can't wait to see more of the XC60, check out Volvo's launch film below.
Source: Volvo
