Volvo XC60

The XC60 is Volvo’s mid-size luxury SUV. Well-specced, well-equipped and even keenly priced, the Volvo XC60 is quite the all-rounder. The Volvo XC60 is on offer in diesel-automatic form only, although the diesel engine is available in two states of tune.

The XC60 is Volvo’s mid-size luxury SUV. Well-specced, well-equipped and even keenly priced, the Volvo XC60 is quite ...

The XC60 is Volvo’s mid-size luxury SUV. Well-specced, well-equipped and even keenly priced, the Volvo XC60 is quite the all-rounder. The Volvo XC60 is on offer in diesel-automatic form only, although the diesel engine is available in two states of tune.

The Volvo XC60 doesn’t look particularly rugged or outdoorsy; but does have a classy appearance. It’s superbly done on the inside and the minimalist dashboard and rich materials give the XC60's cabin a very premium look. The 9.0-inch touchscreen is another talking point but physical shortcut buttons to frequently used features are missed. Like all Volvos, front-seat comfort is excellent. However, rear-seat passengers will find the doors a bit small for convenient ingress-egress and the backrest also a touch too upright for comfort.
Lower-spec XC60s come powered by a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine while higher-spec ones get the same engine in 235hp state of tune. Both feel adequate; but even the 235hp version isn’t sporty. The engine also tends to sound coarse. Do note, only higher-spec versions of the XC60 get the added comfort and adjustability of air suspension. Again, handling is composed and confident rather than sporty. Ride quality is good, though air-suspension versions can feel fidgety at low speeds. Off-road ability is best described as moderate – not that typical vehicle owners will be bothered.

The Volvo XC60 doesn’t look particularly rugged or outdoorsy; but does have a classy appearance. It’s superbly done o...

The Volvo XC60 doesn’t look particularly rugged or outdoorsy; but does have a classy appearance. It’s superbly done on the inside and the minimalist dashboard and rich materials give the XC60's cabin a very premium look. The 9.0-inch touchscreen is another talking point but physical shortcut buttons to frequently used features are missed. Like all Volvos, front-seat comfort is excellent. However, rear-seat passengers will find the doors a bit small for convenient ingress-egress and the backrest also a touch too upright for comfort.
Lower-spec XC60s come powered by a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine while higher-spec ones get the same engine in 235hp state of tune. Both feel adequate; but even the 235hp version isn’t sporty. The engine also tends to sound coarse. Do note, only higher-spec versions of the XC60 get the added comfort and adjustability of air suspension. Again, handling is composed and confident rather than sporty. Ride quality is good, though air-suspension versions can feel fidgety at low speeds. Off-road ability is best described as moderate – not that typical vehicle owners will be bothered.

There’s a substantial difference in prices between the XC60’s D4 and D5 versions. Sure, the D4 comes across as good value for what it gets you but you’d experience the best of the XC60 in top-spec form. Aside from its more powerful engine and superior suspension, the D5 also gets added features such as a 360-degree camera, ventilated, heated and massage front seats and a brilliant Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Both versions pack in the same amount of safety kit, however.

There’s a substantial difference in prices between the XC60’s D4 and D5 versions. Sure, the D4 comes across as good v...

There’s a substantial difference in prices between the XC60’s D4 and D5 versions. Sure, the D4 comes across as good value for what it gets you but you’d experience the best of the XC60 in top-spec form. Aside from its more powerful engine and superior suspension, the D5 also gets added features such as a 360-degree camera, ventilated, heated and massage front seats and a brilliant Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Both versions pack in the same amount of safety kit, however.