Volvo Unveils New XC60 in Geneva
CARS.COM — A long-awaited update of Volvo’s XC60 SUV made its world debut today at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, showcasing a new look, new safety features and available autonomous driving tech. The mid-size luxury SUV hasn’t changed dramatically in its eight model years in U.S. production, but the new incarnation now showing in Switzerland takes on a distinctly different appearance.
More 2017 Geneva Auto Show Coverage
Perhaps more than ever resembling its big brother, the XC90, the XC60 adopts a chunkier, elongated and more muscular-looking front end, with a more expansive grille, slightly more sinister-gazing headlights and gaping intakes flanking the lower bumper. Meanwhile, athletic wheel arches and deep-grooved sculpting spanning front wheel to back wheel further differentiate it not only from its former self, but also from the XC90. It’s not overly aggressive, but still quite a departure from the outgoing model’s subtle sophistication.
Under the hood, things do get a little more aggressive, and a hybrid joins the lineup. Volvo says the top engine in its powertrain range — the T8 Twin Engine gas plug-in hybrid — makes 400 horsepower and propels the SUV from zero-to-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, according to preliminary estimates. Other powertrain specs were not announced.
Volvo is touting the XC60 as “one of the safest cars ever made” thanks in part to new safety and convenience technology like Steer Assist, the latest addition to the automaker’s City Safety suite. The assisted steering function is used by the Oncoming Lane Mitigation system, as well as by the blind spot monitoring system to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. Moreover, the optional Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous assistance system, is able to steer, accelerate and brake on well-marked roads at speeds of up to 80 mph.
Inside, Volvo says it has improved the look and usability of its Sensus multimedia system and added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as an option. In addition, the new CleanZone four-zone climate system reportedly “removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin” to deliver fresh air inside (how Swedish).
No word on fuel economy, pricing or U.S. availability yet, though it does appear likely to carry a 2018 model-year designation. The 2017 version starts at $41,945 for the base model and ranges up to $51,995 for the T6 R-Design trim; both prices include a $995 destination charge. That’s mid-pack among competitors like the 2017 Acura RDX, which starts at $36,645; the Audi Q5, $41,850; and the Lexus RX 350, $44,095.
