The Volvo XC60 is an SUV crossover that was released in Spring 2009. The vehicle was first unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a concept vehicle. Positioned as a luxury compact crossover, the XC60 will compete directly with such as vehicles as the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Volvo XC60 Styling
The production model of the Volvo XC60 is expected to retain much of the original design found in the concept version. The vehicle will be built around the same platform found on the Land Rover LR2. The overall design combines SUV aspects found in the Volvo XC90 and sports coupe features inspired by the Volvo C30. The result is a sporty crossover with a short roofline, an expressive front end, sweeping headlamps and a wide stance.
Expected interior design features include an instrument panel that resembles the outline of a bumblebee, ambient mood lighting and a "floating" center instrument panel. Front bucket seats and a rear bench seat will accommodate up to five passengers. Another innovative design feature comes in the form of a glass tailgate that can be opened in three different ways – full open, top section open and lower section open.
Volvo XC60 Trim Levels
Three trim levels are expected to be available for the Volvo XC60 – S, SE and SE Lux. The base S model is intended to include standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear spoiler, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, stereo system with CD player and MP3 connectivity, split-folding rear seat and fold-forward front passenger seat.
The mid-level SE will add a power driver's seat with memory system, auto-folding power side mirrors, upgraded upholstery, chrome window trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The top-tier SE Lux rounds out the lineup with leather seats, natural wood trim, chronographic instrument dials and heated front seats.
Volvo XC60 Performance
The top-of-the-line powertrain for the Volvo XC60 is expected to be a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 281 horsepower. Two base D5 turbodiesel engines have been announced for the European market and may be available in the United States. These two diesel engines will deliver 185 and 163 horsepower, respectively. A 6-speed automatic will likely be the only transmission option.
Volvo XC60 Safety
As with all Volvo vehicles, the XC60 will include a long list of innovative safety features. Projected available safety technologies for the vehicle include traction control, a whiplash protection system, roll stability control, dynamic stability, ABS system, antiskid system, front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Crossover[temp]>crossover will also feature Volvo's City Safety technology, which automatically applies the brakes at low speeds to avoid rear-end collisions.
