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Neither the sheet metal nor the drive are new. Still he does Volvo XC60 a technological leap with the current lifting.
Update instead of facelift: Volvo modernized the XC60 towards the middle of its life cycle. But instead of refurbished optics or fresh drives, there is above all a new and significantly more powerful infotainment software. The prices for the updated mid-range SUV start at 46.800 euros.
Volvo relies on technology
Not so long ago, the update of the cockpit software would only have been a minor aspect of the obligatory model update. In the meantime, however, the user interface has become an integral part of the driving experience. Volvo is responding to the increasing importance with a completely new infotainment system that, like its sister Polestar, now runs on Google's Android platform and should look familiar to many cell phone or tablet users. Instead of the factory navigation system, Google Maps is now looking for the right routes, the voice assistant uses the software giant's vocabulary glossary and is therefore now much more intelligible and flexible than most of its competitors.
The functions are operated as usual via a touchscreen in the center console; the digital cockpit is new, replacing the old analog clocks. While the infotainment system was one of the weaknesses of the XC60 up to now, it has now become a strength. If you don't like the Android interface, you have to wait a little longer, “Apple Car Play” connectivity is initially missing, but will soon be submitted via over-the-air update.
More functions available in the XC60
The driver assistance systems will also be able to be updated in the future. With the XC60, Volvo is introducing its new ADAS technology platform, which, in addition to space-saving and more powerful sensors, will also enable new software functions to be activated via radio in the future. There are already some smaller function extensions on board. The vehicle now informs inattentive drivers when the traffic starts rolling again at the traffic lights. Or it applies the brakes if there is a threat of a collision with an obstacle when reversing. The tailgate, which can be opened with a kick, has also been optimized: the motion sensor under the bumper is now twice as wide as before and should therefore be easier to hit.
The changes to the sheet metal are comparatively small. With the exception of a little cosmetics for the radiator grille, new chrome strips for the higher equipment variants and an expanded range of colors and rims, everything remains the same. Volvo has not tweaked the engine range either: there is a choice of four petrol and two diesels with outputs between 145 kW / 197 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS, as well as three plug-in hybrids with up to 298 kW / 405 PS in the sporty “Polestar Engineered “model. A pure electric drive will not be available until the generation change towards the middle of the decade.
Expensive lifting
As expected, the classic advantages of the mid-range SUV in the form of good space, the very high-quality interior and good safety equipment will be retained after the facelift. However, this is still reflected in the high price level. With the strongest drive and a few extras, the 4,69 meter long five-door comes precariously close to the limit of six digits.
For the self-confident prices, Volvo also has something to offer. The Swedes are one of the pioneers in the industry with their digital facelift. In the future, updating infotainment and software is likely to become more and more important in order to set one's own brand apart from the competition, which is increasingly similar in terms of drive technology. The XC60 has already made provision for this with its update capability that this will soon be faster than in the traditional three to four year cycles.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seat SUV with all-wheel drive, length: 4,69 meters, width: 1,90 meters (with exterior mirrors 2,12 meters), height: 1,66 meters, wheelbase: 2,87 meters, trunk volume: 505 to 1432 liters
Drive:
2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel, 145 kW / 197 PS, mild hybrid, front-wheel drive / optional all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 420 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 8,4 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 5,4 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 142 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, price: 49.700 euros.
2,0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, 173 kW / 235 PS, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 480 Nm at 1.750-2.250 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 7,2 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 5,4 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 142 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, price: 58.600 euros.
2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, 145 kW / 197 PS, front-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 360 Nm at 1.700-4.000 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 8,1 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, Average consumption: 6,6 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 149 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, price: 46.800 euros.
2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, 184 kW / 250 PS, front-wheel drive / optional all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 350 Nm at 1.800-4.800 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 6,9 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 6,5 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 149 g / km, price: 54.050 euros
2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, 220 kW / 300 PS, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 400 Nm at 2.200-5.100 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 5,9 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, Average consumption: 7,5 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 174 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, price: 65.400 euros
Plug-in hybrid, 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine plus electric motor, 186 kW / 253 hp plus 65 kW / 87, front-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 360 Nm at 1.700-4.000 rpm plus 240 Nm , 0-100 km / h: 8,1 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 6,6 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 149 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, electric range: 53 km, Price: 71.950 euros
Plug-in hybrid, 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine plus electric motor, 223 kW / 303 hp plus 65 kW / 87, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 430 Nm at 4.500 rpm plus 240 Nm, 0 -100 km / h: 5,5 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 2,3 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 51 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, electric range: 53 km, price: 74.950 euros
Plug-in hybrid, 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine plus electric motor, 233 kW / 318 hp plus 65 kW / 87, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, maximum torque: 400 Nm at 4.500 rpm plus 240 Nm, 0 -100 km / h: 5,4 s, Vmax: 180 km / h, average consumption: 2,3 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 51 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, electric range: 45 km, price: 84.850 euros.
In brief
Why: modern infotainment, good safety equipment, high quality ambience
Why not: high prices
What else: Mercedes GLC, Audi Q4, BMW X3