In the premium segments, foreign cars usually have no chance. The Volvo XC60 does not have to fear the German competition. Because the competitors also have their few weaknesses.
With the XC60, Volvo has penetrated deep into the domain of Audi and BMW in this country. At least as far as the registration numbers are concerned, the Swede is now driving in similar spheres as the two German top dogs. The reasons for the success should also include the early and consistent reliance on the plug-in hybrid drive - although the electric technology also shows the usual pitfalls in the mid-range SUV.
Elegant design with fine material
The visual appearance of the Volvo initially succeeds completely convincingly. The current body design suits the elegant SUV exceptionally well and does not make it look bulky despite its external size. The elegant impression continues inside: clear design meets very good workmanship and high-quality materials. The ergonomics and not least the number, size and distribution of the shelves are also right. In comparison, the usability of the infotainment system is slightly less - the touch screen, which can be controlled by swiping and tapping movements, often requires too much attention, which is better to devote to traffic.
After all, the Volvo intercepts many possible risks well in advance, as it has a very well-functioning and, above all, mostly inconspicuous network of assistants. Many helpers are already on board in the basic model, in line with the brand's claim and the price range, and parking sensors and all-round vision cameras are the only surcharge. However, you can use them in the almost 4,70 meter long and 2,13 meter wide five-door. Also because the massive roof pillars additionally obstruct the all-round view.
Lots of space for the occupants
The XC60 offers space in abundance. The five-seater benefits from the fact that it is based on the lush platform of the S90 business sedan, which the rear passengers in particular feel. Or maybe not, because there is much more space available for knees, shoulders and head than even tall Scandinavians would need. The trunk keeps up: up to 1.410 liters with the rear seat folded down, says the manufacturer, theoretically fit in. The user can hardly think of an opportunity for which this shouldn't be enough.
A car this big with this level of comfort needs energy. Thanks to four-cylinder engines and numerous tweaks to the details, Volvo has put pressure on the needs of its models in recent years - albeit mainly in theory. In practice, two tons of weight and high wind resistance cannot be factored in. This also applies to the still relatively new plug-in hybrids. Also because, as is usual in this class, Volvo has placed them in the upper performance and price ranges of the model portfolio. The tested T6 Recharge AWD thus comes to a lush 251 kW / 340 PS.
The picture for consumption is mixed. If you use the pure electric drive on the rear axle for short journeys in the city, as planned, you get by with around 24 kWh per 100 kilometers. However, the small battery is sufficient for a maximum of 40 kilometers. After that you would have to charge, which can only be done at the AC socket and takes around three hours there due to the weak on-board charger (3,7 kW). So when you go shopping or stop for coffee, you only need a few kilometers - if in doubt, it is better to save the cable fiddling.
High speed - high consumption
Alternatively, you can continue to drive with gasoline or hybrid drive, where the Volvo then needs a good seven liters in city and country road traffic. However, if you want to take the motorway, consumption quickly increases to eight liters and more. Even those who move slightly above the recommended speed must expect two-digit values. We are not talking about full load drives at high speed, but about increased cruising speed, which is not uncommon for company cars.
From a climate point of view, the plug-in hybrid is only worthwhile with regular charging - in practice it would probably have to be connected to the electricity at least once every working day, so that a wallbox in the garage or at least with the employer is necessary. And with the greenest possible electricity - because the demand is relatively high even in city traffic. In terms of energy costs, diesel would probably not only be better off there at the moment. However, thanks to the environmental bonus and the relief for company car taxation, the T6 will pay off in many cases. In addition, there is very good driving performance, even with an empty battery the Volvo sprints off vehemently, with a full battery it even offers sports car sprint times. Coupled with the comfortably tuned chassis and smooth steering, this results in a sovereign travel and family car that is in no way inferior to the German competition. However, the price for the large SUV is also high: the cheapest version of the T67.600 costs 6 euros. Anyone who uses one of the conventional drives has to invest a good 20.000 euros less.
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 1.432 liters
2,0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (front axle), 186 kW / 253 PS, electric motor (rear axle): 65 kW / 87 PS, system output: 251 kW / 340 PS, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, maximum torque: 350 + 240 Nm, 0-100 km: 5,9 s, Vmax: 180 km / h (purely electric: 125 km / h), standard consumption: 2,8 liters / 100 kilometers, combined power consumption: 17,8 kWh, electric range: 53 km ( WLTP), CO2 emissions: 64 g / km (WLTP), emissions standard: Euro 6d, emission class: A +, test consumption: 7,2 liters / 100 kilometers; Price from: 67.600 euros.
In brief
Why generally high quality level, a lot of comfort, good driving performance
Why not relatively high consumption, high price, complicated operation
What else Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC
