Volvo’s XC60 is safe, stylish and comfortable, but not as likeable as cheaper rivals

What is it?

Sitting in the mid-size SUV segment of the market, the latest Volvo XC60 is set to be something of a cash cow for the premium Swedish manufacturer. Its predecessor, the first-generation XC60, went on to sell close to one million units around the world – so it goes without saying that this latest model has rather large boots to fill.

What’s new?

Aside from a snazzy new exterior and cabin design, the big news for the XC60 is the impressive range of safety equipment that Volvo has made available on its new SUV. In fact, Volvo has even claimed that these technologies have made the XC60 “one of the safest cars in the world”.

Such features include City Assist with Steer Assist, which can detect incoming hazards and apply the brakes, bringing the car to a halt while avoiding the risk of changing lanes during a collision.

What’s under the bonnet?

Our test car was equipped with Volvo’s entry-level D4 diesel engine. This 2.0-litre, four-cylinder power plant produces 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, which means the XC60 can complete the 0-60mph dash in a respectable 7.9 seconds.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, Volvo claims that the D4 engine can manage 54.3mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions stand at 136g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

Out on the road, there’s no denying that the Volvo XC60 is a very competent car. It’s comfortable, quiet, and aside from the occasionally gruff-sounding diesel engine, refined as well. However, while it might be competent, it’s hardly exciting.

Normally, you wouldn’t really expect a mid-size SUV to offer a particularly engaging drive, but next to considerably cheaper rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 – which is a surprisingly dynamic car – the XC60 does feel like it’s lacking somewhat.

Of particular concern is the automatic gearbox, which can feel like it takes an absolute age to find and engage the correct gear when you put your foot down. The steering is also numb and there’s a fair amount of play in the rack, too.

However, get this car out on the motorway and it all comes together. The XC60 has certainly been designed with comfort in mind, and for those who regularly travel long distances, they’ll likely find the XC60 an attractive proposition.

How does it look?

Reaching a definitive verdict on the Volvo XC60’s exterior is a bit of a tricky one. Press photos will show you an example of an XC60 in top-flight specification, with large alloys and flashy chrome trim. In other words, a properly handsome and eye-catching thing.

However, in the entry-level Momentum specification our test car came in, the XC60 looked a bit, well, basic. The 18-inch alloys looked tiny in the SUV’s arches, and it just didn’t give the impression that it was actually a £45,385 vehicle – which was a bit disappointing.

The XC60 is definitely a car that has potential to look good, though. If it were our money, we’d opt for one of the more expensive grades, if only to get our hands on those larger alloy wheels. They really do go a long way to making the Volvo look like the premium SUV its hefty price tag suggests it should be.

What’s it like inside?

The cabin is where the XC60 steps its game up a bit more. Open the door and step inside and you’ll start to get a bit more of an idea where your money has gone. The term “Scandinavian minimalism”, or some variation thereof, has been thrown around a fair amount by the automotive press, and although we can’t say we know a huge amount about Scandinavian design outside of what we’ve seen in an Ikea catalogue, we do agree the XC60 looks great on the inside.

Dominating the dash is Volvo’s nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This houses practically all of the controls for the XC60’s main features – such as the climate control and satellite navigation – and means the XC60’s dash and centre console are kept free of clutter.

There’s a good amount of room in the back for taller passengers, and boot space is also commendable – with 505 litres of storage capacity on offer. Fold the rear seats down and this is increased to 1,432 litres.

What’s the spec like?

These days, Volvo sees itself as more of a premium manufacturer than a builder of ridiculously practical and fairly utilitarian estate cars. Because of this shift in attitude, Volvos have crept up in price and the new XC60 is no exception to this.

A standard, base-spec example will set you back a fairly considerable £37,205 – although you do get an impressive amount of standard equipment for your money. This includes that nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, satellite navigation and leather-faced upholstery to name but a few. There’s also a strong emphasis on safety, with all XC60s benefitting from City Safety with Steer Assist, lane keep assist and seatbelts that automatically tighten if the car runs off the road.

Our entry-level Momentum test car was equipped with just over £8,000 worth of optional extras. This included the £2,000 Xenium pack, which added a sliding panoramic glass sunroof, a 360-degree parking camera and Park Assist Pilot – which can automatically park the car in parallel and perpendicular bays.

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the new Volvo XC60. It’s comfortable, spacious, incredibly safe and in the right-spec, very stylish. However, it’s not the most exciting SUV in its class to drive, and is outclassed in this department by more affordable rivals such as the Mazda CX-5. While the XC60 is by all means a competent and safe family SUV, we’re not sure it justifies the significant price jump over the likes of more mainstream competitors.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Volvo XC60 D4 AWD Momentum
Price as tested: £45,385
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.0-litre D4 diesel
Power (bhp): 187bhp
Torque (Nm): 400Nm
Max speed (mph): 127mph
0-60mph: 7.9 seconds
MPG: 54.3
Emissions (g/km): 136