Volvo’s midsize luxurious SUV has been given a refresh, however extra importantly, it has had a change of coronary heart as nicely.
What’s it?
The XC60 is arguably the most well-liked mannequin in Volvo’s portfolio. Globally, it accounts for a giant chunk of the producer’s gross sales, however in India, it’s the one you purchase if you wish to stand out from the group. With the introduction of an all-new model in 2017, the XC60 had quantity of success, however with the competitors upping the ante, it too has needed to make some outstanding modifications. And outstanding they’ve been, as a result of despite the fact that the visible modifications is perhaps a bit too delicate, the one underneath the bonnet is something however.
What’s it like on the surface?
Nonetheless, how are you aware that the XC60 you’re looking at is a facelift? Nicely, for starters, the chrome grille up entrance is now sharper and a bit extra fashionable. Low down, you could have a revised bumper with a barely new design and new chrome components added on. That’s about it. The remainder of the stuff we beloved on the older model, just like the sharp LED headlamps with the Thor’s hammer Daytime Working Lamps and the sturdy energy strains on the bonnet, have been carried over. It’s unmistakably an XC60, and that isn’t a nasty factor. Over to the facet, the silhouette is similar as earlier than, so there have been no modifications to the size. However, you will note a recent and sporty design for the 19-inch alloy wheels.
On the rear, it’s the similar story because the entrance, with revised bumpers being the principle speaking level. The twin exhaust suggestions at the moment are tucked away underneath the bumper, which supplies the XC60 a clear and uncluttered rear-end. Nonetheless, there’s a new badge now, and that’s the greatest telltale signal of the facelift.
What’s it prefer to drive?
The XC60 now wears the B5 badge, which in Volvo-speak means ‘gentle hybrid’. Gone is the clattery diesel from the older automobile, and in place is a 250hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine. And since it’s a gentle hybrid, it additionally will get a 48V battery that works along side the engine, serving to it out with higher gas effectivity and acceleration. That mentioned, the largest distinction is the bump up in refinement.
The engine is silent and, at the same time as you achieve velocity, there’s barely any engine noise seeping in. Vibrations are nearly nil and the complete driving expertise is extraordinarily enjoyable. And enjoyable is what Volvo desires this SUV to be, which is why it has a extra laid-back character. There may be loads of grunt on provide and the 48V battery does assist out throughout preliminary acceleration, however do not anticipate to be grinning as you mash your proper foot. Energy supply is linear and the engine has a meaty torque band, nevertheless it misses out on the oomph that you just get from a few of its rivals. That mentioned, the battery help is seamless, and also you by no means really feel the system at work.
The opposite change additionally comes within the type of omission of standard drive modes, though there’s an off-road mode that helps on some gentle trails. The 8-speed computerized gearbox too isn’t probably the most keen unit on the market. Shifts are clean, however it’s essential be affected person with it. If you want for extra management and change to handbook mode, you’d have to regulate to tapping the lever to the left or proper for shifting up or down, which doesn’t really feel as partaking. The shifts in handbook aren’t precisely fast both, so it is best left to the automobile to do the shifting. That mentioned, the gearbox isn’t insufferable by any means, and when you drive it like Volvo intends you to (sedately), try to be effective.
Then you could have the journey high quality, which is anticipated to be plush and supple on a luxurious SUV. Sadly, that isn’t the case with the XC60 because it has carried over the traits of the earlier model. The suspension has a firmness that’s felt extra over velocity bumps and on damaged roads at low speeds. The suspension thuds over a nasty patch of street, and it is just when you achieve momentum that the XC60 composes itself. Freeway stability is excellent and undulations at excessive velocity are masked completely. Nonetheless, it misses out on adaptive dampers that its German rivals get and doesn’t have the softly sprung journey like on the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC both.
By now it’s clear that the XC60 isn’t an fans’ alternative, so dealing with is one thing it doesn’t actually take delight in. The steering is gentle and breezy for comfy maneuvering, however gives little by way of engagement. Though it has a mode whereby it provides a little bit of heft, the distinction is just marginal. That mentioned, for a calming drive, it’s excellent. And that’s the factor concerning the XC60, it’s unapologetically an SUV made for consolation and luxurious and the driving expertise echoes the inside which is plush and comforting.
What’s it like on the within?
The design is perhaps acquainted with loads of vertical touches, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one which stands out and gives probably the most wow-factor. The daring use of wooden and brushed aluminum, together with the 9-inch touchscreen that takes probably the most actual property on the centre console, is all according to the luxe enchantment of the XC60. What’s new on this facelift is the up to date digital instrument cluster, which isn’t as intuitive as Audi’s Digital Cockpit, however matches in with the theme. Then, there’s the wi-fi charging pad proper beside the brand new crystal gear shifter. It positive provides extra bling and pop to the cabin and is one thing homeowners would really like as nicely. Including yet one more layer of security to the cabin is a PM2.5 air air purifier – a worthy addition given the present state of affairs. However the massive information is Volvo has partnered with Google, and in consequence, you now have Google Maps as the usual navigation. There’s no have to plug in your telephone anymore simply to entry maps.
There may be additionally Google Assistant at your disposal and you’ve got the choice of downloading music apps like Spotify. The touchscreen was already overloaded, and these have solely added to that. Sadly, the controls for the HVAC system are nonetheless hidden away within the infotainment system. Nonetheless, Volvo’s strongest level has all the time been its prolonged options listing and with the facelift, issues haven’t modified a lot. The highlights of the earlier model just like the 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, therapeutic massage seats for the entrance passengers, heating and air flow for the entrance seats, four-zone local weather management, panoramic sunroof and the all-important radar-based security options have been carried over. The seats too are implausible by way of assist and area, normally, is just not a difficulty on the XC60. For the rear passengers, nonetheless, whereas kneeroom and headroom aren’t a difficulty, underneath thigh assist remains to be missing. But, the sense of luxurious could be very a lot there, and that’s the XC60’s important attraction.
Verdict
Priced at Rs 61.90 lakh, it’s aggressive towards its German counterparts, and whereas they is perhaps the extra partaking to drive or perhaps a bit extra comfy, the XC60 brings with it opulence and an costly really feel that homeowners desire much more. So, in case you are out there for a midsize luxurious SUV that focuses on the ‘luxurious’ bit, the up to date XC60 ticks all the correct bins.
