New XC60 range: the keys to the success of the bestseller from Volvo

The Volvo XC60 has triumphed among those looking for a premium SUV because it offers a unique set of features and all the values that make Volvo such an appealing brand. Just as it is riding high and breaking sales records, Volvo has introduced major updates to its flagship model. Let’s review all the improvements to the new XC60 range and analyse the keys to its success.

1. A varied and electrified range

The new XC60 range is very broad and varied, and offers diesel, petrol and diesel Mild Hybrid engines, as well as plug-in hybrids. Prices range from the entry-level version (XC60 D3 Momentum) to the top-of-the-range XC60 T8 Twin Recharge Inscription.

2. New Volvo XC60 Recharge: it has everything

The new Recharge range is introduced in the XC60, the name Volvo gives to its rechargeable cars with electric motors or PHEVs, which already account for 15% of the brand’s sales. The two available plug-in hybrid versions are the stars of the XC60 range and offer a unique combination of efficiency and driving pleasure. These are the XC60 T6 Twin

This technology combines the advantages of conventional and electric cars: you can make short trips with zero emissions in pure electric mode and long journeys with low fuel consumption in hybrid mode. On the other hand, they also let you enjoy both the classic driving experience and the purely electric one: no noise or emissions, with a smooth, fluid thrust that takes the driver into a completely new dimension. In addition, the combination of electric power and the combustion engine delivers very high performance, and very low consumption and emissions.

Discover the Volvo Recharge range

The Recharge range has a DGT 0-emission label, which adds to the advantages of the ECO label a road tax discount of up to 75%, free access to BUS-VAO lanes and free parking in regulated parking zones in many cities.

3. Mild Hybrid versions with lower consumption and ECO label

The XC60 combines micro-hybrid technology with both diesel and petrol engines, reducing consumption and polluting emissions by up to 15 per cent. A 10 kW electric motor assists the combustion engine to add thrust and relieve it of powering elements such as steering or air conditioning. The 48V battery recharges itself through an advanced energy recovery system during braking.

These versions enjoy the advantages of the DGT ECO label: exemption from registration tax, free circulation during high-pollution episodes and in restricted zones such as Madrid Central, and discounts on parking in some cities and on some toll roads.

4. Maximum safety

Volvo has set itself the short-term goal that no one should die or be seriously injured in a new-generation Volvo vehicle, and the XC60 is a good example of why the Swedish brand is a safety leader. The XC60 achieved a 98% score for adult occupant protection and 95% for safety assist (20 percentage points more than the next competitor in that category).

In addition to a solid, sturdy body, the XC60 comes as standard with the best driver assistance systems, which help prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences.

The City Safety system helps avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and large animals, and includes a steering assist system that activates if automatic braking is not enough to avoid a collision. It also incorporates a system that helps drivers avoid collisions with vehicles travelling in the opposite lane, warning the driver and steering them back into their lane. The XC60 range also features Pilot Assist, a function that helps keep the car within its lane, at a speed and distance from the vehicle ahead selected by the driver.

In addition to the above, among its active and passive safety equipment, the XC60 includes as standard on all versions airbags for driver and front passenger in two stages, a knee airbag for the driver, SIPSBAG (side airbags), a side curtain airbag, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), RSC (Roll Stability Control), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Road Sign Recognition.

Like all Volvo cars, the XC60 has its top speed limited to 180 km/h. “Although it will not solve every problem, this measure will have been worthwhile if it saves just one life,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president of Volvo.

5. Driving

Based on the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, the XC60 combines two characteristics typical of a Volvo . On the one hand, it is safe and inspires confidence in all its responses. On the other, it is very comfortable and easy to drive in any circumstances.

The XC60 offers different driving modes (Comfort, Eco, Off Road, Dynamic and Individual), which adapt various vehicle functions and settings. Recharge versions have the specific Pure, Hybrid and Power driving modes adapted to their plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

6. Attractive exterior design

Another key to the XC60’s success. A car “catches the eye”, and this model appeals to the vast majority of people, both outside and inside. The brand’s new design language, introduced with the XC90, has been very well received, and the XC60 is a faithful example of it. The XC60 is well proportioned and features “very Volvo” elements, such as the grille, the Thor’s hammer LED headlights and the distinctive, slender rear lights.

7. Interior: Scandinavian luxury

Like all new-generation Volvo cars, the XC60 boasts a comfortable, elegant, well-finished and welcoming interior. With a clean design and quality materials, which are also sustainable (in upholstery and other elements), it conveys a great sense of space and order.

8. Complete standard equipment

As is usual with Volvo, the standard equipment of the new XC60 range is very complete from the base versions onwards. The new range of trims now consists of the Se: the list of optional extras has been simplified and several packs are offered.

9. Up to date in connectivity

The large central touchscreen operates like a tablet and manages the infotainment system and many vehicle functions. It allows smartphone integration with CarPlay and Android Auto. Cloud services also stand out, along with the Volvo OnCall app which, in addition to automatic emergency calling, offers many functions: preconditioning, checking battery level, range and charging status, finding the nearest charging station (on Recharge models), sending a destination directly to the navigation system, and locating the car.

Volvo is in a sweet spot and more fashionable than ever. The Swedish brand is breaking sales records year after year and has launched the best range of models in its history. Last year, Volvo surpassed 700,000 cars sold worldwide for the first time. This success is based on its SUV range, which has won the prestigious Car of the Year awards in North America, Asia and Europe. Six out of every ten cars sold by Volvo in 2019 were SUVs. Among them, the king is the XC60, the brand’s best-selling model, with no fewer than 204,965 units.

The brand has undergone a profound transformation in recent years while staying true to its values, from safety to Scandinavian design, through intelligent luxury, build quality and a reasonable price. The brand has introduced the latest connectivity technologies, is at the forefront of automated driving and is a benchmark in electrified sustainability. It is worth remembering that Volvo is the only manufacturer in the sector offering a plug-in version of every model in its range.

According to the information we have received (product information document for dealers), “The Business Plus trim will be renamed Momentum Pro in this new model year.”

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolvo XC6016 versions · from 56,850 €