I must admit that I’m a huge fan of the Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) owned Swedish carmaker. I think I may have written these exact words not that long ago… I may need to repeat myself because this luxury car company does not get enough well deserved attention.
In the recent past, the company’s portfolio was lacking in interesting product. Limited-interest cars such as the C30 (although beyond uber-cool) and C70 did little to appeal to buyers of “normal” cars. Eye-candy they may have been, but their time in Volvo dealership showrooms may have done more harm than good.
Volvo has since focused on more mainstream vehicles such as the recent V60 to go along with the revamped S60, and the updated XC60, all of which are what the average car buyers are truly looking for. Systematically, each current Volvo will be significantly updated with the latest available technology draped in a most modern and instantly recognizable Swedish Volvo shell.
The XC90
In the early 2000s, the run for creating an SUV to compete for a slice of the sales pie was harder than getting front row tickets to a Yankees game. Volvo introduced the XC90 and success was rapid, if not to say immediate.
What hurt Volvo with this vehicle is that it’s only in its 2nd generation, twelve model years in. Despite tweak, facelifts, and new powertrains and colours, the XC90 fell way behind the likes of the BMW X5 and Lexus RX, two of its various competitors.
The new 2016 Volvo XC90 seems to set what could be a new standard in performance, styling (both in and out) and, most importantly, fuel economy.
A boosted 2.0L 4-cylinder engine will motivate the $60,700 XC90 T6 AWD. Output will be rated at 320 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The higher-end T8 PHEV AWD is the star of the XC90 lineup and starts at $73,400. It too utilizes a boosted 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (super- and turbocharged), along with an electric motor. Total combined output is 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
Exterior and interior craftsmanship is exquisite, as are the materials. The sheer number of features and amenities in the base model is too great to enumerate, but suffice it to say that it’s got everything, and more.
The drive will be telling, and we hope to bring you a first impression review in the next few months.
The V60 Cross Country
The words “Cross Country” have become synonymous with all things rugged and Volvo. The addition of the catchphrase involves added ground clearance (nearly 8”), and some extra physical add-ons including the necessary differentiated wheel arches and the all important “Cross Country” name emblazoned on the rear bumper.
The remainder of the V60 Cross Country is directly based on a V60 T5 AWD. In other words, a turbocharged 2.5L I5 engine good for 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque powers it.
Pricing begins at $44,100 and tops out at $50,400 before options.
We’re willing to bet that the V60 Cross Country, not to be confused with the XC60, will do well. We will be driving this one in the spring, so expect a review by the time all the snow is melted.