Volvo’s New SUV

XCLENT:

VOLVO’S STUNNING SUV SET FOR AN EVEN GREENER FACELIFT. BY JON THOMSON

A LONG TIME AGO IN ANOTHER GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY VOLVO WAS SEEN AS A SAFE BUT DOWDY SWEDISH BRAND THAT HAD GREAT ENGINEERING AND THE BEST LEVELS OF SAFETY ON THE ROAD.

Back then Volvo’s were as dowdy as Dad’s old Holden Special, but then things changed.

Today in another millennium and in the here and now Volvo is a very different proposition. It hasn’t lost the engineering and safety edge, but it is so far from the staid and conservative machines of the past to be almost unrecognisable.

Volvo is now a maker of smart, svelte and highly effi cient cars and SUVs and the latest XC60 just launched is an impressive SUV in terms of both looks and performance.

Fact is, that like many makers, Volvo is full steam ahead with an electrifi cation program that will see its entire range powered by electricity by 2030. In fact, XC60 will be all electric by 2024.

The X6 will only be offered in what Volvo calls a mild-hybrid, a B5 and the B6 both with a two litre turbo internal combustion engines coupled to an electric hybrid driveline ensuring a signifi cant boost in power and effi ciency.

The two XC60 models use the kinetic energy created during deceleration which is then stored in the 48-volt battery and used momentarily by the integrated starter generator to boost the turbo petrol engine. The electric motor also acts as a starter to rev-up the engine instantly yet smoothly for more effortless take-off. Overall, this seamless technology delivers a smoother and more fuel-effi cient driving experience.

The B5 models produce 184kW and 350Nm and come in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive format, while B6 variants feature all-wheel drive exclusively and produce a whopping 220kW and 420Nm.

It means that the electric motor increases power to the driveline and dramatically improves the XC60’s effi ciency and performance.

Another new feature in the XC60 that Volvo is ushering in is single pedal operation, an advanced brake-by-wire energy recovery system, that allows drivers to control acceleration and deceleration using just the accelerator pedal.

That might sound weird, but let me tell you the braking ability delivered via the regenerative resistance in the power train is quite amazing.

Volvo has already rolled the concept out in its pure electric XC40 Recharge and it is the way of the future.

The XC60’s main motive force comes from its lively and highly effi cient 2.0litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine, which the company says has cut CO2 emissions by about 50 per cent, which is an impressive eco credential, particularly when mated with that electric capability.

The new Volvo XC60 is an impressive looking, stylish and extremely capable SUV that will carry on an build on the popularity of the second gen XC60 model that Volvo introduced back in 2017.

The XC60 squares up against the likes of Audi’s Q5 and the Benz GLC and gives nothing away to its German rivals in terms of handling performance or style. There certainly would be no embarrassment parking the XC60 on the porte cochere of any expensive hotel alongside any of its Euro counterparts.

The facelifted XC60 2022 models get revised from styling a new Android Automotive infotainment system.

All model year 2022 Volvo cars and SUVs will be either mild- or plug-in hybrids or all-electric so the Swedish brand is well on its way to achieving that goal of becoming all electric in a little over eight years.

Behind the wheel of the XC60 you get a rewarding and responsive drive with sharp handling, great ride and plenty of urge with a clear conscience that you are at the very least being relatively kind on the environment.

If you had not considered Volvo on your shopping list in the past, now is the time to take another look at the handsome Swedes, and you might just be very surprised and delighted. •

About Jon

Jon Thomson has been writing about cars and motor sport for more than 40 years as the motoring editor of a daily newspaper, in magazines and on radio and TV. He resides on the Northern Beaches and can often be seen at the beach in his 65 Ford Mustang.

“Volvo is full steam ahead with an electrifi cation program that will see its entire range powered by electricity by 2030. In fact XC60 will be all electric by 2024.”