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Volvo goes all-electric in Australia, nevertheless it’ll promote petrol automobiles for a bit longer – and the XC60 is a key a part of that plan.
It’s getting lengthy within the tooth, however Volvo has labored arduous to maintain it recent within the face of ever-increasing competitors.
Together with massaged appears to be like and a few new trim ranges, it includes a new Android Automotive-based know-how suite inside that aligns it with newer fashions in its vary.
Not like Mercedes-Benz, which has slashed the GLC vary to only one mannequin, the XC60 line-up provides loads of selection.
You possibly can spend as much as $100,000 earlier than on-roads for the plug-in hybrid flagship, however there’s a powerful argument to be made that the entry-level mannequin on take a look at right here is all of the XC60 you want.
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 value?
The Plus B5 on take a look at right here is the most affordable XC60 in Australia, with a sticker value of $72,990 earlier than on-road prices – equal to a drive-away value of round $81,000.
That places it into line with then Audi Q5 35 TDI ($71,250), and the Genesis GV70 2.5T 2WD ($68,500).
The BMW X3 vary kicks off at $84,700 earlier than on-roads, and the most affordable Mercedes-Benz GLC – truly, the one GLC – will set you again $104,900 earlier than on-roads.
2023 Volvo XC60 pricing:
- Volvo XC60 Plus B5: $72,990
- Volvo XC60 Final B5 Shiny: $79,990
- Volvo XC60 Final B6 Darkish: $86,990
- Volvo XC60 Final T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: $101,990
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Volvo XC60 like on the within?
The XC60 is getting lengthy within the tooth, nevertheless it nonetheless appears to be like and feels fashionable inside.
The vertical touchscreen nonetheless options throughout the broader vary and has lately been upgraded with new software program, whereas the design and supplies nonetheless stack up alongside brisker rivals.
Volvo does a number of the greatest seats within the enterprise, and the XC60 is not any exception. There’s loads of assist for tall drivers, and it neatly balances long-haul assist with smooth cushioning.
The bottom mannequin options smooth leather-effect trim that jogs my memory of the first-generation XC90 on the seats, silver trim on the dashboard, and a leather-based steering wheel. Not like in an Audi Q5 35 TDI, it doesn’t really feel such as you’re lacking out on a lot right here.
Volvo’s change from the Sensus infotainment system to 1 based mostly on Google’s newest Android Automotive bones appears to be like small on the floor, as a result of a whole lot of the graphics/menus are comparable. However the brand new setup is way sooner to reply, and has up-to-date Google Maps with reside site visitors.
You’re capable of obtain Spotify on to the automobile, somewhat than plugging a cellphone in to make use of it, and it’s appropriate with over-the-air updates so the characteristic set will regularly evolve. Hopefully it evolves to incorporate wi-fi Apple CarPlay in some unspecified time in the future.
Dealing with the driving force is a fairly easy digital instrument binnacle. You’re given a selection between dials solely, or dials with a Google Map in between – however the automobile lacks the vary of choices out there elsewhere within the phase, or in cheaper automobiles from the Volkswagen Group.
Cupboard space may use some work relative to newer rivals.
The twin cupholders are good, however the wi-fi cellphone charger sits in a clumsy spot if in case you have a bigger cellphone, and there’s much less area for cash, keys, or storage clickers than in a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC.
It’s one thing Volvo might want to handle when the XC60 goes electrical; the EX30 packs a really intelligent inside that maximises what restricted area is on supply, so it’s protected to imagine the EX60 will observe in these footsteps.
Rear seat area is first rate, however not class main.
The rear doorways open good and extensive, making it straightforward to load a toddler seat (or youngster), and the upright profile means you get loads of headroom. There’s sufficient area again there for adults to take a seat behind adults, and youngsters will respect the rear local weather controls and air vents on scorching summer season days.
Volvo truly provides you air vents on each the centre console and the pillars, which none of its rivals can match. Volvo’s built-in booster seats stay a neat contact for folks in a pinch, too, and the twin USB-C factors will hold iPads charged on lengthy highway journeys.
Cargo capability in B5 fashions is quoted as 483 litres with the rear seats in use, increasing to 1430L with them folded flat.
It’s barely smaller than what you get in a BMW X3, nevertheless it’s not far off the mark. In typical Volvo trend it has a flat ground and nets within the sides to maintain smaller objects safe. Below the ground is an area saver spare wheel.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Energy within the B5 AWD comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 183kW of energy and 350Nm of torque.
It’s backed by a 48V mild-hybrid system designed to ship smoother begin/cease than earlier than. In costlier fashions it additionally drives an electrical supercharger.
The XC60 B5 AWD makes use of a claimed 7.6L/100km on the mixed cycle, with emissions rated at 174g/km of CO2. We noticed 9.0 litres per 100km throughout every week skewed to metropolis driving.
All fashions are fitted with a 71-litre gasoline tank. Braked towing capability is 2400kg for B5 and B6 variations.
How does the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 drive?
The XC60 is a cushty, refined cruiser that doesn’t make any effort to be sporty.
It’s completely suited to cruising round city, with gentle steering that makes it easy to fit into tight parking spots, and a suspension tune targeted on conserving pimply metropolis roads outdoors.
Though the engine is a 2.0-litre unit, and is the least highly effective choice on supply within the vary, it packs sufficient of a punch to get the XC60 rolling with out feeling strained.
Not like a base BMW X3, the entry-level XC60 remains to be all-wheel drive. Though it’s not a necessity, having an additional diploma of safety in moist circumstances, or in the event you enterprise to the snow, can solely be a very good factor.
Lean on the accelerator and it squeezes you again in your seat nicely sufficient, and the eight-speed transmission shuffles easily by way of the gears.
There’s a little bit of noise from the engine inside relative to what you get in a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly whenever you’re in a rush, nevertheless it’s nonetheless properly refined.
The relaxed vibe pays dividends on the freeway, the place the XC60 is a really snug cruiser. It hums alongside quietly on coarse-chip roads, and the smooth suspension tune means potholes and enlargement joints waft beneath the wheels.
Though it may well really feel somewhat bit floaty over huge crests and dips at 100km/h, this can be a automobile you would fortunately drive from Melbourne to Sydney.
The much less highly effective engine tune is most noticeable at freeway speeds, the place the XC60 doesn’t have as a lot efficiency in reserve as its extra highly effective huge brothers.
It nonetheless has sufficient punch to overhaul with a full load of individuals and their equipment on board, however you’ll want a barely longer stretch of highway than in additional highly effective options.
Volvo’s driver help techniques are neatly calibrated, from the assured lane-keeping to the smooth-moving adaptive cruise.
What do you get?
XC60 Plus B5 highlights:
- 19-inch diamond-cut alloys
- LED headlights with energetic bending
- LED entrance fog lights
- 9.0-inch Android Automotive infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation incl. Google Maps
- DAB radio
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Digital Service, 4-year subscription
- Wi-fi smartphone charger
- 4-zone local weather management
- Electrical tailgate
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
- Energy-folding rear headrests
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
Is the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 protected?
Petrol variations of the Volvo XC60 put on a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on Euro NCAP assessments in 2017. Plug-in hybrid fashions stay unrated.
The XC60 scored 98 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 76 per cent for pedestrian detection and 95 per cent for security help.
Normal security options embody:
- Adjustable velocity limiter
- Adaptive cruise management incl. Pilot Help
- Energetic lane centring
- Cease&Go operate
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Ahead and Reverse
- Pedestrian, Bike owner, Animal detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- 360-degree cameras
- Entrance, rear and facet parking sensors
- Hill begin help
- Hill descent management
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 value to run?
Like the broader Volvo line-up, the XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with eight years of complementary 24/7 roadside help.
Recharge fashions are additionally coated by an eight-year hybrid battery guarantee.
Volvo provides three- and five-year service plans for the XC60 vary, priced at $1750 and $3000 respectively. Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC60 Plus B5
The XC60 isn’t fairly as flashy as its newer rivals, nevertheless it nonetheless has lots to supply.
It’s nonetheless nicely outfitted for the worth, and packs a sensible inside the delivers on the promise of the Volvo badge. Whereas the driving expertise isn’t class main, it’s not all that far off the mark.
The actual kicker right here is the worth, although. It undercuts even a base, rear-wheel drive BMW X3 by $10,000 based mostly on listing value, nevertheless it’s removed from an inexpensive imitation or different.
As a substitute, it’s Volvo doing what Volvo does greatest – constructing smart, sensible automobiles for patrons who don’t want the lure of a German badge.
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