We say The XC60 is Volvo combining two things it does so well: SUVs and estates. It's comfortable, refined and looks great inside and out.Crossovers are supposed to blend the practical elements of an estate and an SUV and the XC60 does just that with a more imPerformance The XC60 Crossover comes with a wide range of engines and a number of different drivetrains too, with a mix of all wheel drive, two wheel drive and Volvo’s economic DRIVe engines.At the top of the range in terms of performance is a 3.0-litre 304bhp petrol unit which clears 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 130mph. It also has CO2 emissions of 249g/km and returns 26.4mpg.Emissions The most economical model in the range is the D3 All Wheel Drive 2.4-litre, 163bhp diesel engine which returns 49.6 mpg and has emits 149g/km – the same as the eco-signature 2.0-litre DRIVe model.It’s a complex naming convention from Volvo.Driving As you’d expect of a vehicle geared towards practicality, the XC60 isn’t the most entertaining vehicle to drive. In fact, it’s very middle of the road – but you wouldn’t really expect anything more than that, would you?It’s ok around corners, comfortable rather than sporty and safe – really safe – rather than exciting.Despite its crossover tag, it’s not a car you’re likely to see traipsing through streams and off road and is far more suited to motorway cruising than anything more extreme.Feel Like most Volvos, the XC60 feels supremely well put together, very comfortable and a safe a place to inhabit on the road as you could hope for.That’s thanks to a range of industry leading pieces of safety kit – a lot of which comes as standard – and comfortable seats. Unfortunately the dashboard is a little more cluttered than usual, meaning there’s a lot going on behind the steering wheel.Space There’s a massive 655-litres of space in the XC60’s boot, even with the seats up, and that swells to a whopping 1,455 when they’re laid flat. That’s a lot of space.It’s also more of an SUV than an estate which means there is brilliant visibility for all occupants thanks to its ground clearance.Equipment The XC60 is well equipped, particularly in terms of safety kit which it excels in, even on the most basic ES trim level which is comprehensively catered for in terms of safety equipment.The same goes for gadgets, multimedia and infotainment systems. On all trim levels there are extensive lists of systems and features including cruise control and climate control. The further up the range you’re willing to go and the more extravagant pieces of kit you can get, including headrest mounted DVD players and rear/front parking cameras.Price Pricing for the Volvo XC60 starts from around £28,000 but that figure can rise to more than £41,000, particularly if some of the more expensive, high-end extras are selected.Quality Volvo is about as close to the German executive manufacturers as any other brand on the market.The XC60 is no different with a range of high-quality materials which means the XC60 will be able to withstand the greasy hands of children for a long time.It’s never been an area where the Swedish manufacturer has struggled and we don’t expect it to start to with the XC60.Safety Volvo is a leader in the industry when it comes to safety technology and the comprehensive list of safety equipment on the XC60 Crossover should give some indication as to why that’s true.As standard there are a number of pieces of safety technology that would normally be an expensive option on other manufacturer cars. There’s City Safety – which works to reduce the impact of a collision at speeds of less than 20mph – and cabin length window airbags as standard, to name a few.Pros The XC60 is built to last and comes with more safety technology and kit then you’re ever likely to need but which comes as welcome reassurance. It’s also extremely practical with plenty of space for all passengers.Cons The XC60 isn’t cheap and it’s not the most expensive car to drive either.Alternatives Volkswagen Tiguan, Land Rover Freelander 2
