Sales success also a pleasant asset?
Recipe for success: make a not too big SUV and put a Volvo logo on its nose. Since the Volvo XC60 was introduced in 2008, the model has become an indispensable part of the street scene. Because success simply tastes like more, a new model was introduced in 2017. With this, there was an explicit focus on more luxury and a higher level of finish. The sales figures of ‘the new’ in the Netherlands exceed those of its predecessor, but what do drivers think of their XC60?
The second generation XC60, the model we describe in this article, has been on the market for about six years now. The SUV received an update in mid-2022. From then on, the infotainment system is based on Android Automotive and the model benefits from new radars, cameras and sensors that should increase safety. External changes are so minimal that we can hardly speak of a facelift.
The price lists of the Volvo XC60 were filled with a large number of engine variants. The very strong plug-in hybrids, with powers of up to 455 hp, are perhaps best known. Diesels were permanently scrapped in 2020 and those who desire an electric SUV will have to move to the smaller Volvo XC40 or new EX90.
Drivers about comfort Volvo XC60
The step forward that Volvo wanted to make is being noticed by the users. “The comfort of the car is much higher than that of the previous one. He’s very quiet. On bad roads you only hear the tires. You don’t hear the engine at all, not even when accelerating.” For completeness, the reviewer describes his XC60 T5 AWD, not a plug-in hybrid. The silence on board is also positively emphasized by another T5 driver. “The Volvo is very nicely finished. Nice materials that feel good. It is striking that the car is very quiet, which greatly improves comfort.”
Not every XC60 is equally comfortable, as the owner of a plug-in hybrid T8 with R-Design package and 22-inch wheels experiences. “Driving comfort is slightly less than in the previous XC60, partly due to the large rims. Small bumps on the road surface are felt, but not to the extent that it becomes annoying. Given the sportier tuning of the chassis, this was to be expected.” An owner who compares the car to an older Volvo V70 also finds the car quite sturdy. “The XC60 is very comfortable, but in a German way. Relatively on the stiffer side.” Air suspension is also available as an option, making the car particularly comfortable according to drivers who opt for this.
Seating and space offer
You don’t have to search long in Volvo reviews to find a comment about the seats, the XC60 is no exception. So for a change we choose an owner who has a critical note: “The seats in the XC60 are excellent, but much firmer than I was used to.” Another is already on stage, ready to hand out a prize. “If there ever is a Nobel Prize for car seats, I know who the winner will be.” We highly recommend this author’s entire review.
Rear passengers also apparently have little to complain about. “The space in the back seat, and especially the legroom, is also better than with the old model, resulting in a slightly smaller boot space.” For those who want to know: the trunk capacity of this XC60 T5 is 505 liters, the plug-ins yield just under forty liters.
Infotainment
The dashboard of the Volvo XC60 features a large, upright infotainment screen that controls a large part of the interior and driving functions. Few owners take the trouble to describe this system, from which we cautiously conclude that it functions properly.
Since the model year update in 2020, there is a new system based on Android Automotive. This appears to be particularly dependent on the internet, the owner of a 2021 model experienced. “Last Sunday the car was offline all day, it has its own sim. With no possibility to get online, so no navigation and no digital radio (which means no DAB +, ed.). That took 24 hours, after which the car automatically came back online.”
Pilot Assist in the XC60
The driving assistants on board provide varying responses. The semi-autonomous driving assistant Pro Pilot does not appear to be an exemplary driver or at least does not drive in the way this driver wishes: “My experience is mostly positive, but the system often keeps a bit far to the right in the lane. Especially striking when you feel like you just race past a truck.” The owner of a T8 from 2018 describes the owner of a T8 from 2018, even when a curve looms. That can lead to dangerous situations.”
Is there nothing positive to report? Certainly. The owner who notices that the car keeps very strongly to the right has been saved from an accident by intervention of his car. “The safety systems have now proven their worth after an emergency stop on the initiative of the car itself. Not sure if I would have stopped in time for that unexpected traffic jam.”
Disturbances and annoyances
The Volvo XC60 turns out to be a pretty reliable car, if we are to believe the owners. First-time users may experience problems with the tailgate lift arms, which have been subject to a recall. The owner of an XC60 T8 was faced with high costs twice. Once with a faulty communication module, the other time with a faulty on-board charger that prevented the car from being charged. These two problems were solved through a leniency arrangement that the owner could live with.
Engines and powertrains
Users report no complaints about the various motors, the available motors are found to be adequate. This also applies to the D4, with 190 hp the second least powerful diesel engine. “The D4 is sufficient for this car and in Germany on the Autobahn even 220 is no problem,” notes the owner of such a car. “Sufficient reserve to overtake.” However, owners of the D4 would have preferred a larger fuel tank.
For those who only the maximum power is good enough, Volvo offers the plug-in hybrid T8, which is available under the names Twin Engine and Recharge. Initially, this powertrain delivered a system power of 407 hp, which has now increased to 455 hp. “The first time I spoke to the 400 hp in this car, I was a bit shocked. Wow!” With a calmer drive, this owner also manages to squeeze about 40 electric kilometers from the battery pack. We close with the last T8 driver, also an enthusiastic plug user. “I live 23 km from work and with the braking mode switched on, so that the hybrid battery is recharged during braking, I almost get there and back on 1 battery charge. Correctly!”
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl