NYIAS Closeup: 2018 Volvo XC60

At the 2017 New York Auto Show, Volvo finally showed in the US what is likely to be one of its biggest sellers over the next few years. In spite of the rapid growth of the brand due to the public's fantastic response to the Volvo XC90 and Volvo S90 (read our review), the XC60 seems poised to eclipse even that. The current XC60 is one of the oldest models in Volvo’s lineup though it still makes up 30% of its sales. That fact really drives home how important this car is to Volvo.

You can read about the technical details of the Geneva release of the 2018 Volvo XC60 on our press release page.

The XC60 is rated as a compact crossover, however it feels like it pushes the boundary into a mid-size vehicle. In the two Inscription level models I examined in New York, Volvo’s recently developing reputation for their sumptuous interiors shows.  The seats are of a very soft leather, and very well bolstered. Inscription models get an open pore wood trim called drift wood.  Momentum models come with aluminum or another open pore wood trim available as an option. Much of the hardware on the dash carries down from the larger full luxury models, somewhat of a rarity in the industry.  Volvo’s entertainment system is one of the easiest I’ve had the pleasure to use. Volvo really nails a lot of the small details on the interior, right down to the Flag of Sweden tags on the seats.

Engines will range from 250 horsepower to 407 horsepower and at launch all XC60s will come equipped with AWD.

Volvo’s current trend in pricing has been to undercut competitors on base pricing and then load up quickly on options with the top models.  It appears to be working as most new Volvos leave the factory as top-end Inscription trim.

The XC60 is built on the same SPA platform as S90 and XC90, both solid and strong entrants into their respective segments. I expect the trend should continue with the XC60 as Volvo enters its 90th year on a strong upswing.