- Sporty chassis setting with high comfort
- Large 17, 18 or 19 inch wheels available for best get-you-there ability
- All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction guarantees best possible road grip
With the new XC60, Volvo Cars takes yet another step – and a big one – in offering cars that are fun to drive, yet comfortable to ride in. Its compact format and the precise road handling attributes mean the new Volvo XC60 can make its way with dynamic agility and style both on city tarmac and along country lanes.
“The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who impose high demands on the driving experience. Irrespective of whether the car is used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes. That is why we have focused on finding exactly the right balance between sportiness and comfort, for the chassis and for the car as a whole,” says Lars Blenwall, project director for the new Volvo XC60.
Hans Wikman, head of development of Volvo’s large cars, says the XC60 is “the most sporting car Volvo has ever created”. The chassis benchmark in the development of the new Volvo XC60 was one of its biggest competitors in the segment for compact SUVs, and, says Wikman, Volvo managed to build a car that is comparable on handling and a long way ahead on comfort.
Firmer spring rates and fine-tuning of the steering – providing a more progressive, linear response as you turn in – resulted in a car with very dynamic handling, but very stable with predictable road manners.
The new Volvo XC60 is sturdily built to handle all operating conditions. The body has extra torsional rigidity (20 kNm/deg) and the sporty chassis setup means the car is precisely controlled and minimises roll tendencies even in demanding driving situations.
Weight is optimally distributed between the front and rear axles, which contributes to good balance and traction. The transversely installed engine and Volvo’s All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction from Haldex reinforce the control and smoothness.
Large 17- or 18-inch wheels as standard (19 inch size is optional) and 230 mm of ground clearance mean the Volvo XC60 is capable of making its way in terrain that is impossible for a conventional passenger car. The rear suspension ensures good comfort and road contact even when the going gets rough. The McPherson front suspension and broad track also contribute to excellent directional stability.
“The car handles sharply and behaves exactly as you would expect whatever the situation. It promotes a feeling of safety and control. But also of relaxed comfort,” says Blenwall.
Engine performance too is of the highest level and efficiency. The new Volvo XC60 is launched with the 3.0T petrol engine, a 3-litre turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder producing 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque; and the D5, a powerful and economical 5-cylinder turbodiesel with figures of 136 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm.
Four-wheel drive for perfect grip
The new Volvo XC60 is equipped as standard with Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction to guarantee the best possible road grip whatever the situation. With the help of an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically distributes drive between the front and rear wheels. The Instant Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels at lightning speed, for instance when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces.
Further developed DSTC function
Volvo’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) function has been further developed in the new Volvo XC60 to ensure even more stable driving. DSTC registers deviations between the driver’s intended direction and the car’s actual direction. Now, the further developed DSTC also registers the car’s roll rate and enables it to detect a skid that is building up much earlier.
This may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal while steering, for instance when leaving a highway slightly too late. By measuring the roll rate, DSTC can start the regulation at an earlier stage – and with greater precision. This is highly noticeable in dynamic driving where the car is exposed to high lateral forces.
New Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) offers improved control when towing a trailer
The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) function is to dampen the oscillation tendencies that can arise when towing a trailer or caravan. In certain conditions, the rig runs the risk of swaying from side to side or “snaking” and it can be difficult for the driver to control this movement. TSA steps in and together with the further developed DSTC function helps stabilise the car and trailer by braking one or more wheels as necessary while at the same time reducing the engine’s torque. TSA operates on all road surfaces and can be specified as a separate active-safety option when purchasing a tow-bar.
Roll Stability Control helps prevent roll-overs
The new Volvo XC60 is also equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC) as standard. If RSC, an active stability-enhancement system, assesses that there is a considerable risk of a roll-over, the engine’s torque is reduced and some braking power is directed to one or more wheels to help counter any tendency to roll over.
However, as part of a normal driving route, the new Volvo XC60 can be taken on a surface with a lean angle of 40 to 42 degrees.
Hill Descent Control gives added stability downhill
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is Volvo’s sophisticated technology for assisting slow progress in first gear when driving on steep gradients, and it is a standard feature in the new Volvo XC60. Using the car’s braking system and engine torque, HDC controls the car’s speed and maintains a steady crawling speed. This leaves the driver free to concentrate on steering safely.
HDC is activated via a button on the instrument panel. The driver can at any time take over by pressing either the accelerator or brake pedal. Once another gear is selected, HDC is automatically disengaged. All changes take place smoothly and gently.
Three-level speed-sensitive power steering
Speed-dependent power steering is an option on the new Volvo XC60. The system allocates more servo assistance at lower speeds, for instance to make steering easier when parking. Servo assistance is reduced as speed rises in order to give the driver the most optimal road feel.
The level of servo assistance can be adjusted via a menu in the car’s information system to comply with the individual wishes of the customer. There are three levels to choose from, varying from more servo assistance to make steering and parking in city traffic conditions easy, to limited assistance for secure and stable steering at higher speeds on the open road and highways.
