Volvo goes all-electric in Australia, however it’ll promote petrol vehicles for a bit longer – and the XC60 is a key a part of that plan.
It is getting lengthy within the tooth, however Volvo has labored arduous to maintain it recent within the face of ever-increasing competitors.
Together with massaged seems and a few new trim ranges, it incorporates a new Android Automotive-based expertise 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 affords loads of selection.
You’ll be able to spend as much as $100,000 earlier than on-roads for the plug-in hybrid flagship, however there is a sturdy argument to be made that the entry-level mannequin on check right here is all of the XC60 you want.
How a lot does the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 value?
The Plus B5 on check right here is the most cost effective 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 consistent 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 cost effective 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 Brilliant: $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, however it nonetheless seems and feels fashionable inside.
The vertical touchscreen nonetheless options throughout the broader vary and has just lately been upgraded with new software program, whereas the design and supplies nonetheless stack up alongside more energizing rivals.
Volvo makes a few of the finest 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 gentle cushioning.
The bottom mannequin options gentle 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 would not really feel such as you’re lacking out on a lot right here.
Volvo’s change from the Sensus infotainment system to 1 primarily based on Google’s newest Android Automotive bones seems small on the floor, as a result of a number of the graphics/menus are related. However the brand new setup is way quicker to reply, and has up-to-date Google Maps with stay site visitors.
You are capable of obtain Spotify on to the automobile, moderately than plugging a cellphone in to make use of it, and it is suitable with over-the-air updates so the characteristic set will regularly evolve. Hopefully it evolves to incorporate wi-fi Apple CarPlay sooner or later.
Dealing with the motive force is a fairly easy digital instrument binnacle. You are given a selection between dials solely, or dials with a Google Map in between – however the automobile lacks the vary of choices accessible elsewhere within the section, or in cheaper vehicles 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 an ungainly spot in case you have a bigger cellphone, and there is much less area for cash, keys, or storage clickers than in a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC.
It is one thing Volvo might want to tackle when the XC60 goes electrical; the EX30 packs a really intelligent inside that maximizes what restricted area is on provide, so it is secure to imagine the EX60 will comply with in these footsteps.
Rear seat area is first rate, however not class main.
The rear doorways open good and broad, making it simple to load a baby seat (or baby), and the upright profile means you get loads of headroom. There’s sufficient area again there for adults to sit down behind adults, and youngsters will recognize the rear local weather controls and air vents on scorching summer season days.
Volvo truly offers you air vents on each the middle console and the pillars, which none of its rivals can match. Volvo’s built-in booster seats stay a neat contact for fogeys in a pinch, too, and the twin USB-C factors will maintain iPads charged on lengthy street journeys.
Cargo capability in B5 fashions is quoted as 483 liters with the rear seats in use, increasing to 1430L with them folded flat.
It is barely smaller than what you get in a BMW X3, however it’s not far off the mark. In typical Volvo vogue it has a flat flooring and nets on the perimeters to maintain smaller objects safe. Beneath the ground is an area saver spare wheel.
What’s underneath the hood?
Energy within the B5 AWD comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 183kW of energy and 350Nm of torque.
It is 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 liters per 100km throughout every week skewed to metropolis driving.
All fashions are fitted with a 71-liter 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 does not make any effort to be sporty.
It is completely suited to cruising round city, with gentle steering that makes it easy to fit into tight parking spots, and a suspension tune centered on conserving pimply metropolis roads outdoors.
Though the engine is a 2.0-liter unit, and is the least highly effective possibility on provide 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 isn’t a necessity, having an additional diploma of safety in moist circumstances, or for those who enterprise to the snow, can solely be an excellent factor.
Lean on the accelerator and it squeezes you again in your seat effectively sufficient, and the eight-speed transmission shuffles easily by the gears.
There is a little bit of noise from the engine inside relative to what you get in a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly once you’re in a rush, however 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 gentle suspension tune means potholes and growth joints waft beneath the wheels.
Though it will possibly really feel a little bit bit floaty over huge crests and dips at 100km/h, it is a automobile you possibly can fortunately drive from Melbourne to Sydney.
The much less highly effective engine tune is most noticeable at freeway speeds, the place the XC60 would not 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 may want a barely longer stretch of street than in additional highly effective options.
Volvo’s driver help methods 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 secure?
Petrol variations of the Volvo XC60 put on a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP checks in 2017. Plug-in hybrid fashions stay unrated.
The XC60 scored 98 p.c for grownup occupant safety, 87 p.c for baby occupant safety, 76 p.c for pedestrian detection and 95 p.c for security help.
Commonplace security options embody:
- Adjustable pace limiter
- Adaptive cruise management incl. Pilot Help
- Lively lane centering
- Cease&Go perform
- 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-kilometer guaranteewith eight years of complementary 24/7 roadside help.
Recharge fashions are additionally coated by an eight-year hybrid battery guarantee.
Volvo affords 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 kilometers – whichever comes first.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo XC60 Plus B5
The XC60 is not fairly as flashy as its newer rivals, however it nonetheless has loads to supply.
It is nonetheless effectively outfitted for the value, and packs a sensible inside that delivers on the promise of the Volvo badge. Whereas the driving expertise is not class main, it isn’t all that far off the mark.
The actual kicker right here is the value, although. It undercuts even a base, rear-wheel drive BMW X3 by $10,000 primarily based on listing value, however it’s removed from an affordable imitation or different.
As an alternative, it is Volvo doing what Volvo does finest – constructing wise, sensible vehicles for patrons who do not want the lure of a German badge.
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