Volvo XC60 T8 Test Drive Review, The 2018 PHEV Super SUV
The all new XC60 from Volvo is bigger, bolder and brawnier.
The design team for the XC60 Volvo made the second-generation model 44mm longer (4688mm), 108mm wider (1999mm) while reducing the SUV’s height by 55mm (1658mm).
Despite the changes, which Volvo says make the XC60 the biggest model in its class, the SUV’s weight is either 20 kg lighter or 20 kg heavier than its predecessor, depending on the powertrain in use (there is a T6 and T8 model). This was achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and hot-formed boron steel. The SUV’s ground clearance has been reduced to 216mm from 230mm, however, Volvo says the new figure is still best in class.
Safer Than Any Other Car
Volvo also packed the second-generation XC60 with new safety technology that provides the driver with automatic steering assistance or support to help avoid potential collisions. Two of the new advanced driver assistance features are standard in every new XC60.
The host of high-end safety systems in this new XC60 is just like the systems in its larger 90 Series siblings, including Run-off Road Mitigation and the semi-autonomous driver support and convenience system Pilot Assist. The new safety features are designed to provide the driver with automatic steering assistance or support when required to help avoid potential collisions.
Volvo believes that these new features will make the new XC60 one of the safest cars on the road. City Safety has been updated in the XC60 to include steering support, which engages when automatic braking alone would not help avoid a potential collision. In such circumstances, the car will provide steering assistance to avoid the obstacle ahead. City Safety helps to avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and large animals. Steering support is active between 50-100 km/h.
The all new XC60 has been awarded a 5-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests.
This smaller SUV even outdid its larger sibling, the XC90, in the two-tier testing system that scores cars in their standard and full safety kit-equipped specifications.
The XC60 scored 98 percent for adult occupant protection, 87 percent for child occupant protection, 76 percent for pedestrian safety and 95 percent for safety assistance systems. These results are the highest since the XC90 scored 97 percent, 87 percent, 72 percent and 100 percent, respectively, in the 2015 Euro NCAP tests.
Volvo Cars has also added a system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which helps drivers to avoid collisions with vehicles in an oncoming lane.
The system works by alerting a driver who has unwittingly wandered out of a driving lane by providing automatic steering assistance, guiding them back into their own lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicle. This system is active between 60-140 km/h. Volvo Cars’ optional Blind Spot Information System, which alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spot, has also received an update to include steer assist functionality that helps to avoid potential collisions with vehicles in a blind spot by steering the car back into its own lane and away from danger.
Reasons To Test Drive It
This T8 XC60 is targeted at individuals aspiring to lead an active lifestyle. Aside from the car’s spacious boot which comes with split/fold rear seats, the cabin can easily accommodate 5 adults in comfort thanks to surprisingly generous levels of rear legroom.
The XC60’s suspension set-up is firm. That said, the car remains surprisingly civilized over all but the most poorly surfaced of roads. Given that the previous best selling XC60 had the difficult task of delivering a sporty drive on tarmac and be adaptable enough off road so as not to leave you stranded, this all new XC60 T8 delivers a Germanic type sporty ride quality in ‘Sports” mode whilst providing refinement on equal standing as a luxury Japanese SUV in ‘Comfort’ mode. This balance between Germanic and Japanese dynamics will convince rival SUV buyers to sign on the Volvo order book.
Drive dynamics and performance impresses us with its power and handling from just a 2-litre turbo unit. The 407bhp engine offers maximum torque of 640Nm from just 1500 rpm all the way up to 5700 rpm. This gives excellent lugging ability throughout the speed range.
The torque curve moves like a supercar, resulting in a particularly exciting yet comfortable driving experience and this works in combination with Volvo’s new automatic 8-speed gearbox that has steering mounted shift handles for a sporty drive feel.
Straight line speed is very impressive and this XC60 T80 will reach 100km/h from rest in just 5.4 seconds (this is super sedan territory) and has the ability to put some sport sedans to shame in its mid range trust. Volvo chassis experts have chiseled out the driving experience in the new Volvo XC60 with the same passion and uncompromising approach that characterized the development of the all-new S90.
Over uneven city roads it does not feel unsettling at all and when you find a windy road this all new XC60 shows you why you need to really test drive one. You can feel the chassis working with your commanding steering input leaving you with little reasons not to own one.
Juggling with the need to deliver a car with enjoyable on-road handling and at the same time enough ground clearance and suspension travel to cope with modest off road excursions is never easy. Few SUVs manage to balance such needs as well as this all new XC60 T8.
Conclusion
It is equipped with simply the best cabin sounds system in the segment and maybe even beyond.
Very good brakes, a direct steering feel and the Volvo high level of safety systems all help make the XC60 a fun yet safe family vehicle to drive and own. As with all new Volvo’s, this XC60 will come with a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free service including parts per scheduled maintenance, and 5 years of free roadside assist (Volvo-on-Call).
Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine Hybrid Specifications
Engine: Plug-In Hybrid_I4Petrol Super/Turbocharged/Electric Motor
Capacity: 1969cc
Transmission: 8-speed
Max Power: 407hp
Max Torque: 640Nm
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 5.4 seconds
Top Speed: 230km/h
Price: RM343,888.00 CBU Only
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