2021 Volvo XC60 B5 petrol review, test drive

What is it?

The XC60 is arguably the most well-liked model in Volvo’s portfolio. Globally, it accounts for a significant chunk of the manufacturer’s product sales, but in India, it is the just one you purchase if you want to stand out from the crowd. With the introduction of an all-new edition in 2017, the XC60 experienced a superior quantity of results, but with the competitiveness upping the ante, it far too has experienced to make some prominent variations. And prominent they have been, for the reason that even while the visible variations may possibly be a bit far too refined, the just one underneath the bonnet is anything at all but.

What is it like on the outside?

However, how do you know that the XC60 you are looking at is a facelift? Well, for starters, the chrome grille up front is now sharper and a bit far more modern day. Lower down, you have a revised bumper with a slightly new design and style and new chrome elements extra on. That is about it. The relaxation of the things we liked on the more mature edition, like the sharp LED headlamps with the Thor’s hammer Daytime Running Lamps and the robust power lines on the bonnet, have been carried more than. It is unmistakably an XC60, and that isn’t a lousy point. Around to the aspect, the silhouette is the very same as in advance of, so there have been no variations to the proportions. But, you will see a fresh and sporty design and style for the 19-inch alloy wheels.

At the rear, it is the very same tale as the front, with revised bumpers getting the most important speaking level. The twin exhaust guidelines are now tucked absent underneath the bumper, which offers the XC60 a clean and uncluttered rear-stop. Nonetheless, there is a new badge now, and that is the major telltale signal of the facelift.

What is it like to drive?

The XC60 now wears the B5 badge, which in Volvo-talk indicates ‘mild hybrid’. Absent is the clattery diesel from the more mature motor vehicle, and in put is a 250hp, two.-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor. And given that it is a moderate hybrid, it also receives a 48V battery that works in conjunction with the motor, helping it out with greater fuel efficiency and acceleration. That explained, the major distinction is the bump up in refinement.

The motor is silent and, even as you attain pace, there is scarcely any motor sounds seeping in. Vibrations are pretty much nil and the complete driving expertise is really enjoyable. And enjoyable is what Volvo desires this SUV to be, which is why it has a far more laid-back again character. There is loads of grunt on offer and the 48V battery does assist out all through first acceleration, but never count on to be grinning as you mash your proper foot. Electric power delivery is linear and the motor has a meaty torque band, but it misses out on the oomph that you get from some of its rivals. That explained, the battery guide is seamless, and you hardly ever come to feel the program at work.

The other alter also comes in the kind of omission of traditional drive modes, although there is an off-highway manner that aids on some light-weight trails. The eight-pace automatic gearbox far too isn’t the most eager device out there. Shifts are easy, but you want to be client with it. If you would like for far more regulate and change to manual manner, you’d have to change to tapping the lever to the remaining or proper for shifting up or down, which does not come to feel as participating. The shifts in manual aren’t accurately fast both, so it really is best remaining to the motor vehicle to do the shifting. That explained, the gearbox isn’t unbearable by any indicates, and if you drive it like Volvo intends you to (sedately), you must be wonderful.

Then you have the experience excellent, which is anticipated to be plush and supple on a luxury SUV. Unfortunately, that isn’t the circumstance with the XC60 as it has carried more than the attributes of the earlier edition. The suspension has a firmness that is felt far more more than pace bumps and on broken roadways at minimal speeds. The suspension thuds more than a lousy patch of highway, and it is only the moment you attain momentum that the XC60 composes alone. Highway security is really superior and undulations at superior pace are masked perfectly. Nonetheless, it misses out on adaptive dampers that its German rivals get and does not have the softly sprung experience like on the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC both.

By now it is obvious that the XC60 isn’t an enthusiasts’ choice, so handling is one thing it does not seriously get delight in. The steering is light-weight and breezy for snug maneuvering, but gives minimal in conditions of engagement. Even though it has a manner wherein it provides a bit of heft, the distinction is only marginal. That explained, for a enjoyable drive, it is best. And that is the point about the XC60, it is unapologetically an SUV made for comfort and luxury and the driving expertise echoes the inside which is plush and comforting.

What is it like on the inside?

The design and style may possibly be acquainted with loads of vertical touches, but it is nonetheless just one that stands out and gives the most wow-component. The daring use of wooden and brushed aluminum, alongside with the 9-inch touchscreen that can take the most authentic estate on the centre console, is all in line with the luxe attraction of the XC60. What’s new on this facelift is the up to date digital instrument cluster, which isn’t as intuitive as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, but matches in with the topic. Then, there is the wi-fi charging pad proper beside the new crystal equipment shifter. It positive provides far more bling and pop to the cabin and is one thing proprietors would like as nicely. Including just one far more layer of basic safety to the cabin is a PM2.five air purifier – a worthy addition offered the current problem. But the significant information is Volvo has partnered with Google, and as a end result, you now have Google Maps as the standard navigation. There is no want to plug in your phone any longer just to access maps.

There is also Google Assistant at your disposal and you have the alternative of downloading songs apps like Spotify. The touchscreen was by now overloaded, and these have only extra to that. Unfortunately, the controls for the HVAC program are nonetheless concealed absent in the infotainment program. Nonetheless, Volvo’s strongest level has generally been its lengthy characteristics list and with the facelift, things have not improved significantly. The highlights of the earlier edition like the 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio program, massage seats for the front passengers, heating and ventilation for the front seats, four-zone climate regulate, panoramic sunroof and the all-crucial radar-primarily based basic safety characteristics have been carried more than. The seats far too are excellent in conditions of aid and space, in typical, is not an problem on the XC60. For the rear passengers, on the other hand, whilst kneeroom and headroom aren’t an problem, underneath thigh aid is nonetheless lacking. Yet, the sense of luxury is really significantly there, and that is the XC60’s most important attraction.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 61.ninety lakh, it is competitive against its German counterparts, and whilst they may possibly be the far more participating to drive or even a bit far more snug, the XC60 brings with it opulence and an highly-priced come to feel that proprietors desire a great deal far more. So, if you are in the market place for a midsize luxury SUV that focuses on the ‘luxury’ bit, the up to date XC60 ticks all the proper packing containers.