2021 Volvo XC60 B5 petrol review, test drive

What is it?

The XC60 is arguably the most well-liked design in Volvo’s portfolio. Globally, it accounts for a large chunk of the manufacturer’s income, but in India, it is the one you purchase if you want to stand out from the group. With the introduction of an all-new version in 2017, the XC60 had a good amount of money of good results, but with the levels of competition upping the ante, it much too has had to make some popular variations. And popular they have been, since even even though the visual variations may possibly be a little bit much too delicate, the one under the bonnet is something but.

What is it like on the outside?

Nonetheless, how do you know that the XC60 you are searching at is a facelift? Effectively, for starters, the chrome grille up front is now sharper and a little bit a lot more fashionable. Reduced down, you have a revised bumper with a a bit new layout and new chrome elements added on. That is about it. The relaxation of the things we cherished on the older version, like the sharp LED headlamps with the Thor’s hammer Daytime Functioning Lamps and the robust electricity strains on the bonnet, have been carried about. It is unmistakably an XC60, and that isn’t a undesirable point. About to the facet, the silhouette is the very same as in advance of, so there have been no variations to the dimensions. But, you will see a fresh and sporty layout for the 19-inch alloy wheels.

At the rear, it is the very same tale as the front, with revised bumpers currently being the main conversing stage. The dual exhaust suggestions are now tucked absent under the bumper, which offers the XC60 a clear and uncluttered rear-close. Nevertheless, there is a new badge now, and that is the most significant telltale indicator of the facelift.

What is it like to travel?

The XC60 now wears the B5 badge, which in Volvo-communicate signifies ‘mild hybrid’. Absent is the clattery diesel from the older car or truck, and in place is a 250hp, 2.-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor. And considering the fact that it is a gentle hybrid, it also receives a 48V battery that functions in conjunction with the motor, encouraging it out with greater gasoline efficiency and acceleration. That claimed, the most significant difference is the bump up in refinement.

The motor is silent and, even as you achieve pace, there is scarcely any motor noise seeping in. Vibrations are nearly nil and the complete driving practical experience is really stress-free. And stress-free is what Volvo wishes this SUV to be, which is why it has a a lot more laid-back character. There is a good deal of grunt on offer and the 48V battery does assistance out during preliminary acceleration, but you should not count on to be grinning as you mash your proper foot. Ability shipping and 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 claimed, the battery aid is seamless, and you hardly ever sense the technique at operate.

The other change also comes in the sort of omission of traditional travel modes, although there is an off-highway manner that helps on some mild trails. The eight-pace computerized gearbox much too isn’t the most keen device out there. Shifts are smooth, but you need to be affected person with it. If you wish for a lot more command and swap to handbook manner, you’d have to change to tapping the lever to the remaining or proper for shifting up or down, which does not sense as partaking. The shifts in handbook aren’t exactly speedy either, so it’s ideal remaining to the car or truck to do the shifting. That claimed, the gearbox isn’t unbearable by any signifies, and if you travel it like Volvo intends you to (sedately), you should really be wonderful.

Then you have the experience top quality, which is envisioned to be plush and supple on a luxury SUV. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with the XC60 as it has carried about the features of the preceding version. The suspension has a firmness that is felt a lot more about pace bumps and on broken streets at minimal speeds. The suspension thuds about a undesirable patch of highway, and it is only as soon as you achieve momentum that the XC60 composes itself. Freeway stability is very good and undulations at superior pace are masked completely. Nevertheless, 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 either.

By now it is clear that the XC60 isn’t an enthusiasts’ preference, so managing is one thing it does not really choose delight in. The steering is mild and breezy for comfy maneuvering, but gives tiny in terms of engagement. Even though it has a manner wherein it provides a little bit of heft, the difference is only marginal. That claimed, for a stress-free travel, it is ideal. And that is the point about the XC60, it is unapologetically an SUV built for ease and comfort and luxury and the driving practical experience echoes the inside which is plush and comforting.

What is it like on the inside of?

The layout may possibly be common with a good deal of vertical touches, but it is nevertheless one that stands out and gives the most wow-issue. The daring use of wooden and brushed aluminum, together with the nine-inch touchscreen that takes the most real estate on the centre console, is all in line with the luxe charm of the XC60. What’s new on this facelift is the up to date electronic instrument cluster, which isn’t as intuitive as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, but suits in with the concept. Then, there is the wireless charging pad proper beside the new crystal equipment shifter. It sure provides a lot more bling and pop to the cabin and is one thing homeowners would like as effectively. Incorporating one a lot more layer of protection to the cabin is a PM2.five air purifier – a worthy addition given the current condition. But the large information is Volvo has partnered with Google, and as a outcome, you now have Google Maps as the conventional navigation. There is no need to plug in your cellular phone anymore just to entry maps.

There is also Google Assistant at your disposal and you have the selection of downloading audio apps like Spotify. The touchscreen was by now overloaded, and these have only added to that. Unfortunately, the controls for the HVAC technique are nevertheless hidden absent in the infotainment technique. Nevertheless, Volvo’s strongest stage has normally been its prolonged attributes record and with the facelift, matters have not adjusted significantly. The highlights of the preceding version like the fifteen-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio technique, massage seats for the front travellers, heating and ventilation for the front seats, 4-zone local weather command, panoramic sunroof and the all-significant radar-based protection attributes have been carried about. The seats much too are fantastic in terms of assistance and space, in common, is not an challenge on the XC60. For the rear travellers, having said that, while kneeroom and headroom aren’t an challenge, under thigh assistance is nevertheless lacking. Still, the sense of luxury is very significantly there, and that is the XC60’s main attraction.

Verdict

Priced at Rs sixty one.ninety lakh, it is competitive versus its German counterparts, and while they may possibly be the a lot more partaking to travel or even a little bit a lot more comfy, the XC60 provides with it opulence and an high priced sense that homeowners favor a large amount a lot more. So, if you are in the marketplace for a midsize luxury SUV that focuses on the ‘luxury’ little bit, the up to date XC60 ticks all the proper bins.