Volvo XC60 2009

Volvo will launch a new sport utility vehicle called the Volvo XC60 that's expected to go on sale in Spring 2009.

Expect the XC60 to have about the same footprint as the S60 sedan, but to be much more utilitarian and versatile, and to have styling almost as dramatic as that of the concept car, unveiled At the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In addition to previewing the XC60 production vehicle, Volvo used the concept to show some new design cues that will be applied to all future Volvos. This includes pumping up the visual volume with more expressive shapes and details, according to Volvo's designers. Thus as on the XC60, the grille on all future Volvos becomes more prominent, with angled parking lights and with headlamps that sweep up into the front fenders.

For the XC60, the lower body is wide and the stance strong, while the upper section of the car has a sporty, dashing design. The tail section is particularly impressive with tail lamps that cascade down from the corners of the roof and with a clever glass tailgate that can be opened any of three ways: full open, top section open or lower section open.

Inside, the XC60 concept features a center stack and instrument panel that appear to float ahead of and above the front seats. Volvo compares the look of the instrument cluster with that of a bumble bee, with a round and analog speedometer as the bee's body and with digital display wings on either side. The concept's interior is finished in saddle leather and aluminum. We expect more typical materials in the production version, though expect the bumble bee instrument cluster, the floating design and the ambient mood lighting system to be retained. The concept's center stack has a white iPod-like surface with controls that don't become visible until the vehicle is started. This feature could be something that carries over into production as well.

Another feature that definitely will go into production, and perhaps even before the XC60 reaches the market, is the City Safety technology showcased on the concept. Like active cruise control, this radar-based system can apply the Volvo's brakes to maintain a safe distance between it and the vehicle ahead on the road, to the point to bringing the Volvo to a full stop if needed. Acura, Mercedes and other automakers already offer similar systems.

While the XC60 concept was powered by a 265-hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that runs on emission-reducing bio-ethanol fuel, look for the production version gets a more conventional powertrain. However, don't be surprised if the XC60 available early in calendar year 2009 comes with a flex-fuel engine or even a diesel or bio-diesel option because Volvo is among the leaders in pushing the automotive flex-fuel envelope.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$35,000