10 Things You Need to Know About the 2018 Volvo XC60

2018 Volvo XC60 exterior profile at global media launch in Barcelona Spain by Carrie Kim ・ Photo by Carrie Kim

After a nine-year production run, Volvo’s XC60 compact luxury crossover is completely new for 2018. The XC60 is the first to debut in Volvo’s lineup of 60-series cars, and it’s worth the wait. We were able to test the all-new XC60 on the open roads just outside Barcelona, Spain. With just enough of a stylish makeover to make it exciting and fresh, and bringing over the larger 90-series’ new Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 is destined to be a segment leader in the crowded luxury crossover space. It also incorporates all the renowned safety systems and build-quality we know and love from Volvo.

Read on to learn 10 things about this brand-new vehicle.

1) It’s everything you love about the XC90, but smaller.

In case you’ve been out of the loop, Volvo began a major new renaissance for the 2016 model year with the launch of the all new XC90, the XC60’s big brother. The XC90, a large but stylish three-row crossover, went on to win countless awards in its first year, including multiple SUV of the Year titles and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+.

The new 2018 Volvo XC60 shares many of the same traits, from design details to mechanical architecture. It’s just all wrapped up in a more compact package with a smaller footprint. We think it’s a perfect size.

Photo by Carrie Kim

2) Volvo calls it “inspired confidence.”

Volvo says “inspired confidence” is the theme behind the new XC60, and with so many advanced safety and driver assistance features, we agree. Given that the brand is known for safety above all else, you’d expect it to be the priority for the new model. Indeed, Volvo says the XC60 has the potential to be the safest car on the road.

It’s a bold statement, but we think Volvo’s optional Pilot Assist is a great example. This semi-autonomous system can inspire confidence by helping you steer, accelerate and brake on well-marked roads, up to 80 miles per hour.

Photo by Carrie Kim

3) It isn’t just safe, it’s seductive.

In addition to being one of the safest cars you can buy, the XC60 is drop-dead gorgeous. Following the handsome and forward-thinking design language that Volvo has successfully integrated into their 90-series cars, the 60-series carries off the same stunning effect with the XC60.

The car is still recognizable as a Volvo with its familiar rear haunches, bold front grille, and athletic exterior design. But coupled with such a serene and sanctimonious interior cabin featuring sensuous buttery leather, open pore wood, and smooth metal trim, it’s both chic and sexy. Of course, it’s no Italian supercar or brash American muscle machine, but the XC60 heightens the senses and gets the blood flowing in the same way Don Draper does in his crisp tailored suit and 5 o’clock shadow.

Photo by Carrie Kim

4) It’s silky smooth on the streets.

One of the things we like most about the XC60 is the way it drives. Unlike some crossovers that can feel less connected to the road, the XC60 is firmly planted and easy to maneuver. As you'd expect from the Swedish automaker, the experience behind the wheel feels steady. There is a firmness reminiscent of the German competition, although it's more relaxed somehow. It's certainly not pillow-soft like the Japanese luxury rivals.

Power is evenly distributed during acceleration — no sudden jerks or charges — and the handling is firm without being too hard. 

Photo by Volvo

5) It can steer you out of an accident automatically.

Volvo’s standard City Safety system is already one of the most advanced safety systems available, but the company has continued to expand the system and has debuted new functionality with the XC60. Steering Support is now available and complements the automatic braking feature — it engages when braking alone would not avoid an accident, particularly head-on collisions.

Oncoming Lane Mitigation is also new and is similarly used in conjunction with steer assist to help avoid collisions when changing lanes. It even works with the blind spot detection system, too. So yes, your XC60 can steer you out of harm’s way if necessary.

Photo by Volvo

6) It comes with a suite of impressive standard features.

Unlike the a la carte approach that other luxury brands seem to take when equipping their vehicles with creature comforts, Volvo takes a more inclusive route with the XC60. The entry level model feels far from “base,” with standard features like leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, and LED headlights with active high beams (and Volvo’s signature “Thor’s hammer” daytime running lights).

The 9-inch center console touchscreen display is stunning; positioned in “portrait” orientation, the large vertical display truly mimics a tablet inside the car. There is also an 8-inch, full-color digital driver display that replaces traditional analog gauges in the instrument cluster and further elevates the premium feel of this compact SUV. No matter what trim you choose, the XC60 always feels luxurious with a multitude of premium standard features.

Photo by Volvo

7) Fresh air is delivered on demand.

You know a vehicle is actually worth its luxury badge when you discover that it even cleans the air you breathe inside the cabin for you. Volvo’s CleanZone is part of the car’s cooling system, and it does make the air inside healthier. Using a much larger multi-filter and a layer of active charcoal, it scrubs the air of pollen and pollutants, removing those icky contaminants to ensure the inside of your XC60 is pure and clear. Volvo says because we spend more time in our cars than ever before, we should prioritize healthy air inside. We couldn’t agree more.

Photo by Volvo

8) The sound system sounds incredible.

The air isn’t the only thing that’s crystal clear inside the XC60; be sure to budget for the upgrade and be immersed in sound waves emulating from the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system. You don’t have to be an audiophile to appreciate the system’s excellence; with varied modes like Concert Hall or Studio settings and specific configurations to optimize the sound for the driver, passenger or the entire cabin. Indeed, possibilities are endless in the quest for optimum sound. The system’s classic metal mesh speaker covers look great too, only adding to the interior design’s sophistication.

Photo by Volvo

9) It’s available as a plug-in hybrid.

We all know that the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles is growing, and the Volvo XC60 is available as a plug-in hybrid. Offering the best of both worlds, the XC60 can travel 25 miles using pure electric energy, but also has the flexibility of a hybrid gas engine that can kick in to keep going for longer distances. The plug-in hybrid powertrain, available on all trim levels, also generates a genuinely thrilling 400 horsepower, proving that going green can still get you in the red.

Photo by Volvo

10) It has some heavy-hitting competitors.

The XC60’s biggest competitors are the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. All four vehicles are prime examples of the cream of the crop in the compact SUV marketplace. The 2018 XC60 and Q5 start at the same price point of $41,500, but the XC60’s multitude of standard features make it a great bargain for the same price. Pricing for the 2018 X3 and GLC are not yet available, but for 2017 their base prices both start at $40,050. However, these base models are bare bones when compared to the XC60.