Following a series of leaks the past few days that didn't leave anything to our imagination, Volvo came out with an official release regarding its all-new XC60 compact SUV/Crossover. Judging by the photos, the XC60's looks will be one of its strongest assets against the rest of the premium compact SUV pack that includes the likes of BMW's X3 and the forthcoming Mercedes GLK.
The all-wheel drive Volvo will be offered in the States exclusively with a turbocharged 3.0-liter T6 petrol engine that produces 285 HP. Europeans will also be able to choose from two variants of the 2.4-liter D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 HP respectively. In 2009, Volvo will add a front-wheel drive version in the XC60's Euro line-up powered by the 163 HP 2.4 D5 engine.
Highlights of the XC60 include a variety of intelligent safety systems like the City Safety that helps the driver avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts by braking the car automatically if sensors detect a potential impact and the driver does not react. Sales of the XC60 are set to start in Europe this fall, while sales in
Press Release:
Volvo reveals first photos of the new XC60 - the safest and most sensual Volvo ever
February 20, 2008 (Irvine, CA) - Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year's most anticipated new car launches - the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the
Volvos' new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment - the "Small Premium Utility." It blends a dynamic mix of two styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, immensely capable XC pumps its muscles. Up top, the daring lines create the elegant, sporty charisma of a coupe.
"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.
"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," says Arp. "City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
The XC60 targets a group of customers who impose high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. "One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car," says Arp. "It's as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle."
The new XC60 will be launched in the
Europe and
The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in
