Ahead of its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 4, Volvo releases the first photos of this year’s most exciting model: the new XC60. “It’s not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The first XC60s will go on sale around Europe in autumn 2008.
The XC Factor
Stepping boldly into the motoring world’s toughest and fastest-growing segment, the new Volvo XC60 boasts an exciting crossover of two car styles. The immensely capable XC flexes its sculptured muscles below to create a strong athletic profile with high ground clearance and large wheels. While above, the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of an elegant coupe.
Very Volvo
“This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. 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 a hundred metres away today, the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
Safety Comes Standard
Along with its distinct crossover design, a variety of intelligent safety systems form another important part of the XC60’s special character. And the most exciting news is City Safety: a unique feature that can help drivers avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts common in city traffic and tailbacks. If the XC60 is about to collide with the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
“We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced,” says Fredrik Arp. “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.”
Active Adventurer Seeks Same
With the XC60, Volvo Cars has clearly set its sights on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.
“This could be the C30 owner’s next car,” explains Fredrik Arp. “It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we’re widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle.”
Cross-Continent Crossover
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.
“During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel drive 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a C02 target around 170 g/km,” reveals Fredrik Arp. The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will begin early 2009.