Model Overview: 2012 Volvo XC70

Model Overview:  2012 Volvo XC70

XC70 3.2: $32,950

XC70 3.2 Premier: $35,900

XC70 3.2 Premier Plus: $37,750

XC70 3.2 Platinum: $40,450

XC70 T6 AWD: $39,100

XC70 T6 AWD Premier Plus: $40,950

XC70 T6 AWD Platinum: $43,650

Destination: $875

The XC70 is a unique crossover that blends the versatility and practicality for safely transporting people and their gear with the rich heritage of Volvo's 50-plus years in the premium wagon sector. With its zest for life and the great outdoors, the XC70 is even more appealing for 2012 thanks to the following changes.

All XC70s receive a redesigned upper instrument panel that houses the new standard Volvo Sensus system. This conveniently enables drivers to manage information from the audio unit, navigation system (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high-definition color monitor. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit their needs. Audiostreaming is an added functionality to the standard Bluetooth Integrated Interface.

Also new is the lower center console design, with silk metal framing the new Cross Avenue aluminum inlay for the 3.2 or the warm look of Classic Walnut Wood inlays for 3.2 Premier and above trim levels as well as all T6 AWD trims. Interior ambient lighting changes feature lights integrated behind the center console to emphasize the "floating" feeling of its design at night.

While the XC70 continues to be offered in 3.2 and T6 AWD versions, Volvo's new trim level strategy gives buyers more choices to select vehicles equipped exactly the way they desire. These new trim levels contain previously optional equipment that has been grouped together for convenience.

For example, the XC70 3.2 Premier trim level enhances comfort with leather seating surfaces, a power glass moonroof, power passenger seat, Classic Walnut wood inlays and dark tint rear windows.

The new Premier Plus trim level is available for both the 3.2 and T6 AWD. For the former, it includes all Premier features. This trim adds a power tailgate, front and rear park assist, 12V power outlet in the cargo area, grocery bag holder, Homelink remote garage door opener, keyless drive with Personal Car Communicator (PCC), a compass integrated into the inside rear view mirror, private locking, power folding rear head restraints and a cargo cover.

The new Platinum trim level includes all the features of Premier Plus. It adds the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and 650 watts. Also included is a Navigation System with Voice Control real time traffic, and map care plus a rear park assist camera.

Customers can select additional equipment for any XC70 from the list of available packages and stand-alone options.

The XC70's Climate Package includes heated front and rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, rainsensor windshield wipers, headlight washers and an Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

A Technology Package is available on all XC70s. It includes preventative safety technologies focusing on preventing driver distractions that studies show cause up to 90 percent of all traffic accidents. Based on this statistic, Volvo developed efficient features to help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of accidents caused by distraction and driver fatigue. The package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with a new Queue Assist feature, Collision Warning with new Full Auto Brake (CWAB), new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Volvo has enhanced the roster of the XC70's standard safety systems to include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC70 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

A refined 3.2-liter naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine delivers 240 horsepower with ULEV II emissions rating or 230 horsepower with PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating. All XC70s are fitted with a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired.

The XC70 T6 AWD 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine develops 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 2,100 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in quick acceleration and smooth drivability. As a testament to its vim and vigor, the XC70 T6 AWD can sprint from 0-60 in just 6.9 seconds.

Standard on all T6 trim levels is Volvo's signature All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction. Providing the best possible grip in all situations, AWD can be added to any 3.2 trim level as a stand-alone $2,000 option. Hill Descent Control (HDC), included on XC70s with AWD, uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

Introduced on the XC70, a height-adjustable integrated booster cushion, optional on all trim levels, teams with an extended inflatable curtain. This combination provides the industry's best passenger safety system for precious cargo (your children) in the rear seat. A strong side structure uses high-tensile steel of different grades to optimize side-impact protection.

Cargo carrying flexibility is the XC70's forte. The luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminum rails and movable storage points to secure the load. Side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. In addition, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load related accessories.

The XC70 also gains a new color choice and wheel design. T6 AWD trims receive new 18-inch "Zephyrus" alloy wheels. These attractive wheels are optional on all 3.2 trims. Twilight Bronze is a new exterior color available on all XC70s, while those fitted with leather seating can be trimmed in new Espresso Brown.