Review: Volvo Mk.1 XC60 (2009-17)

Review: Volvo Mk.1-I XC60 (2009-10)

Overview

Released in Australia in February 2009, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) XC60 was a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the XC60 range initially consisted of D5 and T6 variants. In November 2009, however, a new engine was introduced for D5 variants and a 3.2 variant was introduced.

Engines

Of these engines,

• The 3.2 variants were powered by 3.2-litre B6324S inline six cylinder engines that had aluminium-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS) for inlet valves, four valves per cylinder, a Variable Intake System (VIS) with two throttle flap valves and a compression ratio of 10.8:1;
• The 3.0-litre B6304T4 inline six cylinder engine for T6 variants differed in that it was fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Variable Cam Timing applied for both intake and exhaust valves and the compression ratio was lowered to 9.3:1; and,
• For the original D5 variants, the D5244T4 diesel engine had an aluminium cylinder block and heads, a water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.3:1. Available from November 2009, however, the D5244T10 diesel engine was fitted with a two-stage turbocharger, a new common-rail direct injection system (operating at 1800 bar), piezo-electric injectors, an improved exhaust gas recirculation system and the compression ratio was reduced to 16.5:1.

Six-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic transmissions were fitted as standard across the range.

AWD system

The Volvo XC60 had a Haldex all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. However, the system’s ‘pre-tensioned’ clutch used a non-return valve within the coupling to immediately provide up to 80 Nm of torque to the rear wheels when sensors detected that it was required, i.e. before wheel slip actually occurred; the system would also provide torque to the rear wheels under acceleration. When the coupling’s clutch plates were engaged, 50 per cent of the engine’s torque would be directed to the rear wheels. The traction control system could also brake a single spinning wheel to transfer power to the wheels with traction, but was disabled under four-wheel braking.

Dimensions

The Volvo XC60 was underpinned by Volvo’s Y20 platform which was shared with the Volvo Mk.2 S80 , Mk.3 V70 and XC70 . Relative to the larger XC90 , the XC60 was 179 mm shorter (at 4628 mm), 7 mm narrower (1891 mm), 71 mm lower (1713 mm) and had an 83 mm shorter wheelbase (2774 mm). Furthermore, the XC60 had a drag coefficient of 0.35 Cd.

Steering and suspension

The Volvo XC60 had an electrohydraulic power-assisted steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension (with coil-over struts and anti-dive and anti-lift geometry) and independent, multi-link rear suspension. As an extra-cost option, buyers could specify Volvo’s ‘Four-C’ active chassis system which used inputs from sensors to vary damping resistance according to conditions; the driver could also select from Comfort, Sport and Advanced settings.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo XC60 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control, trailer stability assist, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the T6 was also fitted with hill descent assist.

The XC60 was also fitted with Volvo’s ‘City Safety’ system, which would automatically apply the brakes at speeds under 30km/h if a windscreen-mounted laser anticipated a collision.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Volvo XC60 D5 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.53 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, there was only a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. Furthermore, maximum points were awarded in the side impact and pole tests. The XC60 was subsequently re-assessed under Euro NCAP’s updated testing regime and received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Features: Volvo XC60

Standard features for the Volvo XC60 D5 and XC60 3.2 included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, cargo cover and net, compass, courtesy lamps, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Volvo XC60 T6 was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers. There was also a D5 LE edition which omitted the T6’s bi-xenon headlights, but added a power adjustable front passenger seat, front parking sensors and sunroof with a glass panel.

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: New Volvo XC60 combines comfort with all-road ability (March 2008)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 MY2009 – Overview (March 2008)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2010 (March 2009)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 R-Design (January 2010)

Review: Volvo Mk.1-II XC60 (2010-13)

Overview

Released in September 2010, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) XC60 introduced Euro V emissions-compliant engines and an updated interior. Inside, the Mk.1-II XC60 could be identified by its revised tunnel console and centre stack, which housed either a five- or seven-inch colour display. Occupant protection was also improved with strengthened A- and B-pillars.

In March 2011, the range was expanded with a price-leading front-wheel drive T5 variant. These variants were powered by the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine which had an aluminium cylinder block and head, a Borg Warner K03 turbocharger, direct injection, double overhead camshafts, variable inlet and exhaust camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

The XC60 range was also updated in July 2011 with additional features and the introduction of the D5244T16 diesel engine. In August 2012, a D4 variant was introduced – it was powered by Volvo’s 2.0-litre D5204T2 turbo-diesel engine.

Safety equipment

In August 2012, the City Safety collision avoidance system was upgraded to operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Also in August 2012, the optional Driver Alert System – which included Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Autobrake – was expanded to include Active High Beam and Road Sign Information detection.

Features

Compared to their Mk.I-I predecessors, standard features for the Mk.1-II XC60 were extended to include an upgraded eight speaker Harman Kardon sound system with auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod), emergency braking lights, Bluetooth connectivity and rain-sensing wipers. Furthermore, all-wheel drive models were also fitted with hill decent control as standard.

The XC60 T6 gained regenerative braking, a power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, laminated windows, power tailgate and interior air quality system; directional bi-xenon headlights, however, were omitted. From August 2012, the T6 was fitted with automatic headlights which would turn on in low light conditions.

July 2011: XC60 update

In July 2011, the Mk.1-II XC60 was updated, with standard features extended to include a CD/DVD player, a larger seven-inch display, reversing camera, Bluetooth audio streaming and power-operated tailgate. The T6 was further equipped with a twelve speaker Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound system.

XC60 R-Design editions

The D5 and T6 R-Design were distinguished by their 15 mm lower and stiffer suspension (springs and anti-roll bars), two-tone leather seats, front skid plate, door sill plates, sports instruments, sports steering wheel, body kit and body-colored side mouldings.

From July 2011, the R-Design editions included an adaptive cruise control system with pedestrian detection, keyless entry and voice recognition.

XC60 Teknik editions

From July 2011, the D5 and T6 variants were available in ‘Teknik’ editions. The Teknik editions featured a satellite navigation system with voice recognition (for navigation and audio functions), a blind-spot warning system, an adaptive cruise control system with pedestrian detection, directional headlights and keyless entry.

2012 XC60 Ocean Race edition

In March 2012, limited-run Ocean Race editions of the D5 variant were released. Based on the Teknik editions, the Ocean Race editions could be identified by their 18-inch ‘Argus’ alloy wheels and choice of ‘Ocean Race Blue II’ or ‘Electric Silver’ metallic paint finishes. Inside, there was rcross-stitched leather upholstery with ‘Ocean Race’ embossing and aluminium inlays for the centre stack.

XC60 D5 and T6 R-Design models – Polestar tuning

From April 2012, Volvo could apply Polestar tuning software to the XC60 D5 and T6 R-Design models: for the D5, peak power increased by 11 kW to 169 kW and peak torque by 30 Nm to 470 Nm; for the T6, peak power increased by 18 kW to 242 kW and peak torque by 40 Nm to 480 Nm.

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-II XC60 (September 2010)
• Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-II XC60 (March 2011)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2011 (August 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2012 (May 2011)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2013 (August 2012)

Review: Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 (2013-17)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase III (Mk.1-III) XC60 introduced a revised range and subtle interior and exterior updates. As standard, the Mk.1-III XC60 was also fitted with Corner Traction Control, a torque vectoring system which would apply the brakes to the inside wheels when cornering to prevent understeer.

Visually, the Mk.1-III XC60 could be identified by its new bonnet (with washer nozzles positioned underneath), larger iron mark grille badge, daytime LED running lights, integrated tailpipes and the omission of black body-protecting trim.

Inside, there was a new adaptive digital display which used an active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) panel to provide the driver with personalised information and in three selectable themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance. Other interior changes include a new headliner, wood inlays and silk metal frames surrounding the air vents and light controls.

Range revisions: May 2014, April 2015 and April 2016

The Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 range underwent several changes during production –

• From May 2014, the XC60 D4 and T5 variants were fitted with new turbocharged ‘Drive-E’ diesel and petrol engines, respectively, that were mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions. Rather than use common-rail injection with a conventional single pressure sensor, each injector in the ‘Drive-E’ diesel engine had a chip which monitored injection pressure – up to 2500 bar – for more precise fuel flow (Volvo’s ‘Intelligent Accuracy Refinement Technology’ or ‘i-ART’);
• From April 2015, the XC60 D4 variants were all-wheel drive, powered by 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engines and had six-speed automatic transmissions; and,
• From April 2016, the XC60 T5 was all-wheel drive and offered in Luxury and R-Design editions. Furthermore, a 2.0-litre turbo and supercharged petrol engine was introduced for the T6 R-Design, replacing the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six cylinder engine.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.III XC60 was unchanged. As a $5000 extra-cost option, the Luxury and R-Design editions could be fitted with a ‘Driver Support Pack’ which included:

• Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert;
• Volvo’s Driver Alert System (Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Active High Beam, Forward Collision Warning and Road Sign Information);
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Full Autobrake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection;
• Front parking sensors (in addition to the standard rear parking sensors); and,
• Electrochromatic door mirrors.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 Kinetic included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB) and a seven-inch screen, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, leather upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 40/20/40 split and flat folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows, power heated mirrors with folding function, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet, roof rails, a power tailgate, luggage cover, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The XC60 Luxury was further equipped with satellite navigation system with a seven-inch display, power adjustable front passenger seat, directional bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel gearshift paddles and an alarm system.

Relative to the Luxury editions, the XC60 R-Design was distinguished by its 18-inch ‘Ixion II’ Diamond Cut/Matt Black alloy wheels, twelve speaker sound system, contoured R-Design sports seats with perforated leather upholstery and R-Design sports steering wheel. The R-Design editions, however, omitted the power adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory settings and alarm system.

Visually, the XC60 R-Design could be identified by its frameless Tech Matte Black grilles with high-gloss black stripes, R-Design emblems, unique rear diffusers with aero fins and R-Design tailpipes.

Brochure

• Brochure: Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 (October 2014)
• Brochure: Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 (November 2015)

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 (September 2013)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.1-III XC60 (January 2017)

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 (September 2013)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2014 (November 2013)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo XC60 – model year 2015 (April 2014)
• Volvo Australia: Volvo XC60
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.1 XC60