2017 Geneva Motor Show: Second-gen Volvo XC60 unveiled

Stylish new Volvo XC60 with new engines, revamped interior and latest safety gadgets debuts at the Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo has revealed the second-generation XC60 at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. As expected, it’s built on the firm’s new SPA platform, flaunts XC90-inspired design, and gets new powertrains and revamped interior. Plus, there's a raft of new safety features added to the mid-size luxury SUV as well.

The first-gen Volvo XC60 was one of the best-selling vehicles for the Swedish brand, constituting 30 per cent of Volvo’s global sales. However, as practical and comfortable it was, there’s no denying that it was getting a little long in the tooth – it’s been around for 9 years now. We knew a new model was on the cards, and as expected, it doesn't disappoint - at least on paper, or pictures.

Let’s start with the design. Like the bigger XC90, the XC60 has gone all hip and cool in its latest avatar. It’s based on the same SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) as the elder brother, which means it’s longer, wider and lighter than its predecessor. Also, Volvo designers have ensured that it doesn’t look like a mini-XC90. Because of its short overhangs, more rakish roofline and compact dimensions, the XC60 looks sportier and more aggressive compared to the stately XC90.

Inside, the new XC60 marks a significant improvement over the first-gen model. However, the cabin borrows most of its stuff from the larger sibling. The dashboard, seats and upholstery look similar to the XC90, while the 8.0-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster are also lifted from the bigger brother. In terms of cabin space, legroom at the back has increased considerably, thanks to its 91mm longer wheelbase.

On the mechanical front, the new XC60 gets the same set of four-cylinder engines as the XC90. When launched in global markets, it’ll have five powertrain options including two diesel, two petrol and a plug-in hybrid. The diesel range will kick off with a 2.0-litre D4 that develops 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, followed by an uprated 231bhp/480Nm state of tune of the same engine.

The petrol variants will also have 2.0-litre turbo engines on offer. The lower T5 variant will be rated at 251bhp and 350Nm, while the more powerful T6 will develop 315bhp and 400Nm of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid will use the T6’s petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor to generate a total power output of 401bhp and 640Nm of torque. All the engines will come standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and AWD.

As for the safety equipment, the new XC60 gets Steer Assist system that helps the car to avoid an obstacle ahead. In addition, it also comes with Oncoming Lane Mitigation system that can avoid a potential head-on collision at speeds up to 140km/h. It also gets semi-autonomous driving system featuring blind-spot monitoring system and city autonomous braking.

Production of the all-new XC60 SUV will commence from April 2017 in Sweden. While its India launch is not imminent, the new XC60 should arrive here by the end of this year or early in 2018. It will compete against usual rivals such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3.

Also read: Porsche 911 GT3 revealed