XC60 [Official] 2017 Volvo XC60

[Busty]

Details like this (or the frameless rearview mirror) are just fantastic. I'm sometimes surprised however how many customers and even hardcore enthusiasts don't care about or value such things.
Whatever: I don't know any vehicle in that price range offering that kind of spectacle interior-wise.

 

[W201]

How would you score XC60's interior, on a scale 1-10, @Busty ?
(And Volvo's interiors in general? How do they compare to the Audi?)

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Details like this (or the frameless rearview mirror) are just fantastic. I'm sometimes surprised however how many customers and even hardcore enthusiasts don't care about or value such things.
Whatever: I don't know any vehicle in that price range offering that kind of spectacle interior-wise.

Does that detail have a function @Busty ?

 

[martinbo]

Does that detail have a function @Busty ?

What a bizarre question - you must be a lawyer.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

What a bizarre question - you must be a lawyer.

A tax-lawyer, to be more precise...

 

[martinbo]

A tax-lawyer, to be more precise...

For the defendant or the prosecution - wait, wait, wait - don't answer that. Objection your honour - leading the witness. [This is where I stop trying to make more of a fool of myself.]

Look, the little Swedish flag motif stamped into the trim has no function other than that of aesthetics. Its function is hence nothing more than a detail touch to convey that elusive element of "specialness". And boy, is this little SUV special...

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Of course, you're right @martinbo , it's the Swedish flag! I didn't notice at first glance. Silly me

 

[Busty]

Does that detail Und have a function @Busty ?

Sustained. But barrister @martinbo has said it all. (almost: maybe it's a surrogate for the Sweden flag tags on the seats in the V/S/XC 90.)

How would you score XC60's interior, on a scale 1-10, @Busty ?
(And Volvo's interiors in general? How do they compare to the Audi?)

I give the XC60 a 9/10 (visually). Imo, it's the most original and coherent of the new Volvo interiors with the XC90's being the weakest (but still good). They are all very scandinavian and architectural which I also love in buildings, furniture etc. Beyond the details, I love the use of light, matte woods, and the 3D surfaces. I drove all 90s, and I was not fully convinced of the tactile quality of some surfaces, some keys and controls felt too light and too imprecise with regard to pressure points. Of course, the HMI is a turn-off functionally.

I'm not a particular fan of current Audi interiors. Imo, the free-standing fixed screen does not fit their basic layout and approach. Furthermore, it does not look very refined in present implementations. However, I saw very promising proposals for the D5 which closely resemble latest concept cars. Interesting layering and geometry, great, solid air vents. As I go for oldfashioned analogue/mechanic elements in a digital surrounding, endless touchscreens may ultimately not be my cup of tea. I want a real knob to control the headlights, the same goes for temperature/AC.
Tactile quality etc. are still top notch. With my D3 and D4, I was not fully satisfied with the long-term quality of some alu-coated surfaces but I think that situation improved. Same should go for all leather-covered surfaces.

 

[bimmer6]

It actually has a function. Its the expansion joint for the wood trim if i translated "Dehnungsfuge" in the right way

Does that detail have a function @Busty ?

 

[PHYBENZ]

New E class also has a frameless rear view mirror, I actually thought it looked cheap.

 

[Giannis]

I'm sure you plan to keep your Volvo long enough for when they're uncool again.

Despite being beige, it has proved to be a great car, with solid reliability, actually acceptable maintenance costs (if you spend some time to find the OEM suppliers), adequate performance, supreme comfort and still supports my image to my clients.

Therefore I am not going to sell it any time soon.

I am only considering adding an RWD three-pointed star in my garage, though.

 

[GTA45E]

Yup. And don't forget the rear, which is a disaster.

Agreed about the rear. The overhang is too short compared to the front.
The shape of profile looks a little funny because of that.

 

[Rolf]

This is one of the best looking cars in its segment with a great looking interior to match. Volvo have hit the bulls eye with this stunning car! I want one now!

 

[SCOTT27]

Having sat in the XC60 today I can attest to the quality and detail as being well detailed and high quality.
It even looks better externally in the metal.

 

[Centurion]

Today I had a first look at the new Volvo XC60. As expected, its as stylish and modern looking as the XC90 and a well executed redesign of the outgoing model.

The seats, the seats, the seats, the seats are in a league of their own. They are as sculptured and contoured in the back as they are in the front, and head room is excellent despite the panoramic roof. What makes the seating position in the front even more fantastic is the very tall transmission tunnel which is more of a divider which is at an excellent hight for resting your arm. In the hybrid model, the batteries are stored in the transmission tunnel rather than in the boot. As for the boot, its spacious and has no load lip. Basically, it’s a good looking and practical car.

The bad
What lets the car downs is cost-cutting in interior quality and it’s glaring. The plastic surround at the top of the transmission tunnel and the entire glove compartment door is made out of cheap plastic that covers the steering wheel column of most new cars.

Volvo’s biggest crime however, are the doors. Except for the leather armrest, the entire door is made out of made material which feels sub-premium. It would be acceptable in a Renault hatchback with a “Elegance” trim package, but not in an expensive SUV.

I thought I was nip picking, but my feelings were confirmed when I sat in V90 which feels more solid the second you open the driver door. FYI, the V90 has a lower asking price. Its doors like the ones in the XC90 have leather but also inlays on the door. They use foamy plastic on the doors, entire glove compartment door and upper dash.

It will no doubt be Volvo’s top selling car outside of Scandinavia and perhaps the cost-cutting allow Volvo to squeeze higher margins from the car. Had they not done that, it would have been a total knock-out.

For now, the XC60 comes across as a lower quality version of the V90 and XC90 which should be the case at this price point.

Volvo XC60

Volvo XC90

Volvo V90

BMW X3

Mercedes GLC

Audi Q5

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I've yet to read about anybody speaking ill of seats in Volvos, and the recent Volvos don't seem to be the exception. For me, that'd be a big selling point, especially if I routinely drove long distances. That, and long term reliability and durability.

 

[Merc1]

Volvo has long had the best seats in the business, yes better than 99% of German cars. Saab had great seats too.

M

 

[Centurion]

I've yet to read about anybody speaking ill of seats in Volvos, and the recent Volvos don't seem to be the exception. For me, that'd be a big selling point, especially if I routinely drove long distances. That, and long term reliability and durability.

The seats are extremely supportive and natural in how they hold you up. They are excellent. However, those who don't have bad back or like comfortable seats with a lounge feel might prefer BMW's comfort seats.

 

[Rolf]

Thanks for the great write up of the new XC60. When I saw the pics of the interior I thought Volvo had created the class leading cabin but now you have mentioned about the little subpar quality details that let it down it disappoints me slightly especially those door panels which look very plain and cheap compared to its rivals which all have wood or metal trim to make them look and feel good. The seats however do look fantastic. I sat in the XC90 and was blown away by the supreme comfort and support of its seats.

 

[Centurion]

Thanks for the great write up of the new XC60. When I saw the pics of the interior I thought Volvo had created the class leading cabin but now you have mentioned about the little subpar quality details that let it down it disappoints me slightly especially those door panels which look very plain and cheap compared to its rivals which all have wood or metal trim to make them look and feel good. The seats however do look fantastic. I sat in the XC90 and was blown away by the supreme comfort and support of its seats.

You are welcome. It's dissapointing as I was considering the XC60 as my next car. The V90 in comparison has a fantastic quality cabin throughout and is gorgeous as a first class lounge.

The XC60 doors will look even more plain without the B&W speakers.