Volvo XC60 B5 – special delivery

IF you are going to engage in the cut and thrust of the most hotly contested section of the new car market – the mid-size SUV arena – then you need something special to see off the opposition.

And in the XC60, Volvo has a model with an almost unique quality – the capacity to sprinkle its driver with stardust.

Whether it’s down to the minimalist Scandinavian cabin, the smooth manner in which it travels, the cutting edge safety kit or simply that Volvo badge, this is a car that percolates a sense of superiority.

Not in an arrogant way mind, more a blend of making its passengers feel at one with themselves and their environment, in a car that can be relied on to keep things clean and green.

There may be a decent choice of Volvo models out there, including three sizes of SUV, but the XC60 remains one of the most popular models in the company’s history and has been the brand’s top seller for 15 years.

Of course Volvo, now Chinese owned, is committed to an electric future with half its global output expected to be EVs before the end of this year and the remainder being hybrid.

Our tested model, the XC60 B5, is from the latter category and features a 2.0-litre petrol engine supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid set-up to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

And with that in mind the latest 2025 version comes with a new combustion cycle that reduces emissions by up to four per cent.

The headline numbers are 0-62 in 6.9 seconds with a top speed pegged at 112mph (on safety grounds the top end for all Volvos) while average fuel consumption is 36.6 miles per gallon, a figure we were able to match over 350 miles of mainly motorway and suburban motoring.

Entry point to the XC60 line-up is the B5 AWD Core model at £47,615 while our high spec Ultra variant weighs in at a princely £61,620, so we aren’t exactly talking cheap for these cars.

But then there’s nothing you could even loosely describe as low-tariff about the Volvo – it’s upmarket, environmentally high calibre and sturdily put together.

And with handling and dynamics in mind the drive is beautifully balanced, assured and smooth as well as being nimble around country lanes. All-wheel drive is also present on every XC60, so muddy tracks should never pose a problem.

Move inside and the SUV’s family friendly nature becomes evident courtesy of a clean Scandinavian-design cabin complete with plenty of cubbies, various stowage options and a 483-litre boot which stretches to 1,410 litres with the rear seats flipped down.

The seats, in our case in perforated and ventilated Nappa soft leather, are comfortable, relaxing and heated up front while the handcrafted crystal gear shifter made exclusively for Volvo is a gem.

Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with speedo displayed on the left while taking centre stage on the dash is a nine-inch vertical hi-res touchscreen – easy enough to use once you’re used to it though there’s little in the way of physical buttons.

Every XC60 comes extensively kitted out to include the likes of 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, wireless phone charger, built-in Google apps and auto headlights/wipers.

Go the whole hog with Ultra trim though and you also get 20-inch alloys, a 360-degree camera, Bowers and Wilkins sound set-up, massaging seats, head-up display plus a panoramic sunroof.

There’s a lot to like in an SUV that has bags of style – more elegant estate than your regular crossover –  one that adds genuine distinction to such a competitive market.