The Volvo XC 60 is one of the most attractive cars on the market.
Pretty design, fine manners, elegant furnishings, practical talents, that's how you create a bestseller.
Of course, it only stays that way if the style and technology are state-of-the-art.
So it is not surprising that Volvo also relies on mild hybrids.
The four-cylinder therefore cooperates with a turbocharger, an integrated starter generator and a 48-volt electrical system.
Holger Appel
Editor in business, responsible for "Technology and Engine".
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The package sounds promising like smooth processes of shifting and rolling and economical use of fossil fuels.
The smoothly running machine gets 250 hp from a two-liter displacement, the assisting electric motor provides a further 14 hp and 40 Nm of torque.
What is offered is to be processed by an eight-speed automatic and brought onto the road from the front-wheel drive.
The Volvo, appearing as "XC 60 B 5 Mild Hybrid Petrol R-Design", starts smoothly and doesn’t take off with biting, but it does take off with determination.
At 180 km / h it is over, Volvo regulates all its cars there.
This reminds us that the development of high-performance internal combustion engines is no longer a priority in Sweden, which may already have an impact on the vote.
The engine and gearbox rarely find one another cleanly, there is always jolting in the ground, even at low speeds.
In the range between 150 and 180 km / h, the machine constantly shifts back and forth, perhaps the transmission was designed for higher speeds.
There is also a lack of harmony in the chassis, which is prepared in a very rough manner with the fat-looking 235/55 R-19 tires.
It's a shame, because the seating position is fine, the furnishings are elegant, and the controls take getting used to.
And traffic sign recognition is a case of complete unreliability.
We have an average consumption of 9.2 liters.
And a test car price of 70,000 euros.
That cools our love for the seductive messenger from the north a little.