Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%

When it made its world debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Volvo XC60 crossover was billed as the Swedish company’s safest and most stunning car ever.

It certainly grabbed our attention on the stand in Sweden, but looking good is just one important aspect – the Volvo XC60 needs to be the full package to compete with the German mainstays.

Sitting beneath the Volvo XC90, the XC60 goes up against the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the medium-sized SUV market.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks
 
The most stunning Volvo ever built? Purists may disagree when you look at the sportier models from the 50s and 60s but you can’t help but notice the new Volvo XC60’s dynamic design. It’s full of sleek, rakish lines while providing a muscular presence. The XC60 still has the unmistakable Volvo design meaning the big front grille and long-running rear lights.

8/10

2. Looks inside
 
Volvo knows how to build a class interior with everything having a superb, craftsman’s feel. The cabin is airy and the dials well arranged. The heater buttons in the shape of a person are a neat touch while the sweep of the instrument pod is inspired by Sean Connery’s raised eyebrow during his days as James Bond. And that’s not a joke. 
9/10

3. Practicality
 
The Volvo XC60’s boot has an enormous 655 litre capacity but this doesn’t come at the expense of passenger comfort. The rear is capable of carrying three adults with relative ease. There is plenty of all-round vision which is a good thing considering the car’s size. We found parking to be particularly easy for an SUV.

10/10

4. Ride and Handling
 
The XC60 provides an equally comfortable ride on a range of surfaces from motorways to B-roads. The suspension irons out every crease it comes across providing a beautifully relaxed ride. Show it a corner and the XC60’s steering is impressively sharp and direct. There is the inevitable body roll you expect from an SUV, but it is reasonably controlled.

8/10

5. Performance
 
Our model was fitted with a 2.5-litre diesel engine developing 185bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power. Mated to a smooth six-speed manual gearbox, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph.

Thanks to the car’s pulling power, the Volvo feels faster than the numbers quoted with impressive mid-range acceleration. The top of the range XC60 has a 285bhp petrol engine powering it to 130mph and 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

Volvo also offers the XC60 in ‘Geartronic’ guise which is an automatic but also provides the driver with the opportunity to override the system. It’s smooth when you’re cruising but not the quickest when you take control. Acceleration is slower and emissions are higher as a result.

7/10

6. Running Costs
 
Our 186bhp diesel model emits 199g/km of carbon dioxide meaning an annual road tax bill of £215. After nearly 500 miles of driving, mainly on motorways, the XC60 returned just under 35mpg, not far short of the claimed 37.7mpg.

The 3-litre petrol model at the top of the range averages 23.7mpg and emits 284g/km meaning a £400 annual road tax bill. The forthcoming 163bhp model with front-wheel drive Volvo’s ‘DRIVe’ technology emits 159g/km and averages 47.1mpg – impressive economy for an SUV.

Opt for a Geartronic model and the XC60 becomes a slower, thirstier, and more polluting model.

6/10

7. Reliability
 
The XC60 is an all-new model so it’s very early to gauge its reliability but Volvo has used the XC60’s engines across the range for a few years now so they are tried and tested. As we previously said, the interior is beautifully built filling us with confidence.

8/10

8. Safety
 
With the XC60, Volvo continues to justify its reputation for putting safety first. Volvo has fitted the SUV with no end of safety equipment with EuroNCAP awarding it 94 per cent for adult occupancy in its crash test ratings. View the XC60’s safety features here.

10/10

9. Equipment
 
The XC60 comes in three trim levels – S, SE and Lux.

The S gets highlights including climate control, CD player with aux jack, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails and rear spoiler.

Upgrade to SE and you get Hill Descent Control (which controls speed down steep slopes), electric driver’s seat with memory function, power door mirrors, dimming rear-view mirrors, compass and chrome window trim.

The range-topping SE Lux adds leather upholstery, Nordic Light Oak wood trim, powered and heated front seats, luxury floor mats, chrome detailing, 18-inch alloy wheels, active headlamps (which turn into corners) and rear park assist.

9/10

10. X-Factor

The XC60 is fantastically built and immensely safe as you would expect from any Volvo. But the Swedes have also made the SUV good looking as well, adding to the car’s charm.

8/10