The latest generation Volvo XC60 will be launched in India on December 12. This is second generation for the Swedish automaker’s mid-size SUV since its launch in 2008. As is the case with all of the automaker’s products so far, the XC60 is expected to be offered here in a single top-of-the-line variant.
This latest generation XC60 follows in the footsteps of its elder sibling, the XC90, in terms of design elements like the head lamps and tail lamps but takes on a crossover stance as compared to the XC90’s slightly boxy looks. The cabin is quite similar to that of the XC90 and you get the massive touchscreen display that controls most of the functions, chrome elements for the centre console as well as multi-zone climate control. The car is expected to be offered in India with the beige and brown upholstery but the full black setup is expected to be there as an optional extra.
This being a Volvo, you are expected to get a plethora of airbags and possibly a suite of radar based safety programs making it the second vehicle after the XC90 to get the same. Initially, the engine under the hood will be a 2.0-litre diesel that like the XC90 will produce 235bhp/480Nm with power going to the front wheels via an eight-speed AT. Based on demand, Volvo is likely to also introduce a T6 Hybrid variant sometime in the future.
At the time of the launch, Volvo is expected to bring the cars via the CBU route but eventually, the XC60 will become the second product to come out their new assembly plant that they have built outside Bengaluru.
When launched, this new XC60 will take on the BMW X3 (due for a generation change at the 2018 Auto Expo), Jaguar F-Pace, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE in the mid-size premium vehicle segment.