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2019 Volvo V60 vs. wagon competitors: How they compare on paper

The next-gen Volvo V60 was finally revealed this week. The outgoing model has been on sale since 2011, getting a few minor updates along the way. The new model is based off Volvo's Scalable Platform Architecture that underpins other models like the XC90 and XC60 crossovers and V90 wagon. The V60 will launch with two engines, with a powerful hybrid coming sometime down the line. Since the last V60 hit the market, Audi, Buick and BMW have all released their own flavor of wagon. Like Volvo, BMW sells a traditional sedan-based model. Audi and Buick's wagons are both high-riding models with some very slight off-road pretense, much like Volvo's Cross Country models. We don't have details on the upcoming V60 Cross Country, but, even when accounting for ground clearance, the V60, BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, A4 Allroad and Buick Regal TourX have a lot of overlap. Check out the specs breakdown below. Discover and compare other wagons and crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools. Engines, transmissions and drivetrains Out of the four wagons, the new V60 is the only one that offers two-wheel drive and a hybrid variant. The base V60 T5 uses a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four and sends power to the front wheels. Stepping up to the V60 T6 nets buyers an additional 66 horsepower thanks to a twincharged — supercharged and turbocharged — 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive. A T8 model that uses a 390-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available soon. All V60s use an eight-speed automatic. The Audi, BMW and Buick are all powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-fours. Additionally, the 3 Series has a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. All three wagons have standard all-wheel drive. The BMW and Buick use an eight-speed automatic, while the Audi sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. As base engines go, there's a four-horsepower difference between the most and least powerful models, though the Buick wins out on torque. The V60 T6 matches the Regal TourX's torque figure and trounces every competitor's horsepower rating. The V60 T8 packs more power and torque than any of the competition. Cargo and interior space The outgoing V60 was on the small side for a wagon. This new model rectifies that a bit, though its 48.2 cubic-feet of cargo space with the second-row folded is still substantially smaller than the competition.

BMW 225xe and 330e get official ahead of Frankfurt

BMW is going green at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with the launch of the 225xe and 330e plug-in hybrids, but the Bavarians are spilling the beans about them early. The models are the latest to use Bimmer's eDrive tech that's derived from the i3 and i8. The modular system allows the automaker to roll out PHEVs through its range. For the new 225xe, eDrive makes for an all-wheel drive, PHEV version of the brand's usually front-wheel drive wagon. Other than the door hiding the charging point, the vehicle looks the same as other versions. Underneath the skin, it uses a 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder to spin the front-wheels through a six-speed automatic. An 87-hp electric motor with a 7.7-kWh lithium-ion battery turns the rear, and the result is a total system output of 221 hp and 284 pound-feet. BMW claims a sprint to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, but this 2 Series shines in fuel economy with between 112 and 118 miles per gallon on the European cycle. Multiple driving modes let the driver find the right mix of power and mileage, but the electric range is only 25 miles. Like the standard version, there's no chance of the 225xe coming here, but prices in Germany start at 37,800 euros ($42,050, at current rates) later this year. For buyers wanting BMW's iconic 3 Series as a PHEV, there's the 330e. Again, the only major styling difference is the charging door on the front fender. Its 87-hp electric motor and 181-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder both send power to the rear wheels. The result is a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. The 330e maintains a 50-50 weight distribution, and fuel economy on the European cycle is rated between 112 and 124 mpg. Even with that efficiency, the 330e can get to 60 in 6.1 seconds. The 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery allows for 25 miles of EV range, too. BMW's gargantuan press release goes into exhaustive detail about every technological element in the two new models. You can check out all of those details below ahead of the Frankfurt reveal, below. BMW eDrive – the latest generation. 1. BMW eDrive technology. Setting a new benchmark for efficiency. The innovative BMW eDrive technology in the new BMW 225xe and new BMW 330e once again underlines BMW's leading role in the premium segment when it comes to powertrain electrification. BMW eDrive technology includes a number of cutting-edge plug-in hybrid components and makes a significant contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Upcoming new BMW X6 leaks out ahead of full reveal

The X5 may have been the first BMW crossover on the market when it arrived in 2000, opening the door to more high-riding Bavarians to follow, but it's been replaced twice over now. The X3 is on its second generation, and with the X1 having been introduced in 2009 and the X4 soon to hit showrooms, that makes the X6 - introduced in 2008 - the oldest crossover in the BMW lineup. But it won't be for much longer.
Soon BMW will reveal the all-new X6, based on the latest X5 but with that tell-tale slanted roofline. But before it gets the chance, a handful of images have leaked their way all over the Internet to give us an advance look at what to expect.
The overall shape of the new X6 comes across as familiar, if a bit less of an awkward take on the vehicle that (for better or worse) launched the crossover coupe segment. Up front the twin kidney grilles and headlights are larger, in keeping with the latest BMW design language, and the bumper less horizontal and more dynamic. Towards the back there's a sharp crease above the wheel arch blending into the more rakishly shaped tail lights, while the metallic vent behind the front wheel arch lends the flank an even sportier appearance.