2013 Volvo S60 on 2040-cars

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2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E [w/video]

The Swedes Bend Sixes And Fives Into Fours
With government agency pressures mounting, the auto industry's latest engine and powertrain trends invariably include the cobbling of heretofore eight-cylinder models into charged (either turbo- or super-) six-cylinder models, six-cylinders into charged four-cylinders and so on. And then there's the mating of these downsized engines to fuel-saving automatic transmissions with ratio counts previously reserved for bicycles and semi trucks. Volvo can at last follow suit with the best of Germany and Japan thanks in great part to an $11-billion multi-year investment by its Chinese owners, Geely.
After we survived the recent Frankfurt Motor Show marathon of news and reveals (chief among said bits being the stunning Volvo Concept Coupe), we were escorted by the Swedish automaker to the far less frenetic air of southern France to explore the most significant step yet in the company's new life. Volvo's entire movement of new tech is referred to as Drive-E, and it includes these all-new four-cylinder engines we just tested, a new modular architecture called Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that will first be found under the next-generation XC90, along with a host of other onboard advancements. Think of it as a Scandinavia's version of Mazda Skyactiv, a total-systems approach to developing more efficient yet more sporting new models.

2024 Volvo XC60 Review: Ignore the Germans, go Swedish

Pros: Elegant styling and beautiful cabin; spacious for the segment; excellent plug-in hybrid option; solid value Cons: Middling handling; pricey and strange Polestar performance model There's no doubt that European luxury SUVs are dominated by German carmakers. But what if you're looking for something a bit different? The 2024 Volvo XC60 may be the alternative you've been seeking, with unique Scandinavian design inside and out. Add in Volvo's commitment to safety, which should be of particular importance to family-minded shoppers, and the XC60 should have even stronger appeal. The XC60 is available as either a mild-hybrid or a more powerful Recharge plug-in hybrid, which can drive as many as 36 miles on electricity alone. We're certainly fans of the plug-in model, but its significant price premium may have shoppers settling on the more-than-adequate B5 base engine. More likely than not, prospective owners will spend more time configuring the interior. There are several choices of upholstery and interior trim that should fit a variety of tastes, and we're especially fond of the wool blend seats that are available on the Recharge. The XC60 isn't as sporty as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC or Audi Q5, but that shouldn't matter much for the typical SUV driver. If you're one of the rare drivers who wants more athletic handling, the Polestar Engineered model should satisfy, but it comes at the cost of ride comfort. Considering the similarly sized Volvo V60 wagon would perhaps be a stronger alternative, including the raised, all-wheel-drive Cross Country model. Whichever route you take, the 2024 Volvo XC60 is a classy, safe and sensible alternative to the more common luxury SUVs. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? The XC60 lineup gets pared down a bit. The base B5 engine is no longer offered with front-wheel-drive and the more powerful B6 engine has been discontinued. There are some additions, though, including an air purifier for Plus and Ultimate trims and laminated windows for the Ultimate. A new Black Edition appearance package also debuts for the top trim. What are the XC60 interior and in-car technology like? Volvo’s attractive and refined shape is mirrored in its stylish, welcoming interiors.

Volvo EX30 due out in June 2023 as entry-level electric crossover

Volvo will expand its range towards the bottom when it presents an entry-level electric crossover called EX30 in June 2023. The company isn't ready to show us the soft-roader's full design yet, but it released a preview video that gives us a better idea of what to expect from it. "Something small is coming," Volvo wrote in a statement. While that's not a lot to go on, it suggests — but doesn't confirm — that the EX30 will slot below the XC40 in terms of size. We've seen it parked next to the EX90 and it looks considerably smaller; it rides on a much shorter wheelbase and features a relatively small rear overhang that creates a boxy silhouette characterized by an almost upright rear end. Many of the styling cues that define Volvo's current design language seem to appear on the EX30. Its front end wears T-shaped LED daytime running lights (called Thor's Hammer in the company jargon) inspired the EX90's, while its rear end features a new interpretation of the upright lights that Volvo has fitted to many of its cars over the past few decades — including the C30, which was its last 30-branded car. Technical details haven't been announced. All we know is that the EX30 will be all electric, all the time; it won't be available with a gasoline-powered engine. An unverified report claims that the city-friendly model will share its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform with the Smart #1, among other models, and Volvo boss Jim Rowan said the crossover will deliver a "decent range." Using the SEA platform will allow Volvo to offer rear- and all-wheel drive as well as several battery options, though the lineup will vary from market to market. The Volvo EX30 will make its debut on June 7, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. European time, which is 7:30 a.m. in New York and — sorry, West Coast folks — 4:30 a.m. in California. We'll learn more about it in the coming weeks, and sales will start on the day of the unveiling. If the report is accurate, the EX30 will be built in China. Volvo confirmed to Autoblog that the model will be sold in the United States. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.