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Officially Official: 2009 Volvo XC60 debuts ahead of Geneva
by John Neff on Feb 20th 2008 at 10:27AM 
Click above for new high-res gallery of the 2009 Volvo XC60
After a series of leaks that has already revealed the look of Volvo's new XC60 CUV, the Swedish automaker has released the real deal, including some official specs for its smallest soft-roader. Volvo believes the design of the XC60 is the best interpretation yet of the brand's essence, saying that its clean lines and clear identity "radiate a clear Volvo presence" from at least twice the distance of any current model. In the U.S., power will be ample thanks to the company's turbocharged T6 motor producing 281 horsepower and all-wheel-drive is also standard. Like all cars from Volvo, safety is a top priority, so in addition to the normal smattering of active and passive safety systems, the XC60 is fitted with City Safety, a new system that will automatically apply the brakes if a low-speed impact is imminent.
Volvo also wants the XC60 to be an aspirational vehicle for those who've already bought into the brand with an S40 or C30. It plans to sell 50,000 units globally per year, with 15,000 to 20,000 earmarked for the U.S. Though the car will make its public debut in early March at the Geneva Motor Show, Europeans won't be able to pick one up until the end of the year, while those in the States will have to wait until the first quarter of 2009.
We have to agree with Volvo's PR machine that the XC60 is the best-looking vehicle in the brand's lineup, taking the look that the automaker has been evolving for some 15 years now and shaving off all the rough edges. Pricing was not released, however, which will be the ultimate determining factor in how much we really like the new XC60.
Gallery: 2009 Volvo XC60
[Source: Volvo]
PRESS RELEASE
Volvo reveals first photos of the new XC60
- the safest and most sensual Volvo ever
February 20, 2008 (Irvine, CA) - Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year's most anticipated new car launches - the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.
Volvos' new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment - the "Small Premium Utility." It blends a dynamic mix of two styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, immensely capable XC pumps its muscles. Up top, the daring lines create the elegant, sporty charisma of a coupe.
"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.
"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," says Arp. "City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
The XC60 targets a group of customers who impose high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. "One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car," says Arp. "It's as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle."
The new XC60 will be launched in the US with a single engine: the powerful turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard.
Europe and North America sales targets
The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the USA (15,000 - 20,000 units annually), Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the fall of 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Matt 10:33AM (2/20/2008)
I really like this vehicle, I think Volvo will do well with this
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pq 10:37AM (2/20/2008)
It actually looks a lot like the Mazda Cx-7 from the side pic... mmm and Ford also has a stake in Mazda, righy?
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VTECtive 10:50AM (2/20/2008)
Nice car. It took Volvo a while, but they are now more than just a safe car. With the S80, C70, and now this, they have become a brand with a whole line of good looking cars.
Another thing I noticed... the Buick Enclave sure did wonders for that color. Brown is the new black, I guess.
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A47 11:05AM (2/20/2008)
Can you say RDX killer?
Standard T6(TurboCharged 6, not a Turbo 4 fail), Standard AWD(given, they both have standard AWD, the XC90 doesn't) automatically better interior, WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY better styling.
This is going to be priced right below the XC90, and I'm buying one to match our S80 V8.
Dan 10:57AM (2/20/2008)
There is a XC60 on display currently at the Toronto International Autoshow. I saw it on Monday, it is a very stylish car.
I may trade in my V70!
D
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A47 11:07AM (2/20/2008)
Oh and what I wanted to say was that the C30 and S40 are also attractive.
Chris Vitale 11:04AM (2/20/2008)
Of course you'll know it's a Volvo from twice the distance...Look at the size of the grille emblem!
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k.w.a 11:29AM (2/20/2008)
haha yes i found that quite unnecessary. I know all the car companies are enlarging their emblems but Volvo should stay tasteful. other than that, this thing is nice!
Cire 11:04AM (2/20/2008)
This is one good looking Volvo. I hope it gives some of the traditional snob brand mainstays a run for their money. Good job, Volvo!
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TBlueMax 11:24AM (2/20/2008)
Easily one of the most dynamic and modern of Volvo's designs. Great proportions, handsome detailing, and a robust drivetrain should make for a very competitive vehicle in the crowded "Small Premium Utility" segment.
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broosewee 11:46AM (2/20/2008)
Looks good! Let's hope it drives as well as it looks. Volvos aren't the most dynamic vehicles out there, but they are competent.
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dreamtech 11:54AM (2/20/2008)
To Mr. John Neff, design (styling) is subjective BUT how can you say that Volvo has finally `shaving out all the rough edges of the past 15 years of Volvo design. This is a joke! right? The original S80 was fantastic! Clean, modern, unique, and created a strong identity for future Volvos.
This latest Volvo abortion has so few new styling ideas. I see almost nothing new or original about the character line under the rounded schoulder of the car. It just makes the shoulder busy looking. And the front of the vehicle is a
compete disaster. What shape is that grill? Are they trying to copy the new 6 sided Honda grills? The lower front bumper air intake has been ripped off countless new cars (mercedes E class, new VWs, BMW, and many others).
The headlights are not a distinctive shape and there is no need for the busy mini headlight between the grill and main headlight.
I used to be able to understand the clean surface language of Volvo cars, but this is a mess. Many sharp edges like on the front bottom air intake design don`t match the smooth rounded shoulder.
Is this car trying to be Japanese rather than Swedish...look at the fog like air opening shape and design.
I had thought Swedish design was supposed to be more elegant and minimalistic than this latest offering. If anyone else tends to agree or disagree with me about this latest Volvo...let me know;)
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Ligor 12:06PM (2/20/2008)
this is very nice from Volvo
the Saab concept also looked good adn so will the Cadillac varinat
seems liek the small luxury CUV craze will have a lot more options come 2009
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J 12:34PM (2/20/2008)
Here's video of the XC60.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kxv4UQKKEbk
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Eric N. 3:28PM (2/20/2008)
I was considering waiting for the redesign XC90, but I think Volvo did a great job with the XC60.
Stylish while not choking you with attitude. And a still solid brand name, brand identity.
Definitely on the short list come 4Q 2008.
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Eric N. 3:35PM (2/20/2008)
Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHrMVLoCVWI&NR=1
I live in a rainy environment, and I wonder how the XC60 handles when opening the trunk during light / heavy rain?
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Kelli in Spain 1:01PM (12/15/2008)
I live in Spain where they are already selling the XC 60. I`ve drivin it and it is incredible!!! The trunk will have an automatic button to close it (like the Lexus Hybrid) in the next year model. That will be a nice addition with such a heavy trunk. Might be worth waiting, especially knowing that this style will not change for the following year. I´m sold...
94 taurus owner 3:17AM (2/21/2008)
Thats nice I saw the concept last year. It's nice
to see Volvo actually made a car that looks like
the Concept(one of very few).
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94 taurus owner 3:16AM (2/21/2008)
If this is reasonably priced it should do very good.
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Nevill Ooms 2:19PM (2/22/2008)
Another small ute vehicle with room for 5. There are so many out there why would I buy one of these? Probably 45k for this car. Who has that kind of money sitting around and if I did why would I buy this? That development money would have been better spent on the XC90 replacement. The XC 90 has the right package (could do better in the second row seat and a stronger engine) but the design has been around for 6 years, talk about stale and tired. Hello, Volvo try adding value to your vehicles instead of cost. You are basically pricing yourself right out of the market. You are just getting too expensive to be a value!
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