Ron
07-04-2009, 12:01 PM
This turbo Volvo won the sprinting contest, faltering only in the 0-to-30-mph jump, where the Mercedes and the Audi nipped briefly to the front. From there on, it was all Volvo all the way, blowing through the quarter-mile at 96 mph, three up on the Mercedes, which scored the same time.
Big power is usually accompanied by small mpg numbers, and this Volvo is no exception 19 mpg puts it last on our trip, compared with 22 for the BMW at the top. Turbo boost comes up quickly. The steering is highly damped, as if the parts were moving in a goopy fluid. The ride is firm over rough roads, accompanied by crashing sounds.
3094
3095
As Arrival Vehicles go, this one gives the something to look at: a shape that flares dramatically as it sweeps back to huge sculptural taillights. Better yet, this visual entertainment takes place without encroaching on the capacity within. The XC60 ties the Audi in length at 182.2, exactly mid-size in this collection. We rated rear-seat comfort equal to that of the Audi and the Lexus at the top of the group, cargo space topped them all in our beer-case test, and the lightweight liftgate swung so easily that power assist would have been superfluous. Our bicyclist says the Volvo and the Lexus are easiest to load.
Big power is usually accompanied by small mpg numbers, and this Volvo is no exception 19 mpg puts it last on our trip, compared with 22 for the BMW at the top. Turbo boost comes up quickly. The steering is highly damped, as if the parts were moving in a goopy fluid. The ride is firm over rough roads, accompanied by crashing sounds.
3094
3095
As Arrival Vehicles go, this one gives the something to look at: a shape that flares dramatically as it sweeps back to huge sculptural taillights. Better yet, this visual entertainment takes place without encroaching on the capacity within. The XC60 ties the Audi in length at 182.2, exactly mid-size in this collection. We rated rear-seat comfort equal to that of the Audi and the Lexus at the top of the group, cargo space topped them all in our beer-case test, and the lightweight liftgate swung so easily that power assist would have been superfluous. Our bicyclist says the Volvo and the Lexus are easiest to load.