Unlike the regular S60 which comes in both, Petrol and Diesel variants, the S60 Cross Country is available only with D4 engine option at present. It’s a 5-cylinder, 2400 CC turbocharged diesel unit with a tweaked power output. It churns out 190 BHP @ 4000 RPM while maximum torque of 420 Nm can be tapped between 1500 – 3000 RPM. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive unit. Having a kerb weight of 2230 Kgs means the power-to-weight ratio amounts to 85 BHP per metric ton. This motor meets Euro-6 emission standards. The engine, obviously, is very refined and allows 0 – 100 Kmph in about 8.4 seconds.
Push the engine start button and you’ll admit, the car is somewhat noisy at lower RPMs. But engage the throttle and it gracefully moves forward. Overall, noise vibration and harshness levels are superbly well-concealed when it comes to high speed driving. The six-speed auto ‘box is responsive but if you’re in mood to take up this task yourself, simply switch to ‘S’ mode to use paddle shifters instead and S60 will continue to maintain its poise. Speed-sensitive steering wheel is also a joy to operate when using either in traffic or tight cornering. This car accelerates pretty quickly and remains extremely stable at high speeds.
There’s a noticeable surge past 2500 RPM mark upon sudden acceleration and that’s when you can also hear an enhanced engine note. It goes on till 5000 RPM mark before the transmission upshifts. The S60 Cross Country does 100 Kmph @ 4000 RPM in 3rd gear while the same figure is achieved @ 2200 RPM in 5th gear. On the other hand, the car cruises sedately in 6th gear, doing 85 Kmph @ 1500 RPM. Increased ground clearance means the ride quality indeed takes a toll. In short, the suspension is evidently stiff. Although minor potholes are digested neatly but be totally prepared to expect a few bumps every now and then. Upside is that you need not worry about taking the Volvo S60 Cross Country off-road. Yup, off-road. Where premium luxury sedans shy, this one cunningly makes its own way.
All-wheel drive is a standard feature on the S60 Cross Country but note that it sends power to rear wheels only in case traction is lost, otherwise it powers the front wheels. Body roll is well-controlled which indicates that maneuvering is still fun. All four disc brakes, equipped with EBD and ABS, are quick to respond too. Our test car left us impressed on the fuel efficiency aspect as well. The ARAI-claimed figure for Indian spec model is 16.3 Kmpl. Volvo brand is synonymous to safest cars on planet and while you’re sitting in one, you can be rest assured that you’re in the lap of safety. As a matter of fact, they're already working to make crash-proof cars by 2020. Front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash protection, dynamic stability control etc are just a few names among plethora of safety features available.
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What a superb review. Vibhor, Long awaited review buddy. Superb attention to details and brilliant photography. Volvo cars are known to be sturdy and even though they aren't as glamorous as the other counterparts but in many ways Volvo is ahead of the popular brands in India. Thanks for putting up such a detailed review.