2010 Volvo XC60 Video Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

3:24 min

Volvo enters the compact luxury crossover fray in the 2010 Volvo XC60 Full Test Video.

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

3:24 min

Of course that task is not unique to Volvo, several other luxury brands are doing the same exact thing. Line them up on paper and the XC60 is right in line with the big players. It�s a little longer than the Mercedes Benz GLK but a bit shorter than Audi�s new Q5.

The six-speed automatic with its manual shift mode offers smooth, quick shifts and delivers power effectively through it�s all-wheel-drive system. Under hard acceleration it can vary torque split up to 35 percent front/65 percent rear under hard acceleration. At the test track, 0-60 comes up in 7.1 seconds.

Thankfully, the xc60 has the handling to match. At 65.1 mph in the slalom it behaves like a well mannered sedan and is faster than many competitors.

However, the XC60�s highway ride isn�t as compliant as the GLK, and steering feel lacks the precise feedback of a BMW. Overall, there�s a bit of refinement missing from the driving experience when compared to the German competitors. The optional navigation system is also a weak point � it�s confusing and difficult to master.

But the scales tip back in the Volvo�s favor when it comes to plain and simple utility.

In the end, the XC60 has three things going for it. It�s quick, handles brilliantly for a crossover SUV and has unique safety features. Taken as a whole, it�s enough to make the new 2010 Volvo XC60 stand out in a rapidly growing segment.