Volvo Expands Its Line-up with the 2019 V60 Cross Country
The Swedish premium carmaker, Volvo, introduced the Cross Country variant of its V60 model. An all-new addition to the recent revitalized lineup of Volvos, the V60 Cross Country presents a blend of elegance and ruggedness, reinforcing Volvo's ongoing transformation.
A Swedish Family Crossover Utility Vehicle
Following the launch of its sibling, the V60, earlier this year, the V60 Cross Country embodies the notion of a versatile Swedish family crossover. It marries the attributes of a suburban family car with the off-road capabilities characteristic of Volvo's Cross Country range since its inception in 1997. The V60 Cross Country successfully transitions from the comfortable confines of suburban living to the adventurous terrains of the skogen, or forest, in Swedish.
As Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, puts it, "With the new V60 Cross Country, we take our Swedish family estate from one natural habitat to another," asserting Volvo's commitment to safe, capable, and versatile family vehicles.
Engineered for Off-Road Challenges
Distinct from the regular V60, the Cross Country version boasts a 75mm higher ground clearance, courtesy of a specially designed Cross Country chassis and suspension system. This height advantage enhances the vehicle's off-road proficiency. The new V60 Cross Country comes standard with all-wheel-drive, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Corner Traction Control, and a special Off-Road driving mode.
A Reflection of Volvo's Award-Winning Design
Volvo's award-winning Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, safety technology, and infotainment system all find a place in the V60 Cross Country, reflecting the standard set by its 60 Series and 90 Series siblings. Furthermore, Volvo offers the new V60 Cross Country via its premium subscription service, Care by Volvo, providing an alternative to traditional ownership through a flat-fee subscription.
Enhanced Safety Features
The new V60 Cross Country comes fitted with Volvo's award-winning City Safety with Autobrake technology as standard. The safety system aims to aid the driver in preventing potential collisions and is notably the only system in the market that recognizes pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
The vehicle also includes Volvo's Pilot Assist system, which provides steering, acceleration, and braking assistance on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH. Other standard safety features include Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and other steering assistance systems. There's also an optional Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake to further boost safety, making the new V60 Cross Country one of the safer cars on the market.
Connectivity and Powertrain
The Sensus Connect infotainment system in the new V60 Cross Country offers compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G. The system ensures that drivers stay connected irrespective of whether they are traversing urban areas or the countryside. The user-friendly tablet-style touchscreen control consolidates car functions, navigation, connected services, and in-car entertainment apps.
At launch, the new V60 Cross Country will feature a T5 AWD propulsion system. Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will follow later, broadening the options for potential buyers.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country is indeed an impressive entrant in the lineup, encompassing the Swedish brand's ethos of safety, functionality, and stylish versatility. While it may not reinvent the crossover segment, it's clear that Volvo has leveraged its strengths and pedigree to develop a vehicle that is both appealing and capable, cementing its long-standing reputation in producing family cars that effortlessly transition between different driving environments.
-Ed
2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country