XC60

Aside from the dazzling looks, the real marvel of this sportier version of the family-oriented yet premium European crossover is its plentiful dose of turbocharged power.

FAST FACTS

1. The R-Design’s up-rated turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder makes 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and can hit 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. 2. Other R-Design upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension, tighter steering, some matte-silver accenting and large 20-inch wheels. 3. Despite the power boost, fuel economy is loses just one mpg in the city compared to regular T6 XC60 models, for a rating of 18/25 mpg. 4. R-Design models start at $44,850 plus destination, with our test car at $48,950.

Despite its hefty 4,225 lb curb weight, the Volvo XC60 R-Design accelerates easily at any speed or on any terrain thanks to all-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine making 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

And even with such peppy performance, fuel economy isn’t brutal, with an 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway rating, for a combined 20 miles per gallon. That’s only one mile per gallon less in the city than the regular T6 XC60.

There is, of course, a catch, and that comes with the sticker price, with the R-Design retailing for more than $10,000 above the base XC60, which starts at $34,350. Starting at $44,850, our lipstick rouge tester equipped with the Platinum package is a lofty $48,950

For The Volvo XC60 is a fantastic family car, with a spacious, versatile and appealing cabin, smooth motorway manners and loads of safety kit.

Against The dash has some fiddly buttons and the five-cylinder diesel engines aren’t as smooth or frugal as some rivals’.

What Car? says

445stars

The Volvo XC60 is a fine family car. It’s practical, classy, good to drive and scores highly for safety. By Steve Huntingford

What Car? readers say

4.222222

• Performance

  3 out of 5 stars

  Two five-cylinder diesel engines are available in the Volvo XC60, the D4 and D5, with the former also giving buyers the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Both provide decent pace, no matter how many wheels are driven, but they’re not as flexible as some rivals. There's also a T6 petrol to top off the range, which has enough oomph to trouble hot hatches, hitting 60mph in just over seven seconds.

• Ride & Handling

  4 out of 5 stars

  The XC60 comes in both front- and four-wheel drive, and has good ground clearance and large alloy wheels, but either way it’s more at home on the road than off the beaten track. The standard model's steering is a little slow and light, but its ride is smooth, there’s plenty of grip, and body lean is well controlled, too. R-Design models sacrifice some comfort for even better body control and sharper steering, but we reckon the standard car provides the better compromise for family buyers.

• Refinement

  4 out of 5 stars

  You won't find many more refined cars in this class than the Volvo XC60. It's the low levels of wind-, suspension- and especially road noise that make it particularly impressive. It’s a shame, then, that the five-cylinder diesel engines are a little gruff when revved hard, but the noise is kept distant enough to stop it becoming annoying. All in all, the result is that the XC60 is an extremely cultured car