Volvo XC60, S60 Drive-E review, test drive

What are they like to drive?

The new engine is a big, big step up from the old (and now discontinued) 163bhp, 2.0-litre D4 diesel in just about every way. Where the old engine sounded gruff and loud, the new one feels a whole lot more refined right from the moment you press the starter button. There is a noticeable clatter at idle and the engine can sound a tad coarse when loaded up, but it’s no louder than BMW’s latest 2.0-litre diesel, for instance. In typical driving, though, the engine functions remarkably quietly because the new eight-speed gearbox is very evidently programmed to keep it spinning at its efficient best. That means low revs and minimal sound. At 100kph (in eighth gear), there’s little by way of engine noise to tell you, there’s a four-cylinder diesel powering the cars.

Performance sees an improvement too. The new Volvo engine isn’t exactly punchy or the quickest revving but what it does provide is good access to power across the rev range ­­– both engine and gearbox respond without delay to changes in throttle input. That said, the lighter S60 benefits more from the new engine and manages to feel light on its feet, even at highway speeds. We are yet to put the cars to the test but are convinced they’ll better the older D4s by a big margin. If there’s anything to bring up, it’s that gearshifts commanded by the paddles on all-out runs can be a bit jerky.  

Given that engine power is channelled solely to the front wheels on both cars, they are not as entertaining to drive as their rear-wheel-drive or rear wheel-biased competition. Still, the S60 follows line with ease and steering feel is reassuring enough. The XC60 does give the option to adjust steering weight but handling is never much more than safe and predictable. Just as well. Unfortunately, the XC60 does feel a bit stiff-kneed for our roads and not as settled as it should. Things are better in the S60 but the low profile tyres do keep you clued into irregularities on the road. But then those wheels are quite irresistible too.