[CAR REVIEW] Volvo XC60 Ultimate Recharge: “The 2022 Car of the Year”- Does it live up to the hype?

Luxurious and elegant appearance

In the luxurious car segment, Mercedes-Benz represents trendiness, BMW follows a sporty style, Audi has modern technology, and Lexus showcases meticulous craftsmanship. However, Volvo’s beauty possesses a unique charm.

Volvo exudes a sophisticated yet intellectual and elegant atmosphere, targeting knowledgeable owners who value user experience. Through minimalistic design language, a characteristic of Scandinavia, Nordic engineers have created Volvo cars that provide openness, ease of view, and practicality.

The front of the car stands out with a grille made of vertical chrome fins, adorned with the Volvo logo in the center. This design exudes both luxury and tidiness. The main lighting system features Thor’s Hammer demi-shaped lights, a distinctive detail of Northern European car brands. With 6 lighting chambers divided into two levels on each side, the XC60 subtly stands out and appeals to all customers.

The body of the car is equipped with 235/55 R19 size tires and features a 5-spoke rim in two metallic colors and black, creating a modern yet luxurious atmosphere for the SUV model. Despite being a Plug-in Hybrid model, the Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge features a “special” rim with fewer openings, similar to EVs, optimizing aerodynamics and increasing fuel efficiency for the longest possible travel distance in pure electric mode with a fully charged battery.

The Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge is also equipped with a pair of mirrors integrated with a 360-degree camera system and blind spot warning lights. It features a roof rack, panoramic sunroof, and two fuel ports: one for gasoline at the rear passenger side and one for electric charging under the A column on the driver’s side.

The rear of the car is neatly and luxuriously finished, with large-sized brake lights in the form of a distinctive hook. The exhaust pipes are hidden, and shiny chrome trim accents emphasize the luxury. The convenient automatic trunk door comes with an anti-pinch feature for added safety.

Compared to its full-size SUV sibling XC90, the Volvo XC60 is not as large. However, it also offers more space than its sibling XC40, making it ideal for small families of four, including two children.

The car’s interior space provides extremely comfortable accommodation for 4-5 people, making long journeys a breeze. The Volvo XC60 performs excellently in both city and highway driving and offers a refreshing experience on long-distance or mountainous roads.

Beneath the luxurious and neat appearance, Volvo XC60 models are equipped with the SPA chassis system. This system includes a large proportion of boron steel, providing excellent impact resistance and protecting passengers from impacts from multiple directions, including rare situations like rolling over multiple times.

Mineral, exquisite interior

Stepping inside the car, the cabin space of the Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge is designed to be minimalistic and modern, yet luxurious and elegant. Premium Fine Nappa leather materials, chrome trims, natural wood, glossy piano black plastic, and even Orrefors crystal and Northern European pine forests all create an exquisite interior.

These characteristic materials represent Swedish industries, blending together to create a unique and discerning atmosphere. Cross motifs taken from the Swedish flag can be found throughout the vehicle, subtly engraved on air conditioning vents or sewn on the side of the passenger seat, proudly manifesting Swedish craftsmanship.

Volvo’s XC60 Ultimated Recharge features an integrated screen with many functions, streamlining the steering column and prioritizing quick access keys for frequently used functions such as air conditioning, emergency lights, and music customization. Every detail emphasizes convenience and practicality.

Advanced safety features and pioneering utility technology

In addition to its beautiful design and useful functions, the Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge offers high-end options that many other cars in the same price range lack.

For example, the Clear Zone air filtration system, integrated into the independent 4-zone automatic air conditioning system, can remove up to 95% of fine PM 2.5 dust. The car is also equipped with power-adjustable seats with memory for two positions, featuring full heating, cooling, and relaxation massage functions for the front seats.

The XC60 Ultimated Recharge models come with a 15-speaker entertainment system with a total output of 1,410W from the renowned British brand Bowers & Wilkins. The system offers a variety of music playing modes that simulate listening environments like Studio, auditorium, and stage.

Through a smart app installed on a smartphone, owners can track their vehicle’s position, remotely lock/unlock, or even start the car. These remote interactions add convenience and flexibility to the driving experience.

Safety is a top priority for Volvo. In addition to the SPA chassis system, airbag system, and safety belts, Volvo integrates child seats into the rear seats to enhance safety for child passengers.

The Volvo IntelliSafe system provides a range of optimized operating support features, ensuring superior driving safety. These features include an intelligent lighting system, intelligent cruise control, extended obstacle recognition, road sign recognition and traffic warning, lane-keeping, blind spot warning, and a 360-degree camera system.

Smart and excellent performance

With a 4-cylinder inline engine block equipped with both turbocharge and supercharge systems, Volvo offers a unique powertrain. Their new generation of cars, including the XC60 Recharge, also feature plug-in hybrid electric charging technology.

Thanks to this technology, the T8 engine block on the XC60 Recharge delivers a total output of up to 469 horsepower and instant torque of up to 709Nm. Coupled with an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, a front-wheel drive for the engine, and an integrated electric motor at the rear axle creating a 4-wheel drive system, these SUVs can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The car can also travel up to 78 km in pure electric mode on a full charge.

The Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge provides both power and smooth acceleration, making it suitable for various driving conditions. Acceleration is smooth and controlled, maintaining a balance between power and comfort.

The car’s steering column offers precise responsiveness, and the air suspension system effectively suppresses vibrations when driving over bumps or speed bumps. The XC60 Recharge delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, with excellent environmental noise isolation.

Thanks to the plug-in hybrid electric charging system, each Volvo XC60 can travel over 70 km on a fully charged battery, requiring less than 50,000 VND for electricity. This significantly reduces fuel costs, making it an economical choice for daily commutes.

Conclusion

The Volvo XC60 Ultimated Recharge, with a starting price of 2,890 billion VND, is a suitable choice for families. This Swedish SUV offers a range of outstanding features, from its interior and exterior design, spaciousness, and equipment to its safety and excellent performance.

Volvo’s focus on minimalistic and thoughtful designs appeals to drivers who prioritize experience and appreciate subtle luxury. With its unique characteristics, Volvo retains a loyal customer base of those seeking quality and knowledge.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)