2012 Volvo XC60 Preview

With the XC60, Volvo took the plunge into what it is calling the "small premium utility" market, which is to say, a compact crossover SUV with luxury appointments. While on the small side, the XC60 is a bit larger than many of its most striking market contemporaries. At 182.2 inches in length, the XC60 is 2.3-inches longer than the BMW X3, 1.5-inch longer than Acura's RDX and 3.9 inches more than the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

The XC60 also stepped into the crowded small crossover platform with a design that was more aggressive and more expressive than many recent Volvos. The XC60 crossover play every card in the small SUV design playbook, with huge headlamp assemblies (erratic irregular in shape), many trapezoidal elements, a marked step-down between the power dome hood and fenders, an increasing waist line of the stem to stern and really big "S-turn tail thing the book back.

The XC60 can be done in three flavors. The base front-wheel drive 3.2 (all-wheel drive is optional) is powered by Volvo's 240 hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder. The all-wheel drive XC60 T6 is powered only by a 300 horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder, like the T6 R-Design version, which comes shod with 20-inch wheels, a stiffer suspension, additional eye candy, and no less than 325 hp.

Bodystyle: 4-door SUV

Engines: 3.2-liter inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Models: 3.2, T6 AWD, R-Design

Few changes for 2012, but three model levels have been deleted and replaced with Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum.

The XC60's exterior is a direction that was determined by the lines of the 2011 S60 sedan. Of the XC60 body is flowing and expressive in a way unimaginable Volvo lovers of old, and features large headlight assemblies, many trapezoidal elements, a marked step-down between the power dome hood and fenders, and a rising beltline of the stem to stern.

Inside, Volvo's Scandinavian design philosophy is clear, where your Volvo's signature slim, waterfall center console and find the anchor point. The dashboard and door inserts have a unique, modular feel, and includes a 7-inch color screen infotainment with Bluetooth and satellite radio.

The Volvo XC60 is 0-60 mph times vary depending on engine configuration. The front-drive version of the 3.2 achieved in an estimated 8.6 seconds, while the all-wheel drive and T6 R-Design for a quick drop to 7.1 seconds. The reinforced-up suspension, larger wheels and tires, and more direct steering, the R-Design is by far the best handler of the group, although the 20-inch tires for smooth ride comfort lend.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Volvo XC60 the Top Safety Pick for 2011, and it must follow in 2012. Legendary Volvo safety technologies are available in abundance for the XC60, Volvo's safety including city, the XC60 will stop automatically at speeds below 19 mph when it detects an impending collision.

3.2 front-wheel drive: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway

3.2 AWD: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway

And T6 R-Design: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway