?Volvo?s 2017 XC60 T6 AWD Inscription?
An ideally sized premium SUV

Volvo?s XC60 is considered to be a small premium sport utility vehicle ? more akin to a wagon, but it comes across as so much more. The 2017 XC60 comes in variety of forms. There is a T5 and T5 AWD powered by a 2.0-liter GDI inline four-cylinder engine; a T6 and T6 AWD that draws its motive force from a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged inline four-cylinder; two versions of a D3 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo diesel FWD and a 2.4-liter D4 AWD inline 5-cylinder twin turbo diesel with varying horsepower outputs; and a 2.4-liter D5 AWD inline 5-cylinder twin turbo diesel.

All engines are transversely mounted, and connect to one of three transmissions ? a 6-speed manual; a 6-speed automatic or an 8-speed automatic Geartronic with Adv quick Shift depending on the model. Both FWD and All-wheel drive configurations are available depending upon the model level selected as well.

I?ll deal here with a mid-range model, the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription model, which begins pricing at $46,350. The final price is determined by the addition of available option Packages. My test vehicle sported an Osmium Gray metallic exterior finish, with a Cream and Charcoal interior accented by open pore wood and soft aluminum trim elements. Included with my test XC60 T6 AWD Inscription Volvo was: the Inscription equipment; Preferred Option Package – $1,350; Climate Package and Child Booster seats – $1,550; the Advanced Package – $2,500; metallic paint-$560.; 20-inch Avior wheels – $250.; and $995 Destination charge. The final tally came to $53,555.

Visually, the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD is very aerodynamic and quite attractive, with smooth, flowing contemporary lines and harmonious styling cues that blend?successfully into a sporty image. Leading off, the trapezoidal grille wears an enlarged Iron Mark logo. The cabin or greenhouse displays a coupe-like persona, and the rear is distinctive with its rear liftgate design that resembles?that of the Volvo C30, with LED taillamps flanking it and accenting the shoulder line?s full shape. The XC60’s tailgate opening is the widest in the segment while the luggage capacity measures 30.8 cubic feet with the rear seat up. The rear seat is a three-piece 40/20/40 split/fold design as found in the V70 and XC70, Each section folds down easily creating a totally flat cargo platform for maximum flexibility and versatility.

The XC60 integrates City Safety, which represented a world?s first for Volvo. It is a driver support system aimed at preventing or minimizing collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less, by utilizing a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a pending collision is likely. Depending upon the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the vehicle, helping to avoid a rear-end collision or to lessen its impact.

The Volvo XC60 T6 AWD includes as standard fare: rain sensor windshield wipers, headlight washers and Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communicator. Volvo Sensus gains increased steering wheel scroll control and functionality. The gearshift knob for the six-speed ?Geartronic? automatic transmission features illuminated drive modes. A Sport mode comes with the Geartronic transmission and the headlights provide Tunnel Detection. The Technology Package provides Road Sign Information and Active High Beam. A Wood Inlay Accent includes Classic Walnut wood inlays and a Classic wood steering wheel. The Dynamic Package has been deleted, and full synthetic motor oil increases the service interval to 10,000 miles or 122 months (whichever comes first).

SUMMARY: The Volvo XC60 AWD Inscription in any one of its model offerings is easy on the eyes, with its contemporary form and athletic stance. As for choosing the level of Volvo XC60 T6 AWD that?s best, one?s equipment and feature requirements and pocketbook contents will obviously be the determining factor.


The 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged engine is both smooth and instantly responsive to spirited prodding. The ride quality is really quite comfortable with the sport front sport seats providing a superior level of support to the non-sport level variety.

Handling is sporty and nimble in all T6 models, with the optional Avior 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero rubber contributing to the positive handling attributes.

The Volvo XC60 series in its development, was focused on making it the most attainable XC vehicle in the lineup ? more so than the XC70 and the XC90. All that?s left is to choose the model that best suits your needs and fits your budget.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription

Base Price: $46,350.
Price as Tested: $53,555.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, supercharged & turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder with gasoline direct injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 306 @ 5,700 rpm
Torque (Nm): 400 @ 2,100-4,800 rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with driver adaptive shift logic.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Electronically-controlled AWD with Instant Traction.

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut, with asymmetrically- mounted coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multilink independent suspension with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar, cast aluminum subframe.

Brakes: 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Optimized Hydraulic Brakes, Ready Alert Brakes, and Fading Brake Support.

Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero 255/45 R20 mounted on 10- spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 109.2 inches
Length Overall: 182.8 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 67.4 inches – w/ shark fin antenna
Turning Circle: 40.02 ft.
Curb Weight: 4,043-4,235 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.35
0 – 60 mph: 7.0 seconds ? Top Speed=130 mph ? electronically limited.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.