First introduced to the U.S. market in 2009, the Volvo XC60’s sleek, aerodynamic design features a rising beltline that signifies motion, dazzling front and rear LED lights, a bit more bodacious grill on the front fascia and Mack Daddy 20” rims, all of which have helped to finally take the brand to WOW status on the luxury forefront.  

Dressed to kill in two-tone leather, the interior bares the characteristics of a sedan, rather than a form of SUV. Designers have managed to create a visual connection between the rear seats and the rear window, allowing front row passengers to lose immediate sight of the rear cargo in between. And with unobstructed windows on all four sides, the view to the world outside is blind spot free.  

Look up, or all around to realize the light bursting through the glass panoramic sunroof. Its rays are sure to ignite the passion of passengers on the front and second rows, where the seats are heated for extra winter comfort. Seal it up in a flash (both the panoramic sunroof and shade cover) if and when the light, or heat from the sun should become unbearable.  

With a base price of $41,550 at the T6 AWD ASRD trim level, the 16 city / 21 highway miles per gallon XC60 handles also like a sports sedan thanks to the proper balance of traction, stiffness and agility. Its power comes from a six-cylinder, 3.0 liter 281 horsepower turbo charged engine with ultra low emissions that produces 295 lb-ft of torque. Add to that a smooth shifting, six speed automatic transmission and its road-time.  

Unlike the proximity remotes we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in other mass marketed luxury brands, XC60’s start/stop engine switch requires the remote to be fully inserted to take effect. The remote also requires you to depress to lock and unlock the doors, rather than simply touch the handle to lock and unlock as with many other luxury auto brands in 2011. Once you’re inside, the simple, clean-cut, center stack with an Information Center on the dash and navigation screen directly below—might help make up for what some may see as slack.  

Moving down the stack is a slot for CD’s, followed by the sound system Mode controls. Next down is an uncommon dial pad for the phone with a selection of function keys that show up in the Information Center when activated. Speaking of phones, the sound system through which the Bluetooth operates is optimally clear and void of the need to speak extra loud when on a call. 

The Information Center displays a list of last calls made, missed calls, received calls, dialed calls, your phone book–which like caller ID, is visible once you connect to Bluetooth. Car Key Memory allows you to store power seat and power mirror positions. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel operates manually. Car Settings include options for Door Mirrors that regulate the degree of tilt on the side mirrors when the transmission is in reverse; Driver Alert is a yes/no option; Collision Warning Settings with an off/on, with/without gives the driver the ability to adjust the distance to be warned (long, normal, short).

Light Setting allows you to adjust the vehicle lock and unlock confirmation, turn signals, daytime running lights (LED), approach light duration, active bending lights and the duration of time that the home safe lights remain in operation. Lock Settings make it possible to choose whether to have all doors lock automatically when you’re away from the vehicle, as well as in which sequence to unlock (the driver’s door only on the first click of the remote, or all doors simultaneously). Other settings are for Lane Departure Warning, Parking Camera and Unit of Measurement (English/Metric).  

In line with Volvo’s lifelong reputation in matters of safety, the Collision Warning System interrupts with flashing dashboard lights and sound if and when it senses the reality of a collision.  

Safety together with the new luxe-life design elements of style, sealed with complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles on all new vehicle purchases represents a new day for Volvo. 

Founded 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, was originally formed as a subsidiary company to ball bearing manufacturer–SKF. In 1999, Ford Motor Company purchased the brand, before it then acquired by Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group—the brand’s present owner since 2010. 

Followed by Sweden, Great Britain, China and German, the USA is the strongest market for Volvo, with a reported 373,525 cars sold globally in 2010. The numbers represent an overall sales increase of 11.2% over 2009.  

With Volvo AB being a manufacturer of heavy equipment, marketing executives were challenged to shake the slow, heavy, “brick” reputation of it’s once block shaped, turbocharged cars. By the 1980’s, the global focus was more on the high standards of safety and performance. Its Volvo 240 Turbo became the rightful winner of the 1985 European Touring Car Championship and the 1986 Australian Touring Car Championship.  

Also of note is a 1966 Volvo P1800 driven over 2.8 million miles. It holds the Guinness World Record for non commercial vehicles driven the most miles by a single owner. On average, the age of a discarded Volvo is reported at 19.8 years, which is second to Mercedes. Still, while many practical and conservative consumers have always found favor in the brand, it has often lacked the bling of a luxury class leader. Then came the XC60.