Volvo S60 Cross Country debuts at 2015 Detroit show
Volvo has revealed the S60 Cross Country at the North American International Auto Show, raising the S60 saloon by 65mm and adding all-wheel drive for the US market.
Volvo has introduced the S60 Cross Country at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, expanding its Cross Country line with a high-riding version of the S60 saloon. The S60 Cross Country will be available to order soon after its debut, with a clear focus on the US market.
The S60 Cross Country stands out from the standard S60 by increasing ground clearance by 65mm. In the US, the car will be offered with all-wheel drive, while buyers in Europe and other regions will initially have to settle for front-wheel drive. Volvo has not said whether AWD will be introduced elsewhere later.
Engines and performance
The S60 Cross Country launches with the familiar T5 petrol engine, producing 250hp in the US, 254hp in Europe and 249hp in Russia. Volvo also plans to add diesel options, including the D6 2.0 and D4 2.4, at a later date. The car rides on 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with higher-profile tyres to suit its more rugged brief.
Design and market positioning
Visually, the S60 Cross Country adopts the tougher look established by Volvo’s existing Cross Country estate models, with black wheel arch extensions and underbody protection. The raised ride height and all-wheel drive system are intended to appeal to buyers looking for crossover capability in a saloon format, an unusual combination in a segment dominated by SUVs and estates. The car shares its basic platform and styling with the standard S60, but the changes are enough to make it instantly recognisable as the Cross Country variant.
Volvo has not announced pricing for the S60 Cross Country at launch. The model’s arrival follows the local debut of the new-generation XC90 in Detroit, as Volvo seeks to broaden its appeal in the US and other key markets. For more on the S60’s development, see First official images reveal all-new Volvo S60 saloon.
