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| VOLVO S 60 |
VOLVO’S
Cross Country line has been a hit that automakers dream of. Raising the
height, adding all-wheel drive and dressing it in Fjallraven-like
cladding gave their wagons the likability of s’mores.
Now
the Cross Country is available as a sedan. The S60 Cross Country isn’t a
new concept. Subaru killed its sedan version of the Outback years ago
and, generally, automakers abandon a segment for a reason. Volvo hedges
its bet by limiting production to 500 copies, all in Osmium Grey paint
so owners will be uniquely following the same path.
Moving
away from the usual crossover box appears to be the next direction for
crossovers. BMW started it with the X6; Mercedes is soon to follow. In
my week with Volvo’s curiosity, it attracted as many compliments as it
did mud puddles.
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| VOLVO S 60 |
Think
twice about skipping the Cross Country wagon. My trunk measurement
metric with bath tissue from a wholesaler might draw chuckles, but it
revealed a serious shortcoming. The S60 stops at three bundles of tissue
paper, whereas the V60 wagon takes in six. Uff da, as the Scandinavians
say.
Strengths?
It sprints from rest to 60 in under seven seconds. The turbocharged
2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine (yes, five) packs 250 horses and 266
pound-feet of torque on standard-grade gas with the turbo “overboosting”
for the first 10 seconds when floored. Power is divided among all four
wheels (more accurately, only those with grip). The transmission has 6
speeds in its toolbox.
Raised
by 2.6 inches, the Cross Country doesn’t conquer corners like standard
S60s. Between supremely comfortable seats and a compliant ride, it’s a
terrific car for, dare I say, cross-country driving.
The
sedan is E.P.A.-rated at 20 city and 28 highway; my heavy right foot
wrung 22 miles per gallon out of it. Since it’s a Volvo, there are too
many safety features to cover, but know that the City Safety system
automatically brakes for cars and pedestrians, and in some cases
bicyclists (a test nobody volunteered for).
I’ve successfully driven the V60 Cross Country wagons on fairly rough terrain. It’s no Jeep Wrangler,
but moderate snow, deeply rutted forest service roads and muddy
stretches are a piece of cake. Most owners will never tax the
all-wheel-drive system. Ever.
The
interior is pleasant with substantial metal trim seemingly forged by
Thor’s hammer. Audi and Mercedes may tailor a more impressive cabin, but
they don’t offer a raised-up sedan. The gauge cluster is configurable
three different ways. Pockets in the front of the seat cushion are
brilliant.
If
only Volvo’s new Sensus user interface could be wedged into the S60. A
small multifunction knob does the heavy lifting, and voice commands
aren’t much better. A bright note: Pictographic climate controls are top
shelf.
Stretching
out in the back seat is not an option in the Cross Country, though
average-size adults will find foot and legroom fine. Cushions are
contoured, supportive and heated. It has belts for three, but keep it to
two to keep the peace.
Prices
start at $44,640; as tested, it’s $47,500. The S60 is available in
front- and all-wheel-drive versions without Cross Country treatment.
But, for those who insist on traversing tougher terrain in a four-door,
Volvo raises to new heights the ability to get a sedan filthy
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