Volvo XC60 Reaches Malaysian Shores

The all-new Volvo XC60 is now available in Malaysia. Only one drivetrain is available, consisting of a turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-litre T6 petrol engine, mated to a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. 282 bhp at 5600 rpm and 400 Nm from 1500–4800 rpm are impressive figures that should ensure effortless driving. Two trims are available: SE goes for RM 330,000, and LE for RM 360,000, both OTR without insurance. Although XC60 sits a rung below XC90 in the Volvo model hierarchy, the LE version is actually RM 5K more expensive than both the petrol and diesel XC90.

Both SE and LE are generously equipped. The former coming with 18” alloy wheels, leather upholstery, steering wheel cruise control/audio switches, electrically adjustable front seats, front and side airbags, curtain airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and the highly innovative City Safety technology, which warns the driver of cars in the front using sensors in the windscreen and brakes automatically if the driver fails to respond.

The RM 30K more expensive LE adds a panoramic sunroof, a higher-performance audio system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Auto Brake, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Alert Control (DAC).

Classy on the outside and inside, the five-seater XC60 is however more expensive than premium rivals such as BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and Volkswagen Tiguan. Whether XC60 can attain the success of XC90 still waits to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Volvo is serious about becoming a full-fledged, respected luxury automaker, and XC60 is proof of that.