Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - January 2012

Complete with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 2400cc,20 valve, 5-cylinder diesel engine, the Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux gives a pretty smooth ride considering its size. The handling is however a little choppy at times, especially on city road and when turning circles.

It does cope well with excessive wind though, and the XC60 engines vocals are relatively refined when driving down the motorway.

With an engine the same size as the XC70 and XC90 range, it is surprisingly speedy in comparison. The XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux can go from 0-60 in just 8.4 seconds, generating an impressive 309 lb-ft torque power at 1400-2850 rpm, and 212 bhp at 4000. The XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux has a higher top speed of 130 mph too, making for a quite fun ride.

The Lux version of the XC60 D5 AWD SE 4x4 is both sleek and classy, and its compact frame means its 4627mm length is disguised well. The five door car’s interior is beautifully trimmed with subtle colours and top-quality materials. Furnished with five seats upholstered with plush leather, the Lux XC60 is certainly a luxury vehicle.

But the Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux is not just comfortable and stylish, but roomy too. With an airy cabin, the 4x4 has a boot with 1455 litres space with the seats down, making it ideal for long car journeys and for dog owners.

In addition to the luxury interior, the Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux is kitted out with countless contemporary features such as blue tooth, MP3 connectivity and CD system, making it extremely practical for a large family. You can also get a sat-nav for an additional £525.

It also has power-steering, alloy wheels, DSTC stability control, central locking, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and rear-parking sensors set as standard.

With a 5 star Euro NCAP, the XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and secure car choices out there. With a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles Volvo proves their belief in how reliable their design really is.

With a large tank capacity of 70 litres, an extensively spacious cabin and loads of special features as standard, the Volvo XC60 is also one of the best in terms of practicality.

In terms of value for money, a new Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux priced at £36,250 is actually a very good deal. Of course being the Lux version, it is slightly dearer than the original XC60, but given the lavish interior and its fantastic torque power, the extra couple of grand is well worth it.

The Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux emits 149g/km of CO2, placing it in Tax Band F, which is quite good for a 4x4 with a powerful engine. It is in insurance group 33 so the insurance ratings are slightly lower than the XC90 range, meaning that the XC60 is more economical to run.

If it’s a fantastic torque power you’re after, then this version of the Volvo XC60 would seem the most reasonable buy as it certainly gives you speed. But if you are more fussed with the safety and reliability than how fast the car can reach 60 mph, then the Volvo Xc60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN Premium may be a better and less expensive choice (£34,265).