Volvo XC60 B4 Mild-Hybrid in everyday test

There is a new letter on Volvo tailgates. In addition to D (for diesel) and T (for turbocharged gasoline engines), the Swedes stick a B on some models. This is how the manufacturer refers to all mild hybrids, regardless of the actual fuel. Four such drives are available for the XC60 mid-size SUV.

Our test car is called the Volvo XC60 B4. This means that the diesel of the D4 works under the hood, only with a little more power and additional support from a small electric motor. This is not supposed to drive the big car, but it should help save money. A good approach, because the SUV is considered relatively thirsty, even as a diesel. We spent two weeks on the road with the Volvo XC60 B4 in everyday life.

Body, space, dimensions

Volvo places the XC60 exactly in the SUV mid-size class. With a length of just under 4.70 metres, it sits exactly between the Audi Q5 (4.66 m) and the BMW X3 (4.73 m). The advantage of the Volvo: its drive takes up little space. The engine and transmission are tucked across the hood. The competition places the drive longitudinally between the strut domes. It spreads quite a bit and causes a thick transmission tunnel in the interior.

Volvo grants the occupants the space gained. The front is spacious and comfortable, the back is very comfortable. The relatively large wheelbase of 2.87 meters is particularly noticeable in the rear, and there is plenty of space at the knees. Tall adults can easily travel longer distances in row two without feeling restricted.

However, this comes at the expense of the trunk. 505 liters of volume under the cover are not a masterpiece in the segment, nor is a maximum of 1,432 liters of storage space with the rear row of seats folded down. After all, the backrest optionally folds forward electrically and automatically retracts the headrests. This creates a flat loading floor without an edge or slope. If necessary, it is suitable for an overnight stay.

Interior, workmanship, materials

One thing is clear: you should feel comfortable in the Volvo. To this end, the manufacturer is investing in the right places. Hard plastic cannot be felt, but soft leather, great surfaces and pretty seams. The piano lacquer looks vulnerable, but does not stand out negatively. Especially since Volvo elegantly implements the covers on the center console.

The tested R-Line equipment includes sports seats in row one. They score with fine covers and extensive adjustment options. Unfortunately, they don't fit the smooth character of the XC60 at all. The SUV does not want to be a sports car. The lateral support is out of place, the thin upholstery even more so. We recommend comfortable chairs. They are available in the other equipment.

Infotainment, radio, controls

When Volvo introduced infotainment in tablet format, it was a minor sensation. The brand removed many buttons on the dashboard and accommodated their functions in the touchscreen. Three large menus are well sorted and clear once you have internalized the concept. In the meantime, Volvo also seems to have the stability of the software under control. During the test, the system works reliably.

Unfortunately, it has visibly aged. Many brands have replaced large displays with larger ones, and some of the competition looks more modern, and the operation is more intuitive. The Android Auto smartphone standard works without any problems, but is only displayed in landscape mode. As a result, the system wastes a lot of space and the operating level becomes unnecessarily small. Advantage: You navigate Volvo's menu levels faster because they remain visible above the tile for Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay).

In the speedometer, Volvo is giving away possibilities. A display simulates round instruments, shows navigation information, music information and a small on-board computer. We would like to see a wider range of information. Theoretically, every conceivable display could be programmed in – and that's exactly what Volvo should do. In the head-up display, on the other hand, the Swedes find a perfect amount of information density.

Assistance systems and safety in the Volvo XC60

Since the introduction of the three-point seat belt at the latest, Volvo has been considered an expert in automotive safety. To maintain this reputation, the XC60 comes with all kinds of assistance as standard. This includes an emergency braking system for the city that reacts to animals, passers-by, cyclists and cars and takes into account cross and oncoming traffic. In addition, the Volvo automatically stays in lane and at speed, recognises traffic signs and provides additional protection for the occupants in the event of imminent accidents. In addition, there are head and shoulder airbags at the front and rear.

The systems worked flawlessly during the test. This also applies to the additionally installed helpers, such as adaptive cruise control with steering assistance ("Pilot Assist"). However, it only works up to a speed of 130 km/h. And he often steers with too much force, which can be annoying in some situations. As an option, the XC60 monitors its blind spot and pays attention when reversing out of a parking space. All in all, an exemplary scope.

Drive, engine, transmission, performance

The most important detail of the XC60 B4 is its drivetrain. Volvo combines a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with an integrated starter generator (ISG). This is a small electric motor that sits between the combustion engine and the transmission. It takes over the tasks of the alternator and starter. Volvo supplies it with a voltage of 48 volts.

What the SI joint actually does can be felt quite quickly. It improves the behavior of the automatic start-stop system enormously. The diesel engine stops without much movement and starts up again hardly noticeably and at lightning speed. Even notorious system shutdowns should no longer be bothered by the break at the traffic lights.

Volvo, however, is limiting itself to the break at a standstill. The engine continues to run when the car is rolling without a load. In return, the ISG contributes a few Newton meters to help the combustion engine over its turbo lag. This ensures pleasant and spontaneous engine running and is especially worthwhile in the event of sudden intermediate sprints. The diesel alone shows weaknesses in this area. Nothing changes in its pithyness.

Unfortunately, the ISG does not manage to significantly reduce the consumption of the diesel. The XC60 B4 punishes pure city traffic with values between eight and nine liters per 100 kilometers. On the extensive commute to the Berlin countryside, after 40 kilometers there is just a six before the decimal point. The direct competition is more economical with the same performance and without a mild hybrid.

The eight-speed automatic transmission in the XC60 does its job inconspicuously and comfortably. It fits the dignified character of the Volvo, gently lowers the gears and quickly finds the right gear. Only the operation can be improved: If you switch from forward to backward when manoeuvring, you have to press the lever forward twice. In itself a small thing, but it quickly gets on your nerves. There is a lack of fluid movement when changing direction, which can be hectic.

Chassis, steering, handling

Our test car wants to look particularly sporty. However, it remains that way, despite the sports suspension in the optics package. This does not lower the XC60, but it tightens its handling. The optional air suspension takes away this harshness, it prefers to move comfortably. You can feel its height when turning in and generally in curves. In the steering wheel, there is a lack of weight and feeling. Great for the city, unsightly on longer stages.

Our recommendation: Volvo can keep the sports suspension, but the air suspension is a tip. It carries the SUV as gently and comfortably as you are generally used to from Mercedes and offers well-chosen driving programs. However, the chassis costs just under 2,300 euros extra. The rolling comfort is okay overall, despite the 21-inch rims on the test car.

Features, price, conclusion

Volvo is confidently pricing in the mild hybrid. The Swedes couple the technology to the all-wheel drive system. Both together cost a total of 3,300 euros more than the D4 engine. In addition, the B4 requires the "Momentum Pro" equipment variant. This results in a base price of 52,900 euros.

This makes the XC60 B4 more expensive than the competition without a mild hybrid, but not more economical. But it comes with better equipment. In addition to the aforementioned assistance, there is the navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED lamps, driving modes, a keyless start system and automatic climate control as standard. This puts the entry into perspective and positions it more favorably than the competition.

For the money, you get a practical SUV with a good overview, beautiful interior, sovereign engine and a lot of extras. The mild hybrid makes the automatic start-stop system pleasant and conceals small weaknesses of the diesel. Only the consumption cannot be controlled by Volvo in everyday life. It is only beautiful on paper, but in fact quite ordinary.

Technical data: Volvo XC60 B4 AWD

• Drive: 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, integrated starter generator
• Power: 197 hp (145 kW) at 4,000 rpm
• Torque: 420 Nm at 1,750-2,750 rpm
• Transmission: Eight-speed torque converter automatic, all-wheel drive
• 0-100 km/h: 8.3 s
• Top speed: 205 km/h
• Standard consumption: 5.4-5.8 l/100 km
• CO2 according to standard: 142-151 g CO2/km
• Test consumption: 6.8 l/100 km
• Length: 4,688 mm
• Width: 1,902 mm (with exterior mirrors: 2,117 mm)
• Height: 1,658 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,865 mm
• Weight: 1,950 kg
• Payload: 570 kg
• Towing capacity: 2,400 kg (braked, 12% incline)
• Trunk: 505-1,432 l
• Base price Volvo XC60: 42,600 euros (XC60 D3)
• Base price Volvo XC60 B4: 52,900 euros
• Test car price: 77,950 euros