A decade after the launch of the segment-defining Volvo XC, the third-generation 2008 XC70 sports enhanced luxury, new styling and a six-cylinder engine.
The XC70 shares major components and systems with the flagship S80, and the connection is obvious the moment you hit the road. Sharing the S80’s platform gives the XC not only more power, but also a feeling of greater refinement and sophistication. Those changes are manifest in a stiffer body structure and quieter ride.
The previous XC70 was derived from Volvo’s S60.
The XC, which stands for cross country, has styling cues that give it a rugged, off-road appearance. It also sits slightly higher than the standard V70 wagon for increased ground clearance.
The rugged look is emphasized by the body’s athletic “shoulders” and pronounced wheel openings, which are surrounded with low-gloss, dark plastic fender flares that tie into the cladding on the front and rear bumpers. The round nose blends into a slightly taller hood shaped to meet Europe’s pedestrian-impact standards.
A new 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine replaces the previous five-cylinder, and it feels considerably smoother. It develops 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Because it utilizes a variable intake system and a variable valve activating system, this engine provides excellent torque at low speeds without sacrificing top-end performance.
A six-speed automatic transmission enables the driver to shift manually when desired.
This engine is lively right from idle, and the six-speed automatic transmission seems to have a gear for every situation. The shifts are crisp.
The Environtmental Protection Agency gives this engine a rating of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
All-wheel drive is standard, as is Hill Descent Control, which uses the vehicle’s brakes and engine torque to crawl down steep, off-road slopes.
Inside the cabin, the XC70 reflects clean, functional Scandinavian design. The instrumentation is simple and attractive. The center console is extremely thin.
The front seats provide excellent support, while the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat offers hauling flexibility because the backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor.
The XC70 has a height-adjustable, integrated child booster seat. An extended inflatable airbag curtain provides extra protection for rear-seat occupants.
The luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminum rails and movable anchorage points to secure the load. Side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets for securing items. A variety of rails, hooks, cargo dividers and anchoring nets are also available.
A navigation system and a premium audio system are optional.
Safety features include seats with whiplash protection, vehicle stability control, traction control and tire-pressure monitors.
Interesting options include a power tailgate and a blind spot information system that uses cameras near the outside mirrors to detect vehicles that may be out of the driver’s view. I have sampled this item on an S80, and it is an important safety item.
Volvo also offers a special key fob, called the personal car communicator, that enables the owner to tell from up to 300 feet whether the car is locked or unlocked, whether the alarm is activated and whether someone is in the vehicle.
Price
The base price of the test car was $36,775. Options included the adaptive cruise control, Dynaudio premium audio system, leather seats, power sunroof, wood trim, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. The sticker price was $44,065.
Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.
