BestCarAudio.com

Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry

Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
  • Articles
    • Bluetooth
    • Car Audio
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Navigation
    • Remote Starter
    • Satellite Radio
    • Smartphone Integration
    • Vehicle Insights
  • Industry Profiles
    • Installation Profiles
    • Installer Profiles
    • Retailer Profiles
    • Vendor Profiles
  • Products
  • Dealer Locator
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Arc Audio

2018 Volvo XC60 T8 E-AWD Inscription. From Boxy to Luxurious…

June 12, 2018 By Brett Solomon

Volvo XC60It has been awhile since I have driven a Volvo so I was excited to try the midsize Volvo XC60 – one of Volvo’s best-selling models. The younger generation is very excited about the release of the Volvo XC40 – noted in its commercials as the vehicle you “subscribe” to. In fact, the company wants to banish keys all together and leave all control as an app on the smartphone. For now, the XC60 still comes with a fob, although it is a gorgeous unit wrapped in interior-matching leather. In new Volvos you can even have Amazon deliver your packages right into the trunk using something called Amazon Key and the vehicle’s WiFi interface. One thing is for sure: although safety is still paramount as Volvo’s core competency, technology has easily become a close second. And now, a third unexpected trait: Luxury.

Volvo XC60The Volvo XC60 Inscription looks the part. The gray driftwood deco inlays mimic the fine wood spotted at a beach house. The dashboard stitching is done by hand, and oddly enough I could spot one small spot where the seamstress went off the pattern. Knowing it was probably performed by a loving Swede I can forgive the minor mistake and write it off as charm. You can even find a Swedish flag Easter egg stitched into the front seat. The exterior is dominated by Volvo’s new pretty front grill, flanked by “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running light. Yes, the LED DRLs that dominate the face of the pretty SUV mimic hammers!

Volvo XC60Moving to the interior the centerpiece is a crystal shift level made by Swedish masters at Orrefors. It certainly does not look like any other shifter on the market that is typically wrapped in leather and aluminum. Unfortunately, it does not act like a typical shifter either. You have to visually look at the shift pattern to get used to it. If you live with the car daily, you will probably memorize its functions. However, from the get-go it is a bit counterintuitive. Same for the Engine Start rotating knob that you twist clockwise to fire up the powertrain, and also twist it clockwise to turn it off. Having been brought up with key cylinders that all turn clockwise to start and counterclockwise to turn off, it was tough getting used to “turning on to turn it off.””

The ergonomic niggles aside, the Volvo is loaded with technology that starts with its hybrid powertrain. A two-liter engine is both turbocharged and supercharged to eliminate lag. In addition to the gas engine an 87 horsepower electric motor augments it to come up with 400 horsepower and 472 foot-pounds of torque combined. The result is massive thrust out of an SUV that puts it in Porsche SUV territory. The only problem is sometimes the powertrain is not buttery smooth when transitioning from supercharger to turbocharger to electric motor. If only the transitions were as beautiful as the interior…

The seats alone are worth purchasing the car. The $3000 luxury seat package includes heated and ventilated seats that are finished in a chocolate brown leather. They feature power cushion extenders and bolsters, along with 10-way movement. Moving onto the dashboard that is dominated by the 9” touchscreen. iPad users rejoice! Although the ‘Home’ button is not a circle, you will soon be swiping and using pinch-to-zoom to figure everything out.  One thing that was a little perplexing was with all of that real estate, I would have liked the display to show all of the data of the camera system without relying on hard-to-understand Volvo acronyms while backing up. But, the camera system had an excellent stitching feature that made it a snap to back up and keep an eye the surroundings. Camera systems that show an ‘overhead’ view of the vehicle by mounting a camera at all four corners is something that can be achieved in the aftermarket.

Volvo XC60The audio system is the wonderful Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound System. One unique feature is it can be programmed with the same delays as Gothenburg Concert Hall. Although a bit too much reverb for my taste, at least you are only a few swipes away from properly dialing in the system. There is even an onboard EQ and time alignment tweak settings available. The system overall sounds great but could use a bit more power if you crank it. $3200 toward amplification and speakers in the aftermarket may indeed yield results that crank louder and sound better, especially since replacing the excellent OEM screen is out of the question.

All the usual Volvo safety features are onboard, but the vehicle/cyclist/large animal detection feature is among the most useful. Because keeping you and the other party out of harms way is considerate for all parties. We wish more manufacturers would act like Volvo and consider safety an inclusive part of the luxury experience.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email

Related

Filed Under: Car Audio, Keyless Entry, Lighting, Vehicle Insights Tagged With: Volvo, XC60

Audison Forza
Helix

Industry Profiles

Westminster Speed and Sound

Mobile Enhancement Industry Profile: Westminster Speed and Sound

April 9, 2021 By 1sixty8 

Located in Carroll County, Westminster Speed and Sound has been a staple in the car audio and aftermarket accessory … [Read More...]

Press Releases

Vision Zero Automotive Network
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Certification Program launched by Vision Zero Automotive Network
Metra 107-GM5B
Metra Electronics® Ships New Dash Kit with Built-in OLED Screen for 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX
Prime R2 Loaded Enclosures
Rockford Fosgate® Releases New Prime R2 Loaded Enclosures
Motorsports Can Speakers
Rockford Fosgate® Begins Shipping New Motorsports Can Speakers
Rockford M5 Amplifiers
Rockford Fosgate® Begins Shipping New M5 Amplifiers

Product Reviews

Sony XM-GS6DSP

Sony XM-GS6DSP Amplifier Product Review

Vehicle Insights

2021 Toyota Sienna

2021 Toyota Sienna Limited: Maximum Minivan

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature. Don’t Overlook the Zoom-Zoom.

Find Facility Near You

Subscribe to BestCarAudio via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to BestCarAudio.com and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Popular Categories

  • Car Audio
  • Window Tint
  • Remote Car Starters
  • Vehicle Insights
  • Radar Detectors

Supporting Manufacturers

  • Arc Audio
  • Compustar
  • Hertz
  • Momento
  • MSC America
  • Rockford Fosgate
  • Sony
  • SoundShield

Contact

  • Editorial
  • General
  • Advertise

Forms

  • Profile Request

Sign up for our newsletter today. Opt out at any time with 1 click.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

BestCarAudio.com is a product of 1sixty8 media · Copyright © 2021 1sixty8 media · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.