“The Allure of Black”
Volvo arguably makes some of the best-looking SUVs on the market, and the XC60 is probably the best-looking of the bunch. It features a long, sloping hood and perfect proportions. Introduced in 2017, the XC60 has aged gracefully, and for 2024, Volvo has borrowed from a design playbook as old as time itself: going black. The saying “once you go black, you don’t go back” may not have originated with cars, but it applies just as aptly here.
The XC60 Black Edition, in addition to its black paint, features a black grille, black wheels, an interior with black accents, black badging, 21-inch black wheels, and a blacked-out interior with one prominent silver trim piece (metal mesh aluminum) that runs the length of the dashboard. The Black Edition also includes all the optional features, making it extremely well-equipped. The interior showcases Scandinavian simplicity and minimalism, as is typical of modern Volvos. What stands out is the use of soft-touch materials, bright finishes, and leather seating surfaces.
Volvo’s seats are industry-leading, providing ample support, ergonomic comfort, and safety. Combine this with a front massage feature, and you have driving bliss. The infotainment system features a 9-inch vertical screen combined with a full digital LCD instrument cluster that doubles as a map for navigation. Powered by Google, the system has significantly improved the Volvo user experience. The sound system, powered by Harman Kardon, ranks among the best I’ve experienced after testing hundreds of different systems.
But where would all these sinister “murdered-out” looks be without some equally menacing performance? Under the hood is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0L Super Turbo 4-cylinder engine with a 107 kW electric motor. The former powers the front wheels, while the electric motor handles rear propulsion. The combined system produces 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, with 100 km/h arriving in a swift 4.8 seconds. When set to pure electric mode, it offers a range of 58 km.
Behind the wheel, the XC60 is a joy to drive, thanks to its four-corner adaptive dampers and electronic air suspension. However, larger road imperfections can unsettle the XC60, as the system is tuned more for performance than for a cushy ride. The shifts from the 8-speed automatic transmission are smooth, but under more spirited driving, the system shows slower reaction times and lagging shifts in manual mode.
Volvo offers a range of options from hybrids and plug-in hybrids to pure electric vehicles. The XC60 Recharge provides drivers with a combination of the best of all worlds: the peace of mind and anxiety-free driving of an internal combustion engine, along with electric driving when needed, and a decent amount of usable range. With the black treatment priced at just over $80,000 CAD, it becomes an intriguing choice and option.
