2017 Volvo XC60 India Launch Date Announced

The new-gen 2017 Volvo XC60 finally has a launch date in India and the SUV will go on sale in the country this December 12. In fact, we had mentioned earlier that the SUV will come by year-end. The second-generation Volvo XC60 introduced early this year at the Geneva Motor Show, while its production began in Sweden in April. The new XC60 is the second models from the Swedish car maker to be based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform that currently underpins the company's flagship SUV, Volvo XC90. Upon its launch, the new Volvo XC60 will continue to rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.

Also Read: Volvo XC60 Launched In India

Internally, the new-gen Volvo XC60 is offered in two petrol models, two diesel models, and one plug-in hybrid option. The petrol version includes the 250 bhp T5 petrol and the 315 bhp T6 petrol, while the oil burners include the 187 bhp D4 and the 231 bhp D5 with PowerPulse technology diesel engines. Initially, however, India is likely to get only the top-end D5 engine variant 2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine. Having said that, the company says there is room for the other engine options as well and we believe that India will eventually get the petrol as well sometime in 2018. The company also offers the 401 bhp T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid, but the chances of it being introduced in India anytime soon is quite slim.

Also Read: Volvo XC60 Review

The 2017 Volvo XC60 also offers a host of new technology including three advanced driver-assistance features and is, in fact, hailed as one of the safest cars ever made. The SUV gets features like Steer Assist functionality to City Safety, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and the optional Blind Spot Information systems. Pilot Assist, Volvo's advanced semi-autonomous driver-assistance system, is also offered as an option with the new XC60.

Visually speaking, the new XC60 borrows a lot of styling bits from its elder sibling XC90 with the much-touted Scandinavian design. Exterior features include the stylish LED Thor's Hammer headlamps, a sports front bumper with large air intakes and airdam, the signature multi-slat grille, sporty alloys and vertically stacked LED taillamps among others.

The cabin also looks exceptional and comes with the signature Volvo styling that includes the light-coloured interior, superior fit and finish, premium leather upholstery, and a massive vertically 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system uses the latest updated interface that offers easy access to in-car tech, trip information, music (courtesy Bowers and Wilkins), connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - check), and hordes more.