Geneva 2017: All New Volvo XC60

Our second highlight of the Geneva Motorshow is the all-new Volvo XC60. Building on the great reviews of the new 90-series (S90/V90/XC90) the XC60 will bring similar design and build quality to the 60-series, with the new S60 and V60 due for unveiling in 2H2017.

While unmistakably a little brother to the XC90, the new XC60 remains also traits of its predecessor, like the strong bodywork and the high tailgate. Released pictures show a different front for regular and R-Design models, with the latter having larger air intakes and a ‘dotted’ front grille (seen in the picture above).

Built on the same SPA-platform as the 90-series, the car’s dimensions look very mature for a premium D-segment SUV. When compared to the new Q5, the XC60 seems quite a bit larger. It has to been to what extent that also translates to decent space for back passengers (a weak point of current 60-series) and a large boot (a favourite among Volvo fans).

Seen at the blue model in the pictures below, the R-Design can be fitted with additional plastic accents on the front and rear, apart from a diffuser. The latest rendition of the Thors Hammer headlights differ a bit in the sense they now protrude the rest of the light units and connect with the grille, in a similar way the BMW 3-series does.

We’re also particularly satisfied with the interior. It bears large resemblance to the 90-series, like the use of modern wood, high quality leather, digital instrument clusters, and a large vertical entertainment system. But at the same time it takes things a step further, with the wood trim line flowing under the large screen, enclosing the metal air vents, giving the car a much more modern and sharpish look (when compared to the plump XC90), in line with earlier concept cars from Volvo (like the Concept Estate). The optional R-Design steering wheel also looks stronger, which is good (the standard wheel has something weak / soft over it, in our opinion).

Engine wise, there is less news. All the engines currently available on the 90-series will make it to the XC60. These are the T5 and T6 petrol variants, D4 and D5 diesel, and T8 plugin-hybrid. Cheaper options like a T4 petrol and D3 diesel are expected later this year. We at AutoExperience also hope a more affordable plugin-hybrid will make it to the line-up, since the T8 top model is out of range for a lot of consumers, and government tax credits for hybrid cars in more European countries being abolished. Prices are expected to start around 50 grand (in Euro) for T5 and D4 models.

BMW 5-series Touring (G31)

Last week, Bavarian carmaker BMW announced the estate version of its new E-segment car, the 5 series. Along with the new variant came additional engines to the line-up, including some more powerful options.

In general; BMW likes to receive a €2500 premium for the estate over the regular sedan version. In exchange, you get up to 1700 liters of boot space, which is more than competitors like the Audi A6 and Volvo V90 offer. It is also possible to get the rear window to open separately from the rest of the trunk door for added practicality.

Design-wise, we are very happy with the job BMW’s designers did on the new rear end. It looks very strong and muscular (especially with the optional M package shown above) without becoming too arrogant and lumpish.

Engine-wise, BMW is kicking things off with the 520d 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel plant, sporting 190 hp and theoretically very nice mpg at 3.9l per 100km. MSRP will be around 55-60 grand, depending on the country you live in. If you demand a cheaper petrol powered variant, there is the 520i (4-cyl, 190hp) for roughly the same price.

One step higher comes BMWs hybrid option, the 530e iPerformance. It has the same powertrain as the 330e (4-cyl petrol + electric) and a combined power output of 252hp. It will start at 60-65k. It is also possible to get that same power figure from a non-hybrid engine in the form of the 530i (4-cyl turbocharged petrol) for a comparable price.

Opting for a good ol’ six-cylinder (BMW still has them, fortunately) is possible with the 540i and 530d. First one has 340hp and sets you back at least 67k, the diesel option manages 265hp and will need around 75k. It’s more expensive because of the standard xDrive AWD system (which can also be had with most other engine options for a premium of around 5 grand).

Top of the line until the arrival of the M5 is the M550i xDrive, boasting a real turbocharged V8 with 462hp and 650Nm of torque. It is faster than the M5 of the F10 generation with acceleration from 0-100 kph just below 4 seconds. Because of carbon taxes, prices will differ a lot per country, but are expected to be in the range of 85-120 thousand Euro.

A little extra for interested buyers; BMW decided to bring in automatic transmissions (Steptronic) standard on all models apart from the 520i. The former optional Executive package is also stock on the new G30/31 generation.

 

 

Special attention for the BMW i8

A few years back, BMW made a very impressive entree in the field of electric vehicles with the i3 and i8 cars. Where the i3 was the more serious car, available as a pure EV and as EV with range extender (a petrol powerplant to generate power for the batteries) the i8 had to catch attention and make sure everyone was conviced BMW was serious about its new electric line-up (the i-series).

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But it would really not be fair to reduce the i8 to the role of driving billboard. Because the i8 was and is an amazing car in its own right. It showed a conservative German carmaker still possessed the knowledge, will, and capability to create something truly revolutionary. And revolutionary, it was. Its amazing futuristic design with the ‘Lamborghini’-doors and the way wind is guided over (and through) the car is breathtaking.

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And thats not where innovation stops. The interior is created from very new and unprecedented materials like special fabrics and renewable plastics. Instruments are fully digital and adaptive, years before Audi and Volkswagen introduced these into their mass production cars. And the engine also is a very special, of course. Its not a full EV like the i3, but basically a very innovative hybrid. It can drive 30 kms on electric power only, and then switches to a hybrid configuration. The petrol powerplant is a 3 cylinder turbocharged variant, sporting more than 200 horsepower. Using performance parts and clever sound engineering (both mechanical and speaker-wise) it sounds ánd performs like one of BMWs famous inline-sixes. But at an MPG-rate which would never be possible with a regular six cylinder engine. When power / sport mode is selected, the full potential of the hybrid drivetrain is released, causing true sportscar-like acceleration (4.4 seconds 0-100) and the instrument cluster changes to an orange theme.

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It’s a wish of the editor (in chief) of AutoExperience to once drive the i8 and experience it in real life. If you’re reading this and actually have the budget to acquire one; I’d advise in favor of it (starts around 130k). It’s an amazing car which will not look outdated or aging for years to come, and deserves its own special place between other sports and high performance cars.

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…and yes, there is a Spyder on its way too!

 

2017 Toyota Mirai price stays same, fuel-cell car adds new color (REPOST)

The Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car will enter its second model year in the U.S. virtually unchanged, including its pricing. The 2017 Mirai continues to be Toyota’s technology halo car, the highest-selling fuel-cell car in the U.S., though it remains limited to certain California regional markets. Its base price remains $58,365, the same as the […]

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