Short-take: XC60 i4 T6 (Drive-E)

chris@swedespeed · Jan 21, 2014

I write up a little more later this evening but I wanted to pass along some immediate feedback after my test drive of the 2015 XC60 T6 (302hp, FWD, 4-cylinder)

Wow this Fun! That was my initial impression on my 40 minute solo drive in the 2015 XC60 T6. The 8-speed transmission is silky smooth and the Sport mode just put a giddy smile on my face. I was not expecting torquey wheel spin but it was there and made the drive a hoot! Off the line the supercharge makes a slight whine, which adds a enjoyable sound experience. Without the weight of AWD, the XC60 feels nimble and alive. The sport seats felt superb and offer just enough grip. I am really torn between the six-cylinder T6 and the new four-cylinder T6 - if you don't need AWD, the performance between the two is nearly identical. Passing from 75mph is strong. As these hit dealers in the next couple of weeks, I think the concerns about the 4-cylinder performance will subside - the 302hp in the new T6 is the real deal and it is a blast to drive.

More to follow. We drive the V60 and S60 tomorrow and given they are lighter than the XC60, I expect we will have a great day.

tomedkaz · Jan 21, 2014

Thanks for the quick review..wow the seats are sexy

Id need awd in it though....

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

esmith813 · Jan 21, 2014

That's great to read! I can't wait to read the new V60 review.

BrianV · Jan 21, 2014

Thanks, can you comment on the powertrain smoothness (NVH) of the T6 3.0L I-6 vs the new one?

chris@swedespeed · Jan 21, 2014

The I-6 may be a bit smoother but the seat of the pants feel between the two is neglicable - will have to test drive a I-6 T6 back-to-back with a I-4 T6. I think the buying decision really comes down to the need for AWD and if so, do you want the I-5 or I-6. The Polestar S60/V60 will be the last I-6 offering, so the old 3.0L will go out on a high note. Production for the I-6 will end around May.

MartinS · Jan 21, 2014

My understandning is that the six cylinder T6 will remain for all AWD veihecles for several more years, and the new VEA four cylinder will be manufactured in paralell for FWD veihecles.

What is it you are saying will end in May?

GrecianVolvo · Jan 21, 2014

MartinS said:
My understandning is that the six cylinder T6 will remain for all AWD veihecles for several more years, and the new VEA four cylinder will be manufactured in paralell for FWD veihecles.

What is it you are saying will end in May?

The 3.2L I-6 is the one that will seize production in May.

BrianV · Jan 21, 2014

GrecianVolvo said:
The 3.2L I-6 is the one that will seize production in May.

Which makes sense. It's considerably outdated by 2014 standards in terms of power and mpg at least. Although I imagine the new engine costs quite a bit more, the 3.2 just isn't competitive.

geokilla · Jan 21, 2014

Ugh that side tachometer... I really wish they bring back the old analogs with two screens like what's used in the pre-facelift S60 and XC60. But that'll never happen. Loving those seats though.

BrianV said:
Which makes sense. It's considerably outdated by 2014 standards in terms of power and mpg at least. Although I imagine the new engine costs quite a bit more, the 3.2 just isn't competitive.

It's a terrible engine. Why Volvo didn't get rid of it earlier and stuff the turbo inline 5 into all Volvos is beyond me. The 3.2L inline 6 literally drove sales away.

reward2 · Jan 21, 2014

geokilla said:
Ugh that side tachometer... I really wish they bring back the old analogs with two screens like what's used in the pre-facelift S60 and V60. But that'll never happen. Loving those seats though.
+1

XC60 RD · Jan 21, 2014

Chris how is the 8spd tranny at low speeds. Does it search for gears like the bimmer ;0)
When is AWD gonna be available with the DRIVE-E 4 cylinders? is there a specific button for SPORT or do you just toggle the shifter to the left for +/- manual shift mode?

volvocu · Jan 21, 2014

geokilla said:
Ugh that side tachometer... I really wish they bring back the old analogs with two screens like what's used in the pre-facelift S60 and XC60. But that'll never happen. Loving those seats though.

It's a terrible engine. Why Volvo didn't get rid of it earlier and stuff the turbo inline 5 into all Volvos is beyond me. The 3.2L inline 6 literally drove sales away.

It's a terrible engine. Why Volvo didn't get rid of it earlier and stuff the turbo inline 5 into all Volvos is beyond me. The 3.2L inline 6 literally drove sales away.[/QUOTE]

I have always been appaled by why Volvo produced such an awful engine , it was a brand new design and an inline-6, doesnt make sense at all...

By the way I do not think the new Drive-E engines are more expensive as they have MANY shared parts and the economies of scale should be the best ever for a Volvo engine.

BrianV · Jan 21, 2014

volvocu said:
By the way I do not think the new Drive-E engines are more expensive as they have MANY shared parts and the economies of scale should be the best ever for a Volvo engine.

The I6 3.2 was a relatively simple engine which also used shared component parts and/or design cost/assistance from Ford IIRC. I'm not expert on Volvo's, but the addition of a supercharger, turbocharger, 8spd transmission, direct injection vs port, etc. likely adds cost. Although it's a cost needed as other manufacturers are replacing N/A engines with more advanced forced induction ones (likely costing more as well). As stated below, it's needed just to be competitive.

For example, for Ford the 3.5L Ecoboost costs more (to the consumer) than the 5.0L V8. It's a safe assumption that the engine costs more.

Magic Marker · Jan 22, 2014

Sounds good.. Looking forward to hearing more about the cars. Do you think they'll ever offer AWD in the new 4cyls?

thebracko · Jan 22, 2014

Magic Marker said:
Sounds good.. Looking forward to hearing more about the cars. Do you think they'll ever offer AWD in the new 4cyls?

Absolutely.

31355 · Jan 22, 2014

Why or why oh why does the S60 not get these two-toned seats is beyond me. A R-design only being available in all black is just to dreary...who says all black interior is "sporty" is behind me...give us a choice. I literally bought a T5 AWD instead of a R-design because of seat color.

I'm glad to hear the positive review....if MPH really live up to as-advertised Volvo could have a real winner here. Lets hope they can be as reliable as the old I5 motors are. I kinda like the engine cover with the big emblem. Finally we are getting new product that will hopefully turn this ship around!

GrecianVolvo · Jan 22, 2014

*********** said:
if MPH really live up to as-advertised Volvo could have a real winner here!

It will. EPA has already certified these engines.

These engines will be fantastic. The T5 engine will have an operating fuel cost that will be very close to that of a diesel, all the while having way better performance.

The XC90 T6 will get better MPG than a current X5 diesel.

MartinS · Jan 22, 2014

Magic Marker said:
Sounds good.. Looking forward to hearing more about the cars. Do you think they'll ever offer AWD in the new 4cyls?

They will in a few years. New XC90 will be the first one with VEA engine and AWD.

My concern is that is may only be electric motors on the rear wheels, that usually does not work that well. Future will tell...

XC60 RD · Jan 22, 2014

GrecianVolvo said:
It will. EPA has already certified these engines.

These engines will be fantastic. The T5 engine will have an operating fuel cost that will be very close to that of a diesel, all the while having way better performance.

The XC90 T6 will get better MPG than a current X5 diesel.

Is the XC90 AWD going to be supercharged and turbocharged 4cyl engine. Fantastic about mpg rating on the new XC90!.......better than 25mpg combined is impressive for a petrol SUV ;0)

GrecianVolvo · Jan 22, 2014

XC60 RD said:
Is the XC90 AWD going to be supercharged and turbocharged 4cyl engine?

Yes.

Short-take: XC60 i4 T6 (Drive-E)

chris@swedespeed

tomedkaz

esmith813

BrianV

chris@swedespeed

MartinS

GrecianVolvo

BrianV

geokilla

reward2

XC60 RD

volvocu

BrianV

Magic Marker

thebracko

31355

GrecianVolvo

MartinS

XC60 RD

GrecianVolvo

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