With horsepower already at high levels in most standard models of vehicles on the market, some buyers just are looking for a sportier appearance. Manufacturers have been happy to oblige, like BMW who has announced the M Sport package for the 7-Series that is available across the lineup.
Volvo has been trying to bring more variety to the marketplace with it’s new vehicles and the XC60 is a big part of that. With the XC60 being an already impressive crossover, this package should only add even more to it’s appeal (depending on pricetag).
I like it! It’s amazing what a little nips and tucks can to do really increase desirability. It looks lower then the standard XC60, huh? Well, it’s actually not. As part of the R-Design package, the black lower section between body and ground is painted to match the rest of car. This lowers visual ride height. The R-Design gets a sport suspension with stronger damping but ride height is unchanged.
Other exterior features added by the R-Design includes covering the grille, foglamp area, sill mouldings and door mirror housing in what Volvo calls a “silk metal” finish. Chrome tailpipes and skidplate round off the look.
In addition the R-Design also adds an unique color, “Passion Red” and a set of optional 20-inch “Cratus” wheels. Inside, the R-Design adds a lot of little (and some big) touches too that include sport seats, unique upholstery, R-Design gauges, aluminum pedals. No pricing or availability information has been made available yet. Looking good Volvo, really good! If I was getting the XC60, I’d want this package. Given that this package doesn’t offer any horsepower upgrades, I’d imagine someday Volvo will add a true R sports model. But in the meantime. this adds a needed dose of sportiness. What do you guys think?
July 8th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Great review of this sportier looking Volvo Tony, I was amazed to discover that the XC60 generates 281 Horses at 295 lb ft Torque, and is packaged with a wide array of safety features such as a City Safety Collision Warning that automatically applies braking power when operating the vehicle too closely to another car, and also offers Auto Brake Adaptive Cruise Control which also applies automatically brakes while cruising at highway speeds. Volvo offers a three year complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance, which you will only find on a BMW. I like the XC60’s looks and safety features, which others may view as too robotic, but heck if it prevents me from getting into an accident and having to spend hours filling out insurance claims, then the robotic features are worth it.