The Volvo XC70 combines the ambience of a luxury car, premium cargo flexibility and increased ground clearance providing the perfect charisma of an off-road activity vehicle. As a pioneer, innovator and leader in the premium wagon segment, Volvo blazed a new trail when it introduced this concept as the original first-generation “Cross Country” nearly 20 years ago.
For 2016, buyers can select a drivetrain that meets their needs. The XC70 T5 Drive-E features a highly efficient engine and eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission managed by ECO+ functionality to deliver maximum fuel efficiency.
Those seeking the four-season benefits of Volvo’s All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ can select the new XC70 T5 AWD. Fitted with Volvo’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine teamed with a six-speed “Geartronic” transmission.
Volvo has increased the roster of XC70 standard features for 2016. Heated front seats, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) and new 18-inch “Pan” alloy wheels are standard on all models. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is now standard on XC70 Platinum trim levels.
Volvo Engineered Drive-E
Drive-E encompasses Volvo’s innovative engineering in a range of technologies that provide greater efficiency, excellent performance and rewarding driving pleasure. The T5 Drive-E features Volvo’s highly efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine that produces 240 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque.
It transmits power to the front wheels via an eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. Additional gears enable the engine to operate at peak efficiency for optimum fuel economy and performance. This transmission is engineered to provide extremely smooth shifts and reduced noise. A start/stop feature automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal.
The third component of Drive-E is ECO+ fuel-saving technology designed to optimize shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated by the driver, ECO+ can improve fuel economy by five percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate.
ECO+ functions include:
- Start/Stop – The start/stop functionality is modified to allow the engine to shut down at 4mph (7kph) as the car coasts to a stop.
- ECO-coast – Helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine “brake” is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released.
- ECO-climate – The air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate ECO+.
Traction in Action
Volvo has made its electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ standard on the new XC70 T5 AWD. This features a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 266 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Teamed with a six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission, All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction provides the best possible grip in all situations – on wet, slippery or completely dry roads. The advanced AWD system delivers power to the wheels with the best grip. When a tire loses traction, power is reduced to that wheel and instantly transferred to the more sure-footed wheels. Hill Descent Control (HDC), included on XC70s with AWD, uses the vehicle’s brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.
Sensus Delivers In-Car Connectivity
All XC70s include Sensus Connect featuring a wide array of in-car connectivity services including:
- A Volvo-unique cloud developed with Ericsson, a leader in mobile and fixed networking
- Cloud-based apps including Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, Glympse and more Connected service booking
- On-screen vehicle owner’s manual
- Internet browser
- Connection achieved via internal modem, which includes 6-month trial service period
- Improved voice control with state-of-the-art speech engine powered by Nuance
Volvo On Call is a standard sophisticated telematics system that includes a driver-activated SOS button, automatic collision alert and GPS location tracking by emergency service operators. If an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is deployed, emergency assistance is notified even if the driver is unable to press the button.
Wi-Fi Hotspot uses the standard 3G-based Volvo On Call plus the car’s regular rooftop antenna giving the driver access to cloud-based Volvo services without an on-board smartphone. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car so passengers can connect their smartphone, laptop or tablet to the Internet.
Sensus Navigation, standard on Premier and Platinum trims, integrates all navigation functions into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one’s attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in-dash 7-inch monitor. Sensus Navigation includes 3D imaging, voice recognition, routing options and built-in apps.
Designed to Go Anywhere
The XC70’s dynamic appearance is accented with a wide grille and large Iron mark, wide lower intake plus bumpers that project a horizontal stance. Headlights and LED daytime running lights contribute to the dynamic look while front and rear matte silver décor trim, rear skid plate décor and vertical taillights provide the finishing touch.
The XC70’s luxurious interior includes an analog instrument cluster on base trim levels. Premier and Platinum trims feature a high-tech adaptive digital display. This electronic Thin Film Transistor (TFT) design gives drivers the convenience of selecting from three different themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance.
Volvo’s trim level strategy gives customers opportunities to select vehicles equipped exactly the way they desire. XC70 T5 Drive-E and T5 AWD are offered in base, Premier, and Platinum trims. The latter includes the Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System featuring innovative Dirac Live® sound tuning technology,12 premium speakers and 650 watts.
Available on all models the optional Climate Package includes a heated windshield, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles.
The Technology Package, featuring Volvo’s most advanced driver support systems, is standard with the Platinum trim and available on others. Features include Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake function. Active High Beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information (RSI) displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera (FLC). The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The Proximity Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier, adds Keyless Drive, rear park assist camera and a hands-free power tailgate.
Additional features are included in the Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier. These include a quick-fold front passenger seat, HomeLink integrated garage door opener, cargo cover, grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in the cargo area, power folding rear head restraints and private locking.
Individual options include front and rear park assist, dual two-stage child booster seats, Keyless Drive (standard on Platinum), and a Dual screen Rear Entertainment System (RSE).
Safety and Versatility
Standard XC70 safety systems include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 30 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC70 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Introduced on the XC70, a height-adjustable integrated booster cushion, optional on all trim levels, teams with an extended inflatable curtain. This combination provides the industry’s best passenger safety system for children in the rear seat. A strong side structure uses high-tensile steel of different grades to optimize side-impact protection.
The XC70’s versatile cargo compartment floor is equipped with aluminum rails and movable storage points to secure the load. Side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. In addition, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load related accessories.
Price
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $37,100