The 2018 Volvo XC60 finally makes its launch debut in Malaysia, less than a year after the second-generation model was first revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The XC60 arrives in both locally-assembled (CKD) and fully-imported (CBU) forms, although the former will only be delivered at a later date – although bookings are now open.

There are three variants that will be made available – T5 Momentum, T8 Twin Engine Inscription and T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus. The last one is unique as it is also available in fully-imported form with slightly different specifications – catered for those who can’t wait for CKD deliveries to begin in April.


In terms of pricing, the CBU T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus goes for RM 373,888 on-the-road without insurance, and includes a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty. As for the CKD variants, they are as follows: T5 Momentum (RM 298,888), T8 Twin Engine Inscription (RM 333,888) and T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus (RM 343,888). Customers can choose from five exterior colours – Ice White, Bright Silver, Osmium Grey, Onyx Black and Maple Brown.

The T5 variant is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which outputs 254 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. Mated to the Drive-E mill is an AW TG-81SC eight-speed automatic transmission, with drive going to all four wheels.


As for the T8 variant, it gets the 407 hp/640 Nm T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain also found in the XC90 and S90. The setup consists of a T6-spec 2.0 litre turbocharged and supercharged four-pot (320 hp at 5,700 rpm and 400 Nm at 2,200 to 5,400 rpm), an AW TG-81SD eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. The engine is tasked with driving the front wheels, while the electric motor handles the rear to provide all-wheel drive.

The 87 hp/240 Nm electric motor is supplied by a 10.4 kWh battery, which when fully charged, offers an all-electric driving range of up to 45 km (NEDC). As the new XC60 rides on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) – like the 90 Series models (XC90, S90 and V90) – the battery is located in the centre tunnel.


Performance-wise, the T5 variant will complete the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds, hit a top speed of 220 km/h, and has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.2 l/100 km (combined). The T8 will achieve a higher top speed of 230 km/h, does the century sprint 1.5 seconds quicker (5.3 seconds), and will do 2.1 l/100 km (combined). Another minor detail – the T5 has a larger fuel tank (60 litres) compared to the T8’s 50 litre unit.

All locally-assembled XC60 variants are equipped with a Dynamic Chassis – composite leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers – whereas the imported option gets a more advanced Active Chassis with all-around air suspension.


Visually, the Momentum styling package on the T5 variant includes standard grille with oblong-shaped slats, black accents within the faux corner intakes, body-coloured mirror caps and dual round exhausts. The variant rides on 18-inch five-Y-spoke silver alloy wheels shod with 235/60 profile tyres.

Standard equipment on the T5 Momentum includes LED headlights with automatic high beam function, ‘Thor’s hammer’ LED DRLs, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Sensus Connect with a nine-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control with Clean Zone, Park Assist, rear-view camera and a 224-watt 10-speaker audio system.


The interior includes Comfort Seats with Charcoal leather upholstery, although customers can opt for Maroon Brown if they like (applicable to all CKD XC60 variants), Iron Ore Décor inlay, power adjustable front seats (memory function for driver only), three-spoke leather steering wheel with Unideco inlay and leather-wrapped gear lever.

The Inscription bundle on the T8 variants sees the adoption of a vertical, multi-slat grille, along with silver accents for the faux intakes. Elsewhere, there are chrome side mouldings and dual exhausts integrated into the rear diffuser. The T8 variants also come with larger 19-inch alloys, in a ten-spoke black diamond cut design wrapped with 235/55 profile tyres.


As you would expect, the T8 variants improve upon the T5’s kit list, starting with full LED headlights with Active Bending Lights function, a heads-up display, Inscription leather key fob, 360-degree surround-view camera, Navigation Pro, Park Assist Pilot, Parking Climate with cabin pre-conditioning and a panoramic sunroof. A 1,100-watt 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 10-channel Class-D amplifier is exclusive only for the T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus (a RM 10k premium in the CKD range).

Moving into the cabin, the locally-assembled T8 variants get the same seats and upholstery colour options as the T5 Momentum. However, the former is enhanced with the addition of mechanical cushion extension function and power-folding rear seats.


Other items include a three-spoke sports leather steering wheel with Unideco inlay, paddle shifters, illuminated Orrefors crystal gear lever, Inscription sill plates and Inscription Driftwood Decor inlay. The CBU T8 variant can be had in two other inlays – Linear Lime Décor and Metal Mesh Décor.

Safety is a given on a Volvo, and the carmaker’s Intellisafe suite of systems is standard on all XC60 variants, including City Safety (autonomous emergency braking), Blind Spot Information System, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, six airbags and many more. There are no integrated child booster seats; instead there’s an under-seat tray for storing items as large as tablets.

The T8 variants also come with Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, which introduces steering assistance to the Adaptive Cruise Control function. The system works at speeds of up to 130 km/h, reducing driver strain in tedious driving situations. However, driver involvement is still necessary as the system is automatically switched off if the driver does not keep a hand on the steering wheel.