The autobox is quick to gear down when full acceleration is demanded, otherwise its shifts unobtrusively and at appropriate intervals unless its manual mode is in use, which in Volvo parlance is known as Geartronic.

Ride and comfort
It's got the juice but does it have handling and ride comfort to match? In short, "yes." The XC70 T6 is the cross-country version of Volvo's luxurious V70 wagon. Underpinnings of the XC70 hold it higher from the pavement than the V70, which of course enhances its trail worthiness while "presumably" diminishing its ride comfort and car-like handling. I say "presumably" because that's the natural assumption.

Not long ago I road tested the V70 and found that it handled competently while delivering a composed, comfortable ride. Despite the higher ride height of the XC70 T6, I was unable to detect any significant deterioration in its ride and handling qualities relative to that of the V70.

The sophisticated suspension of the XC70 T6 features three driver-adjustable settings.

The sophisticated suspension of the XC70 T6 features three driver-adjustable settings. A row of three buttons labeled, 'comfort,' 'sport,' and 'advanced' modify calibration rates, emphasizing either ride comfort or handling prowess. My chosen setting was 'comfort,' and as such the XC70 T6 felt nearly as smooth over the potholes as the V70.

Style and design
To my eye the XC70 T6 is a nicely proportioned, aesthetically pleasing wagon. In terms of style and build quality, it ranks up there with its Euro counterparts from Audi and BMW. Worthy of specific mention is the vehicle's interior architecture.

I consider Volvo a leader in this field. The seats in my tester were supple yet supportive and the layout of gauges and controls superb. Folding the rear seats was a simple task that produced a flat unimpeded load floor accessed through a large rear tailgate.

XC70 T6 living
Interior dimensions in the XC70 T6 are generous. Thanks to its plentiful interior real estate, pleasing operational refinement and quiet, smooth ride this versatile all-terrain family vehicle imparts a strong sense of quality and substance.

Along with its luxury-car trappings and outdoorsy nature, the XC70 T6 carries Volvo's reputation for safety and occupant protection. The list of standard and optional safety and security installations is too long to list. A few notables supplied as standard equipment include Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control (DSTC), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and side curtain airbags.

With its extra turbo-induced punch and selectable suspension settings, the XC70 T6 steps outside the typical Volvo comfort zone and liberates its driver with increased power and performance without sacrificing all those attributes we've come to admire the conservative car company for.

Unfortunately, the XC70 T6 is not an inexpensive Volvo. Its pricing starts at $51,595 and can surpass $60K when loaded. Prospective buyers would be wise to look for a "cash purchase" discount. At the time of writing, Volvo was offering a $5,000 discount on an XC70 T6 cash purchase.


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell