Following numerous leaks, Volvo has lifted the embargo on its upcoming 2009 XC60 compact luxury crossover that will do battle against the likes of other premium segment offerings such as the Land Rover LR2, Acura RDX, and Infiniti EX35. First seen in concept form at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the vehicle will be making its production debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
The U.S. model of XC60 will be offered at launch with just one engine, the T6 inline-6 used in the S80 sedan rated at 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. European models will be offered with a pair of diesel five-cylinders rated at 185 and 163 horsepower. AWD with Volvo's Instant Traction feature will be standard in both markets, though a front-drive model powered by a 2.4-liter, 163 horsepower diesel will be offered in Europe sometime in 2009.
Volvo's also predictably pushing the safety angle with the XC60, billing the crossover as its safest vehicle ever. The main safety system for the vehicle is known as City Safety, a system designed to help drivers to avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts that can often happen in city driving situations. City Safety automatically applies the brakes if the vehicle senses an impact with the car in front of it is imminent.
The XC60 is set to go on sale in the U.S. in the early months of 2009 following a fall 2008 launch in Europe, with Volvo hoping to move some 15,000-20,000 vehicles a year in the U.S. and 50,000 worldwide.