The Volvo XC60 I 3.2 (238 Hp) AWD Geartronic, produced from 2009 to 2010, represents Volvo’s entry into the burgeoning compact luxury crossover SUV segment. Positioned below the larger XC70 and XC90, the XC60 aimed to attract a younger demographic with its stylish design and focus on safety, hallmarks of the Volvo brand. This first generation XC60 was a critical model for Volvo, becoming a sales success and establishing a strong foothold in a competitive market. It blended Scandinavian design principles with practical functionality, offering a compelling alternative to established German and Japanese rivals.
Volvo XC60 I: Overview and Market Positioning
The XC60 I was Volvo’s response to the growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs. Unlike some competitors that prioritized sportiness, the XC60 focused on providing a comfortable and safe driving experience. While not initially offered in the United States with the 3.2-liter engine, the XC60 was a significant model in Europe and other international markets. Its success paved the way for the second-generation XC60, which became a mainstay in Volvo’s North American lineup. The “Geartronic” designation refers to Volvo’s automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive shifting.
Engine & Performance
The XC60 I 3.2 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine, designated the B6324S. This engine produces 238 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 74.6 hp/l. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Volvo’s All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which utilizes an electrically or mechanically operated clutch to engage the rear wheels when needed. The drivetrain employs a six-speed automatic transmission (Geartronic). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.6 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) combined, with 16.3 l/100 km (14.4 US mpg) in urban driving and 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg) on the highway. CO2 emissions are 267 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volvo XC60 I features a sleek, crossover SUV body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its design was a departure from traditional Volvo styling, incorporating more sculpted lines and a lower roofline. The interior emphasizes Scandinavian minimalism, with a focus on clean lines and high-quality materials. Safety was a paramount concern in the XC60’s design, and it included features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The XC60 offers 495 liters (17.48 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1455 liters (51.38 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4627 mm (182.17 in.), width 1891 mm (74.45 in.), and height 1713 mm (67.44 in.). The wheelbase measures 2774 mm (109.21 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC60 |
| Generation | XC60 I |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 (238 Hp) AWD Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.3 l/100 km (14.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 267 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 238 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6324S |
| Engine displacement | 3192 cm3 (194.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2430 kg (5357.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 690 kg (1521.19 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 495 l (17.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1455 l (51.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4627 mm (182.17 in.) |
| Width | 1891 mm (74.45 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2120 mm (83.46 in.) |
| Height | 1713 mm (67.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2774 mm (109.21 in.) |
| Front track | 1632 mm (64.25 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives front wheels, rear wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Geartronic |
The Volvo XC60 I 3.2 AWD Geartronic, while a relatively short-lived model, established the XC60 as a key player in the luxury crossover segment. Its blend of safety, style, and practicality made it a popular choice for buyers seeking a premium SUV experience.
