The Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic: A Blended Approach to Utility
The Volvo V60 I Cross Country represents a distinctive blend of a traditional European station wagon (estate) and a light-duty crossover, designed to offer enhanced versatility and a more rugged aesthetic than its standard V60 counterpart. Introduced in 2015 as part of the first-generation V60 lineup, this particular variant, the Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic, was produced until 2018. It carved out a niche in the premium mid-size segment, appealing to consumers seeking the practicality of a wagon combined with the adventurous spirit and increased ground clearance typically associated with SUVs. While the V60 Cross Country was available with all-wheel drive in many markets, the specific technical data provided for this variant indicates a front-wheel-drive (FWD) powertrain architecture, an intriguing configuration for a model bearing the “Cross Country” badge.
Engine and Performance of the Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic
At the heart of the Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic lies Volvo’s advanced Drive-E powertrain philosophy, exemplified by its 2.0-liter (1969 cm³, 120.16 cu. in.) turbocharged inline-four engine. Codenamed B4204T11, this powerplant is a testament to modern engineering, delivering a robust 245 horsepower at 5500 rpm. The engine’s sophisticated design, featuring direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, ensures both spirited performance and improved efficiency. It generates a substantial 258.15 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rev range, from 1500 to 4800 rpm, providing excellent responsiveness and ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. This impressive power-to-liter ratio of 124.4 Hp/l highlights the engine’s efficiency in output.
Power is managed by a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, which contributes significantly to the vehicle’s dynamic performance and fuel economy. Despite its “Cross Country” designation, the drivetrain architecture for this specific variant is front-wheel drive, with the engine mounted transversely at the front. This setup allows the Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.3 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 130.49 mph (210 km/h). Fuel efficiency is commendable for a vehicle of its size and performance, with a combined rating of 35.6 US mpg (6.6 l/100 km). Urban driving yields approximately 27 US mpg (8.7 l/100 km), while extra-urban conditions can see figures as high as 43.6 US mpg (5.4 l/100 km), demonstrating the effectiveness of the Drive-E engine in minimizing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which stand at 153 g/km.
Design and Features
The design of the Volvo V60 I Cross Country masterfully merges the sleek lines of the V60 station wagon with rugged, off-road-inspired elements. Its body type is officially classified as a station wagon (estate) and crossover, featuring five doors and comfortable seating for five occupants. Key differentiating features from the standard V60 include a significantly increased ride height of 7.91 inches (201 mm), providing better clearance over uneven terrain and a commanding driving position. Robust black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, sills, and lower bumpers enhances its adventurous aesthetic and offers protection against minor scrapes. Silver skid plates, both front and rear, further underscore its readiness for light off-road excursions.
Inside, the V60 Cross Country maintains Volvo’s reputation for ergonomic design, high-quality materials, and a focus on safety. The cabin is characterized by its clean, Scandinavian aesthetic, offering a comfortable and intuitive environment for both driver and passengers. Practicality is a strong suit, with a generous minimum trunk (boot) space of 43.83 cu. ft. (1241 liters), making it highly capable of carrying luggage, sports equipment, or groceries. Standard features include an independent McPherson strut front suspension and an independent coil spring rear suspension, both contributing to a balanced ride quality. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, supported by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety and control. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup, providing precise and predictable handling for a vehicle of its stature. Its overall dimensions—182.6 inches (4638 mm) in length, 71.85 inches (1825 mm) in width, and 60.83 inches (1545 mm) in height—along with a wheelbase of 109.21 inches (2774 mm), ensure a stable footprint and ample interior volume.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V60 |
| Generation | V60 I Cross Country |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of Production | 2015 year |
| End of Production | 2018 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate), Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 seconds |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 130.49 mph (210 km/h) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 245 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per liter | 124.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4800 rpm (350 Nm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4204T11 |
| Engine displacement | 1969 cm³ (120.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.23 in. (82 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.67 in. (93.2 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.23 US qt (5.9 l) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.77 US qt (8.3 l) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 43.83 cu. ft. (1241 l) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.83 US gal (67.5 l) |
| Max. roof load | 165.35 lbs. (75 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 4188.78 lbs. (1900 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3527.4 lbs. (1600 kg) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 182.6 in. (4638 mm) |
| Width | 71.85 in. (1825 mm) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 73.46 in. (1866 mm) |
| Width including mirrors | 82.56 in. (2097 mm) |
| Height | 60.83 in. (1545 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 109.21 in. (2774 mm) |
| Front track | 63.74 – 63.35 in. (1619-1609 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 62.09 – 61.69 in. (1577-1567 mm) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 7.91 in. (201 mm) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 38.71 ft. (11.8 m) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Volvo V60 I Cross Country, particularly the 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic variant, played a crucial role in Volvo’s strategy to expand its appeal beyond traditional sedans and wagons. In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs, the Cross Country models offered a compelling alternative for consumers who valued the driving dynamics and fuel efficiency of a car but desired the added capability and rugged styling of a crossover. This model allowed Volvo to compete with established rivals like the Audi A4 Allroad and, to some extent, the Subaru Outback, by offering a distinct premium European flavor.
Volvo’s reputation for safety, durability, and understated luxury was further solidified by the V60 Cross Country. Its elevated ride height and protective body cladding resonated with buyers in markets like North America and Europe, where varied weather conditions and a desire for versatility are prevalent. While the specific front-wheel-drive configuration of this variant might seem unconventional for a “Cross Country” model, which often implies all-wheel-drive capability, it likely offered a more fuel-efficient and potentially lower-cost option for those who appreciated the styling and ground clearance without needing power sent to all four wheels. This FWD iteration would have still provided excellent traction in most conditions, especially when paired with appropriate tires.
The Volvo V60 I Cross Country 2.0 T5 (245 Hp) Automatic contributed to Volvo’s brand image as an innovator in combining practicality with an active lifestyle ethos. Its production run from 2015 to 2018 solidified the Cross Country sub-brand within the V60 lineup, paving the way for future generations and reinforcing the idea that a station wagon could be both elegant and adventurous. It remains a testament to Volvo’s commitment to offering diverse options that cater to specific consumer needs, blending the best attributes of multiple vehicle segments into a cohesive and desirable package.
