The Volvo XC70 II 2.4 D3 (163 Hp) AWD Geartronic is a station wagon, or estate as it’s commonly known in Europe, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo between 2010 and 2013. Positioned as a more rugged, all-weather alternative to traditional luxury wagons, the XC70 bridged the gap between a standard estate car and a full-fledged sport utility vehicle (SUV). It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the demand for practical, yet sophisticated, vehicles with all-wheel drive capabilities is strong. While not officially sold in the United States during its production run, the XC70 represents Volvo’s commitment to building durable, safe, and capable vehicles for diverse driving conditions. The “II” designation denotes the second generation of the XC70, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor with refinements in design, technology, and performance.
Volvo XC70 II: Overview and Market Positioning
The XC70 II occupied a unique niche in the automotive market. It wasn’t intended to compete directly with large, body-on-frame SUVs, but rather to offer a more car-like driving experience with the added security and versatility of all-wheel drive. This appealed to buyers who desired the practicality of a wagon but also needed the capability to handle inclement weather or light off-road conditions. In Europe, it was a popular choice for families and individuals who frequently traveled long distances or lived in areas with challenging road conditions. The 2.4 D3 variant, powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, was particularly favored for its fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the XC70 II 2.4 D3 is a 2.4-liter inline-five cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5204T3. This engine produces 163 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 400 Newton-meters (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in concert to boost power and efficiency. The engine’s transverse mounting within the front engine bay contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission (Geartronic), providing smooth and responsive shifting. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.3 seconds. The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The weight-to-power ratio of 11.1 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.5 kg/Nm demonstrate a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Design & Features
The XC70 II boasts a robust and functional design. Its raised ride height, protective body cladding, and standard roof rails give it a more adventurous appearance than a typical wagon. The five-door body style provides easy access to the spacious interior, which comfortably seats five passengers. The interior is characterized by Volvo’s Scandinavian design aesthetic – clean lines, high-quality materials, and a focus on ergonomics. Key features include a generous 575-liter (20.31 cu. ft.) trunk space, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. Safety was, and remains, a core Volvo value, and the XC70 II is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4838 mm (190.47 in) in length, 1870 mm (73.62 in) in width, and 1604 mm (63.15 in) in height – provide a comfortable and practical size for both urban and rural driving. A 70-liter (18.49 US gal) fuel tank provides a substantial driving range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC70 |
| Generation | XC70 II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 D3 (163 Hp) AWD Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate), Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5204T3 |
| Engine displacement | 2400 cm3 (146.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.15 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1811 kg (3992.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400 kg (5291.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 589 kg (1298.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 575 l (20.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4838 mm (190.47 in.) |
| Width | 1870 mm (73.62 in.) |
| Height | 1604 mm (63.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm (110.83 in.) |
| Front track | 1614 mm (63.54 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
The Volvo XC70 II 2.4 D3 AWD Geartronic represents a compelling blend of practicality, safety, and capability. While not a high-performance vehicle, its efficient diesel engine, all-wheel drive system, and spacious interior made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable wagon for all-weather driving conditions, particularly within the European market.
