The Volvo XC60 is by no means an ugly SUV- but the R-Design package for the crossover, due at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, supplements the tasteful exterior, and lends the crossover a more dynamic driving experience.By Kyle Kock
Launched in 2007 to attract a younger crowd to the Volvo stable, R-Design (Much like M Sport packs on BMWs) focuses on sporty, personalised options, exclusive design details and uprated chassis for improved handling prowess. Popular models that already feature R Design packages include the C30, S40, V70 and XC90.
“R-Design has been a great success for Volvo Cars. This sporty, exclusive sales version has helped us attract new customer groups who would perhaps not otherwise have chosen Volvo. The introduction of the XC60 R-Design shows clearly how strongly we believe in this concept and we have noted considerable pre-launch interest in this product from our markets,” says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.
Typical R-Design attributes include door mirror housings, front grille, scuff plates and trim in matte silk metal finish, as well as twin chrome tailpipes to mark the rear. Exclusive to the R-design models are a set of 18-inch, five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels, though 20-inch rims are available as an option. The trim on the lower sections of the body panels are now also colour-coded to the rest of the exterior and are capped by matte silk-finishes – which creates the illusion of a lowered chassis.
Speaking of suspension, R-Design treatment also means the XC60’s chassis is now stiffer, with stronger damping characteristics, though Volvo was careful not to lower the suspension so that the XC60 could maintain a respectable level of ground clearance for off-road activity. The steering gear is now more direct, which means much faster steering response and more direct road surface communication.
As is the case with the exterior, the cabin is meant to be “stylish while sporty” – with emphasis on the inclusion of sports-style seats (with R-Design emblems embossed on the head restraints all-round), sports pedals in aluminium, blue R-Design gauges and unique R-Design centre stack.
“The R-Design model boosts the XC60’s already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design. These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars,” Stegland added.