Volvo Shows Off the New V60 Cross Country

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country (Credit: Volvo)

The all-new Volvo V60 Cross Country will make its first public debut at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the automaker has already revealed what the wagon looks like. It is based on the V60 wagon, but some modifications have been made to accommodate some more rugged driving situations.

The V60 Cross Country is being billed as an alternative to large SUVs. It presumably will be more fuel efficient and provides a better urban driving experience, but can still drive down dirt trails reasonably well. It will go head-to-head against the Audi Allroad and Subaru Outback.

Among the tweaks done to the wagon is an increased ground clearance of 2.6 inches. Underbody protection was also installed, which helps guard against mechanical damage from rocks or other obstacles on a trail. Fortunately, the wagon doesn’t come with ugly black body cladding, unlike some competitors and the Volvo XC70. Other upgrades that are meant for off-road use include a hill descent system, corner traction control, and a more advanced all-wheel drive system that features torque vectoring.

The engine is nothing new to Volvo, though, which is kind of a disappointment considering the revolutionary powertrains that are being offered in the upcoming 2016 XC90. The turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is housed under the hood, putting out 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque.

The good news is that Volvo has recognized that the United States will be a key market for the V60 Cross Country. For that reason, the model will launch in early 2015 here, while it won’t be available in some other markets until later in the year.

The bad news is that Volvo’s new Drive-E four-banger engines, including the diesel version, will be available on the V60 Cross Country in some other markets. Of course, there’s a drawback to this news, because those engines will only be used on front-wheel drive versions of the car, while the 2.5-liter engine will still be used on all-wheel drive versions of the wagon.