Volvo XC60 D4: A Compact Luxury SUV With Style And Performance

The Volvo XC60 D4 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that has been in production since 2008.

It is one of the most popular models in Volvo’s lineup, offering a blend of style, comfort, performance, and safety.

The XC60 D4 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, along with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC60 D4 also boasts a spacious and elegant cabin, equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a range of advanced driver assistance systems.

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the XC60 D4, such as the difference between the D4 and D5 engines, the performance of the all-wheel drive system, the features and specifications of the Momentum and R-Design trims, and the maintenance and service tips for the XC60 D4.

What is the difference between the Volvo XC60 D4 and D5?

Volvo XC60 D4 vs D5: Key Differences

Both engines are 2.0-liter turbodiesels, but the D5 packs a bigger punch:

Engine:	D4	D5
Horsepower:	190 PS	235 PS
Torque:	400 Nm	480 Nm
Transmission:	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel Efficiency:	Up to 40 mpg (combined)	Up to 38 mpg (combined)
Emissions:	Euro 6D compliant	Euro 6D compliant
0-60 mph:	8.4 seconds	7.2 seconds

Advantages of D4

Lower upfront cost: The D4 is typically cheaper than the D5.
Slightly better fuel economy: You might squeeze a few extra miles out of a gallon with the D4.
Potentially more reliable: Some reports suggest the D4 has fewer reported issues.

Disadvantages of D4

Less power and torque: You’ll experience slower acceleration and towing capacity.
May feel less refined: The D5 offers a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

Advantages of D5

Significantly more power and torque: Enjoy quicker acceleration, better handling, and improved towing capacity.

Smoother and more refined: The D5 boasts a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience.
May hold its value better: The higher performance model might have better resale value.

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Disadvantages of D5

Higher upfront cost: You’ll pay more for the D5 compared to the D4.
Slightly lower fuel economy: Expect slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to the D4.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and priorities

Choose the D4 if: You prioritize budget and fuel efficiency, and don’t require maximum power and performance.

Choose the D5 if: You value a more powerful and engaging driving experience, towing heavier loads, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

How does the Volvo XC60 D4 AWD perform on different terrains?

Volvo XC60 D4 AWD Performance on Different Terrains

The Volvo XC60 D4 AWD boasts a capable all-wheel-drive system, making it a competent choice for tackling various terrains beyond regular paved roads. Here’s a breakdown:

All-Wheel Drive System

On-demand system: Power primarily goes to the front wheels, but up to 100% can be transferred to the rear when needed.

Multi-plate clutch: This intelligent system reacts quickly to changing conditions, ensuring optimal traction.
Hill Descent Control (HDC): Maintains a controlled speed on steep downhills, enhancing confidence.

Performance on Different Terrains

On-road: The AWD provides excellent stability and handling, even in snowy or rainy conditions.

Light off-road: Handles gravel, dirt roads, and mild inclines comfortably.
Heavier off-road: While not a dedicated off-roader, it can manage moderate uneven terrain with careful driving.

Pros and Cons of the AWD System

Pros

Enhanced safety and stability: Improved traction in slippery conditions.

Increased confidence: Tackles varied road and weather conditions comfortably.
Improved towing capacity: Handles heavier loads more effectively.

Cons

Fuel consumption: AWD adds a slight decrease in fuel efficiency compared to the FWD model.

Maintenance: A more complex system, potentially higher maintenance costs in the long run.
Driving experience: Can feel slightly heavier and less agile compared to the FWD model.

ADAC Test Results

The German automobile club ADAC conducted tests on the Volvo XC60 D4 AWD, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: Praised for its confident handling on snow and slippery surfaces, effective traction control, and comfortable ride quality.
Weaknesses: Noted slightly higher fuel consumption compared to the FWD version and slower acceleration due to the added weight.

What are the features and specifications of the Volvo XC60 D4 Momentum and R-Design trims?

The Volvo XC60 D4 Momentum and R-Design are two trim levels of the compact luxury SUV that offer different features and specifications.

The Momentum is the base trim that provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior, while the R-Design is the sporty trim that adds more performance-oriented design and technology.

Here are some of the main differences between the two trims:

Exterior

The Momentum has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, and a power liftgate. The R-Design has 19-inch alloy wheels, black exterior accents, a sportier front grille, and a rear spoiler.

Interior

The Momentum has leather upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and four-zone automatic climate control. The R-Design has Nappa leather and fabric upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, paddle shifters, and metal mesh inlays.

Safety

Both trims have a suite of advanced driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and collision mitigation. The R-Design also has adaptive headlights, cornering lights, and a head-up display.

Performance

Both trims have the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. However, the R-Design has a sport-tuned suspension, a lower ride height, and a more responsive steering system that enhances the handling and agility of the SUV.

How to maintain and service the Volvo XC60 D4?

The Volvo XC60 D4 is a compact luxury SUV that features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that requires regular maintenance and service to keep it in optimal condition.

According to the Volvo service program, the recommended oil type for the XC60 D4 is synthetic 0W-20. The engine oil capacity is 5.8 liters. The service intervals for the XC60 D4 are every 15,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

To change the oil and reset the service indicator, you can follow these steps and tips:

Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine. Wait for at least 10 minutes to let the oil drain back into the oil pan.

Open the hood and locate the oil filler cap and the oil dipstick. Remove the oil filler cap and the oil dipstick and set them aside.
Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug, which is located at the bottom of the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drain out completely. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot oil.
Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely. Do not over-tighten it as this may damage the threads.

Move the drain pan under the oil filter, which is located on the front side of the engine. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter. Some oil may spill out, so be prepared to catch it with the drain pan.
Apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until it is snug. Do not use a wrench to tighten it as this may damage the filter or the engine.
Pour the new oil into the oil filler hole using a funnel. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more oil if needed. Do not overfill the oil as this may cause engine damage. The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.

Replace the oil filler cap and the oil dipstick and close the hood.
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks or warning lights. Turn off the engine and wait for a few minutes. Check the oil level again with the dipstick and make sure it is within the normal range.

To reset the service indicator, follow these steps:

Turn the ignition switch to position I.

Press and hold the trip odometer reset button until the original trip mileage is displayed.
Turn the ignition switch to position II within 2 seconds.
Keep holding the trip odometer reset button until the yellow warning light starts flashing and you hear a beep sound.

Release the trip odometer reset button and turn the ignition switch to position 0.
The service indicator should now be reset and the next service due date should be displayed.

The timing belt is a vital component of the engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft. It ensures that the valves open and close at the right time for the combustion process. The timing belt should be replaced every 105,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first, according to the Volvo maintenance schedule. Failing to replace the timing belt may result in severe engine damage or a breakdown.

To replace the timing belt, you will need a professional mechanic with the proper tools and expertise. The procedure involves removing the engine cover, the accessory drive belt, the crankshaft pulley, the timing belt cover, the old timing belt, and the tensioner. Then, the new timing belt and the tensioner are installed and aligned with the timing marks on the crankshaft and the camshaft. The timing belt cover, the crankshaft pulley, the accessory drive belt, and the engine cover are then reinstalled. The procedure may vary depending on the model year and the engine configuration of the XC60 D4.

The towing capacity of the Volvo XC60 D4 is 2,400 kg or 5,291 lbs with a braked trailer and 750 kg or 1,653 lbs with an unbraked trailer. The towing capacity may depend on the vehicle’s equipment, such as the transmission, the suspension, and the hitch. The towing capacity may also be affected by the vehicle’s load, the trailer’s load, the road conditions, and the driving style.

To ensure safe and efficient towing, follow these tips:

Check the tire pressure and the condition of the tires on both the vehicle and the trailer. Make sure they are inflated to the recommended level and have enough tread depth.

Check the lights, the brakes, the mirrors, and the safety chains on both the vehicle and the trailer. Make sure they are working properly and securely attached.
Check the weight and the distribution of the load on both the vehicle and the trailer. Make sure they do not exceed the maximum permissible weight and the maximum permissible axle load. Distribute the load evenly and secure it with straps or ropes. Avoid overloading the rear axle of the vehicle or the front axle of the trailer.
Adjust the driving speed and the distance to the vehicle in front according to the road conditions and the traffic situation. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. Use a lower gear when going uphill or downhill. Use the engine brake when going downhill to reduce the strain on the brakes.

Use the trailer stability assist (TSA) system if the vehicle is equipped with it. The TSA system can detect and correct trailer sway by applying the brakes on individual wheels and reducing the engine power. The TSA system can be activated or deactivated via the center display.

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FAQs

Is the Volvo XC60 D4 a good car?

The Volvo XC60 D4 is a good car if you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, a smooth and efficient diesel engine, and a range of advanced safety features. However, it may not be the best choice if you prefer a more sporty or dynamic driving experience, as the XC60 D4 is not very agile or responsive compared to some of its rivals.

What is XC60 D4?

The XC60 D4 is one of the engine variants of the Volvo XC60, a compact luxury crossover SUV that has been in production since 2008. The D4 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produces 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Is Volvo D4 engine any good?

The Volvo D4 engine is a good engine that delivers a decent balance of power, torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions. It is also equipped with a mild-hybrid system that uses a 48-volt battery and a belt-driven starter-generator to provide some electric assistance and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, the D4 engine is not as refined or quiet as some of the competitors’ engines, and it may struggle to cope with the weight and size of the XC60 on some occasions.

What does Volvo D4 mean?

The Volvo D4 is the name of the diesel engine that powers the XC60 D4 and some other Volvo models. The D stands for diesel, and the 4 stands for the number of cylinders in the engine. The D4 engine is part of the Volvo Drive-E family of engines, which are designed to be modular, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Are Volvo XC60 good on fuel?

The Volvo XC60 is good on fuel compared to some other large SUVs, but it is not the most economical in its class. The XC60 D4 has a claimed fuel efficiency of 5.3 liters per 100 km and emits 139 g of CO2 per km, which are respectable figures for a diesel SUV. However, some of its rivals, such as the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, have better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The XC60 D4’s fuel consumption and emissions may also vary depending on the drive system, the transmission, the driving mode, and the driving style.

Conclusion

We have explored the various aspects of the Volvo XC60 D4, a compact luxury crossover SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, performance, and safety.

We have compared the D4 and D5 diesel engine variants, the AWD and FWD drive systems, the Momentum and R-Design trim levels, and the maintenance and service tips for the XC60 D4.

We have also discussed the towing capacity and the trailer stability assist system of the XC60 D4.

The Volvo XC60 D4 is a versatile and reliable vehicle that can adapt to different driving situations and road conditions.

It has a spacious and elegant cabin, equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features.

It also has a smooth and efficient diesel engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

However, the Volvo XC60 D4 also has some drawbacks, such as its lower performance and sound quality compared to the D5, its higher fuel consumption and emissions compared to the FWD, and its higher price and complexity compared to the base trim.

If you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that can provide you with a comfortable and well-equipped ride, the Volvo XC60 D4 may be a good option for you.

However, if you are looking for a more sporty or dynamic driving experience, you may want to consider other options, such as the D5, the AWD, or the R-Design.

To find out more about the Volvo XC60 D4 and its features and specifications, you can visit the official Volvo website or contact your local Volvo dealer.

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Volvo XC60 D4: A Compact Luxury SUV With Style And Performance