2012 Volvo XC60

Combining the best aspects of a sedan and a sport utility vehicle, the revamped 2012 Volvo XC60 represents an exciting new entry in the crossover vehicle market in the U.S.

The appearance of the 2012 XC60 is visually striking. The vehicle features an elegant sloped V-shaped hood and wave patterns stretching from front to back on the sides of the vehicle that give the illusion of motion even when the XC60 is still.

Three power trains are available with the XC60, including a 3.2-liter six-cylinder non-turbo, a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 R-design,

or the vehicle's sport design. In the two turbocharged options, all-wheel drive is standard. In the non-turbo, front-wheel drive is standard with optional all-wheel drive.

The XC60 is 182.2 inches long with a body width of 74.4 inches and a body height of 67.4 inches. The standard model has a wheelbase of 109.2 inches with ground clearance of 9.1 inches and a gross weight of 5,343 pounds.

The interior of the 2012 Volvo XC60 will more than satisfy drivers who expect luxury blended with cutting-edge technology. A classic walnut wood interior is available with the option of a wood steering wheel. Volvo's signature entertainment system comes standard and includes a radio, a CD and DVD player, an iPod adapter and a Bluetooth streaming integration system. Volvo's rear-seat entertainment system includes two seven-inch LCD monitors and two DVD players built into the headrest.

Voice activated navigation with real-time traffic is available as an option. Drivers can opt for a two-pane panoramic sunroof in the XC60.

Volvo's highly praised safety features help make the XC60 one of the most secure vehicles on the road, guaranteeing peace of mind for its drivers. Features include a blind-spot alert system and automatic front and rear parking assistance. A portable video navigation system ensures drivers will arrive at their destination efficiently.

Other high-tech safety innovations available in the XC60 are systems, exclusive to Volvo, that can stabilize the car when necessary or even warn the driver if he or she is growing tired behind the wheel. The Volvo City Safety feature can detect a stopped or slowly moving vehicle ahead of the

XC60 on the road and automatically apply the brakes at speeds of less than 19 miles per hour. This special feature is the origin of the XC60's nickname, "the car that stops itself."

When they fold down the rear seat and backrests of the XC60, drivers will discover nearly 17 cubic feet of cargo space, ideal for sports or camping equipment or shopping bags. That total exceeds the amount of space offered by the BMW X5. Volvo engineers have made the most of the cargo area by ensuring that the vehicle's wheel wells do not intrude into the storage area.

The XC60's sporty design even extends to the vehicle's attractive pedals and mirrors.