Volvo might have set priorities to new models, but it is also time for a facelift on the existing vehicles. The XC40 is getting an electric drivetrain, and the next one in the line for the update is the 2022 Volvo XC60. The crossover debuted in 2017, and after five years, the Swedish company is ready to bring a big portion of changes. Recently, they refreshed the offer with the Polestar edition, but fans are waiting for the redesign of the entire lineup. That is now obvious to happen.
In the next few months, we will hear all the plans for the compact luxury crossover. A 2.0-liter engine remains the main source of power for most configurations. There will be T5, T6, and T8 available in the US, and the carmaker will probably drop diesel setups in the rest of the world. Instead, we can hear, the 2022 Volvo XC60 might get the Recharge version. That is an all-electric powertrain. This time, it should be more powerful than the one we find in the XC40. Even the XC90 might be completely electrified.
The all-new XC60 will take many ideas from the upcoming models. Volvo is adding the smallest crossover, called XC20. On the other side of the lineup, the largest SUV won’t be the XC90, but XC100.
2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo is all in the electrification and many new models will carry the ‘Recharge’ badge. The first one is already here – the smallest crossover in the lineup, XC40. The carmaker is not waiting and soon its entire fleet will be out with pure electric motors. Zero-emission is a mission and Volvo is not giving up. They plan to replace all the engines with internal combustion by 2025. Well, it might be too soon, but we can’t say ‘no’ to this carmaker.
The 2022 Volvo XC60 might get a similar configuration like its smaller sibling. With 400 hp, a battery is powerful enough even for the bigger units. Of course, XC60 is heavier than XC40 and it won’t offer the same range and acceleration numbers. On the other hand, a 78-kW battery could be replaced with a larger drivetrain. In this case, fans can count on the range of at least 250 miles. Even the existing battery is pretty capable of towing, returning 2,000 pounds. It will be enough even for the XC60.
Standard Configurations
If the all-electric model comes out, the biggest question is – what will happen with the plug-in hybrid? Well, it is still part of the lineup, and it is one of the highlights, speaking of Volvo vehicles. It is the T8 AWD configuration capable to explode for 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. However, the compact crossover, even with the PHEV system, is not returning a stunning mpg rating. Well, that is the cost of such a huge amount of power.
Other two setups should be available for the 2022 Volvo XC60. The T5 is producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft, while the T6 is there with 315 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All the configurations are based on a 2.0-liter petrol engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission was revisited recently, and it works smoothly with all the setups. For the T8, only AWD is available, while T5 and T6 are getting power to the front axle.
Versions
The 2022 Volvo XC60 will keep all three trim levels we used to see on the compact crossover. The luxury offer starts with the Momentum package, which brings 18-inch wheels, a unique grille design, and leather upholstery. This package will offer some of the advanced connectivity services for smartphones. Volvo is well-known for its safety systems that provide peace of mind at any trim level. Well, safety is one of the reasons why we are not seeing Volvo’s debut in the truck segment.
The R-Design is a mid-range offer with larger wheels and smarter options. Nappa leather increases the level of comfort. Many inserts and details will make the R-Design package easy to recognize. But, if you want the 2022 Volvo XC60 at its best, then you should consider the Inscription package. The price is hefty, but unique details are added. The only thing that can beat the most luxurious offer is the Polestar edition. It enhances the T8 configuration with a sportier ride. But, it is not just up to Volvo if this package is coming back for 2022.
Autonomous Drive
Volvo is already delivering some of the most advanced driver-aid features. But, the autonomous drive is a plan for 2022 and 2023. Bosses confirmed that Level 4 is on the way. However, chiefs didn’t give any schedule or release date indications. If Volvo achieves this level of self-driving cars, it will be a huge step in evolution. Currently, Tesla is a leader in this realm, with an advanced Level 2 system. Differences between Level 3 and Level 4 are minor, so most companies will skip the lower tier of autonomous drive.
