Volvo announces 2010 XC60 T6 AWD pricing

Crossovers are the new wagons, according to popular wisdom, but at Volvo the heritage is clearly visible. Its wagon-like crossovers in the XC line have met with great success in the U.S., together with the various wagon lines accounting for about half of the company's sales in recent years. The 2010 XC60, revealed at last year's Geneva Motor Show, adds a smaller, sportier angle to the company's repertoire. Today, the company revealed the new XC60 will start from $37,200 in the U.S.

The new model is claimed to be the safest Volvo ever, featuring a host of new safety technologies including the latest ‘City Safety’ automatic braking system as standard. The City Safety feature is primarily aimed at mitigating damage in collisions at speeds at or below 19mph (30km/h).

The car is being launched with just one engine in the U.w., the turbocharged 3.0L T6 which produces 281hp (209kW), also found in the XC70 (read our review here). All models also come with AWD and Volvo's Instant Traction as standard. A pair of 2.4L five-cylinder diesels will be available in other markets, rated at 163hp and 185hp (121kW and 138kW).

The new XC60 will compete against formidable rivals like the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander/LR2 plus the Mercedes-Benz GLK and upcoming Audi Q5. Production will be handled by the carmaker’s factory in Ghent, Belgium, and officials are expecting to sell up to 50,000 units per year, with most of the sales expected to fall in the U.S., Germany, UK, Russia and China.

The production car’s styling remains true to the concept version unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, featuring the same S-shaped LED taillights, swooping headlights and sleek profile. Volvo calls the XC60 the first production expression of its new 'design DNA'. In keeping with a lifestyle theme, the XC60 also features a much more car-like ride height than many crossovers, and is devoid of any serious underbody protection.

Three major options packages are available on the XC60, including a Technology Package ($2,700), a Collision Avoidance Package ($1,695) and a Convenience Package ($1,000). The technology package adds the usual suspects, including: a premium 12-speaker audio system, DVD navigation system and rear park assist camera. Equipping the collision avoidance package adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, collision warning with auto brake, distance alert and driver alert control. Finally, the convenience package adds an extra 12V power outlet, cargo net in the rear storage area, front and rear park assist, power tailgate and a Homelink garage door opener.

The 2010 XC60 goes on sale this March, the same month as Audi's new 2009 Q5.