20 Years of All-Wheel Drive

In 1997, a new type of Volvo allowed its owner to go wherever they wanted, regardless of conditions, thanks to its raised ride height, extra body protection, and all-wheel drive system. And the famous lineage of that V70 XC model continues 20 years later, with Volvo's renowned XC SUVs and Cross Country vehicles, capable of seeking new adventures on the road and off the beaten path.

1996 Volvo 850 AWD

The Volvo 850 was groundbreaking in many ways – and not only was it the brand’s first front-wheel-drive model, but in 1996 it became the first to power all four wheels. The 850 AWD permanent all-wheel-drive system was automatic – no buttons to push, no levers to pull – as it reacted mechanically to any wheel slippage by distributing power between the front and rear axles as required to provide enhanced traction. It was beneficial in scenarios such as towing off-road, wet-weather cornering, or getting underway on a hill. For better fuel efficiency, the 850 AWD was predominantly (95%) front-drive in freeway driving.

1997 Volvo V70 XC

In 1997, the 850 wagon-based V70 carried the system across for its R AWD model, and the same year saw the introduction of an even more notable variant: the Cross Country, which would become better known from its badge as the V70 XC. A more adventurous design promised just that – with additional lower-body protection and increased ground clearance to give its owners the capability to traverse trickier trails away from the asphalt. The model – which became the XC70 in 2003 – was a more aerodynamic, more efficient alternative to SUVs.

2002 S60 and XC90

In 2002, the S60 mid-sized sedan became the first Volvo to use a faster-acting, electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system – co-developed with Swedish specialist Haldex. It also slotted under Volvo’s first ever SUV, the XC90, later the same year – as an option on the 2.5-litre turbo petrol and standard on the six-cylinder T6. The S60 AWD and XC90 powered the front wheels in normal driving, though the electronic AWD system constantly monitored wheel slippage – negating it on looser surfaces instantaneously by sending drive to the rear axle.

2003 XC70

Introduced in 2003, the second generation XC70 received major upgrades, including better ground clearance at 8.2 inches (210 mm), thanks to raised suspension, and unpainted bumpers and fender extensions, which distinguished it from the V70. All XC70s featured AWD and the engine and gearbox choices were limited to only the 2.5L low pressure turbo with a 5-speed automatic for North American markets, and a diesel variant was available elsewhere. For 2003, the model was renamed the XC70.

 

2008 XC70

In February 2007, a third generation XC70 was debuted. Based on the P3 platform, it shared numerous features as well as general styling with the second generation S80 sedan. Compared with its predecessor, rear legroom was increased by more than 3/4" (2 centimeters) and a revised tailgate design increased the cargo area volume by 55 L. After model year 2011, the V70 variant was discountinued in North America, where the XC70 was more popular, although a FWD version of the XC70 was available. 2012 saw a minor facelift, including the introduction of the Sensus Infotainment System from the XC60, redesigned side mirror indicators, chrome bumper accents, and rear light clusters. 

2008 XC60

2008 saw the introduction of a completely new vehicle - a compact luxury SUV called the XC60. Based on the 2007 XC60 concept vehicle, which was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the first generation XC60 was based on Volvo's P3 platform, and shared technology with the Land Rover Freelander. At the time both Volvo and Land Rover were owned by Ford, and development was split between the two subsidiaries. In 2010, an R-Design variant was introduced, featuring a color-matched body kit, stiffer chassis and damping, and other unique trim items. 2013 saw a refreshed version of the XC60 (to be released in the 2014 model year). Exterior updates brought changes to the grill, front driving lights, elimination of black cladding along the lower doorsills, and minor changes to the exhaust tips and taillights. Interior updates included new materials and dashboard trims, available paddle shifter on the T6 model, and introduction of a 7" touch-screen display. 

2015 XC90 T8 Twin Engine

As the original XC90 was a landmark vehicle in the SUV segment, it was only fitting that its successor would make its own mark. That included new hybrid drivetrain technology for the flagship T8 Twin Engine, debuting a different style of all-wheel drive whereby the front wheels are powered by a supercharged/turbocharged petrol engine while the rear wheels are propelled by an electric motor.

2017 V90 Cross Country

2017 saw the release of the spiritual successor to the original V70 XC. The V90 Cross Country brings familiar off-road capability, yet this sophisticated wagon blends it with unprecedented levels of comfort, luxury and technology for those seeking a more experience-based lifestyle. You could say it’s a 20-year measure of how Volvo Cars has evolved to become one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury car brands.

2017 XC60

The second generation XC60, based on Volvo's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform,  was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This was the first 60-series model in its generation and the first since Volvo's purchase by Geely. It shares the platform with the current generation S90, V90, and XC90. As part of Volvo's move toward smaller, more efficient engines, the new model uses only four-cylinder engines in various configurations, ranging from a 251hp turbocharged T5 to a 316hp T6, which is both turbo and supercharged. 

2019 V60 Cross Country

In 2019 we'll see the launch of the V60 Cross Country, a 5-door, 5-seat mid-size wagon which takes the elegance of the V60 and transforms it into an all-road estate that delivers safety, practicality, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. 

“With the new V60 Cross Country, we take our Swedish family estate from one natural habitat to another,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “We invented the Cross Country segment over 20 years ago and with this car, we reinforce our long-standing pedigree in safe, capable and versatile family cars.”