Our heartfelt gratitude to our hospitality partner Coorg Wilderness Resort for being extremely courteous in ensuring that we have an great time in the Scotland of India – Coorg. The Volvo XC 60 has long been regarded as a standout in the luxury compact SUV segment, and it’s easy to see why. With its sleek design, advanced safety features, and refined interiors, the XC60 strikes a remarkable balance between elegance and performance.
For this incredible journey to Coorg, we decided to opt for the newly constructed Bangalore – Mysore expressway. As you leave the city behind, you’ll witness the gradual transition from towering skyscrapers to sprawling farmlands, navigating through quaint villages and lush greenery. You’ll have the pleasure of enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside. The expressway winds its way through picturesque landscapes, with paddy fields, swaying palm trees, and occasional glimpses of rural life.
As the saying goes – drive is the reason, destination is just an excuse. We were fortunate enough to be blessed with thick flora and fauna on our way to Harangi backwaters, a mini forest in itself that leads you to these amazing backwaters. Harangi backwaters, an off-beat place Enroute Coorg, that should be on top of your radar, the next time you decide to visit the land of coffee estates, a calm lake is engulfed by the sprawling grasslands.
Pros
- 2.0L turbo petrol with mild hybrid tech is super smooth and silent. Single drive mode keeps life simple and sorted. The car adjusts to the driver’s inputs without having to dive into drive modes. Easily tackles city stop-and-go traffic and highway runs with complete ease.
- Very comfortable front and rear seats with front seats adjustable. Best in a class suited for those long road trips. Lumbar support is very effective.
- Bowers and Wilkins 1100W, 15 speaker sound system is best in class with no competition.
- Built like a tank with a host of safety features
- Plush interiors feel premium and literally pamper you from source to destination
- Has loads of quirky features, we posted a dedicated reel on Instagram for this
Cons
- No diesel or higher powertrain is available. Only one 2.0L turbo petrol mild hybrid option. An absence of a diesel mill in an Indian SUV is something to ponder on
- Misses out on essential kit from the pre-facelift model like ventilated seats, headlamp washers etc
- Ride quality is somewhat bouncy or “springy” due to soft suspensions. It is not uncomfortable but not compliant either.
- Lacks the badge value like Germans.
- Service network could be expanded to instil confidence in prospective customers
Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa
It was then time for us to visit our destination for the day – Coorg, as much as we were excited about Coorg, we were extremely keen on visiting the Coorg Wilderness Resort, our hospitality partner, which is strategically located amidst the thick forests and coffee plantations of Coorg, providing a serene and idyllic setting for guests to unwind and reconnect with nature. Situated away from the busy tourist hubs, the resort offers a secluded haven while still being easily accessible from major transportation hubs.
The ambience is so warm and the air is so cool and cosy, air-conditioning is not required throughout the resort. During rainy days of the famed monsoons and lazy gentle winters, each room is cozily warmed with traditionally designed electric fireplaces and thoughtfully heated bathroom floors. Thus ensuring that extra bit of comfort and luxury while offering a unique experience of opulent eco-friendliness.
These elegant European styled suites with regal spacious interiors, have been thoughtfully crafted to transport you to a luxurious age reminiscent of palatial chalets tucked away in lush wilderness. The large bay windows and private balconies ensure nature embraces you gently yet in all its glory. The suites are non air-conditioned, and during the gentle monsoons and light winters, each suite brims with warmth from its traditionally designed electric fireplaces
Exteriors
The exterior design of the Volvo XC60 is an embodiment of Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary aesthetics. The clean lines and muscular proportions create an imposing presence on the road. The front grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights, adds a touch of sophistication. The headlamp washers aren’t carried over from the pre-facelift model and they are sorely missed.
XC60’s rear profile is sure to turn heads on the road. Furthermore, its practicality and functionality add to the overall appeal of this luxury compact SUV. Whether you appreciate the Volvo XC 60 for its striking aesthetics or its practicality, it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression from every angle, including the captivating rear design. Another noticeable change is that the exhausts are completely hidden from the rear of the car. This is strongly in-support of the move of Volvo towards zero tailpipe emission by 2030. Volvo’s large enough boot can also be operated using the foot for opening and close functioning
Interiors
Step inside the XC60, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that showcases Volvo’s commitment to refined luxury and ergonomic excellence. The interior materials are of the highest quality, with soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery, and meticulously crafted details throughout. The spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats, known for their exceptional comfort and support, are power-adjustable and offer various heating and ventilation options. The minimalist dashboard features a vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment system that is intuitive to use and enhances the cabin’s modern appeal. Lest we forget, a huge panoramic sunroof greets you ensuring that your claustrophobia is distant away
The rear seat of the Volvo XC60 offers an impressive combination of spaciousness, comfort, and luxurious amenities. Passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, premium comfort, and supportive seating, ensuring a delightful journey. The availability of climate control features, rear seat entertainment, and versatile configurations further enhance the rear seat’s appeal. For those seeking a luxury compact SUV with a rear seat that priorities passenger well-being and relaxation, the Volvo XC60 is a compelling choice.
Performance:
The XC60 excels in providing a smooth and composed ride, ensuring a comfortable journey for both driver and passengers. Its suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, delivering a plush and controlled ride over various surfaces. Be it uneven city streets or long stretches of highway, the Volvo XC 60 ‘s suspension tuning strikes an excellent balance between comfort and stability. Even when encountering bumps or potholes, occupants are shielded from excessive jolts, allowing for a serene and enjoyable ride.
Precise Steering and Responsive Handling – The Volvo XC 60 exhibits impressive handling capabilities that elevate the driving experience. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. This precise steering response, combined with the Volvo XC 60 ‘s agile nature, allows for confident manoeuvring through tight city streets and winding roads alike. The SUV feels composed and balanced, maintaining stability even during spirited driving. Whether you’re navigating urban traffic or enjoying a spirited drive on open roads, the XC60’s handling inspires confidence and adds to the overall driving pleasure.
The car has no drive modes and works best when pushed slowly in a linear manner. Once you put your foot down, the car takes about a second to react and then a sudden surge of power. The power is then delivered linearly. You won’t find overtaking to be an issue on highways or in the city. You do not need to plan for overtakes. The best way I have found is to build up speed in a linear fashion, with increasing accelerator input steadily. If you suddenly push it down, the power surge will be nonlinear and the engine would be loud.
All-Wheel Drive Capability: India’s diverse terrain and varying weather conditions necessitate a vehicle that can handle different surfaces. The XC60’s all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, ensuring confident driving on both dry and wet roads. This feature is particularly beneficial when encountering monsoons or unpaved surfaces, as it improves grip and control, offering peace of mind to the driver.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems: Volvo is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the XC60 is no exception. It comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety on Indian roads. Features like City Safety collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control contribute to a stress-free and secure driving experience. The XC60’s comprehensive safety suite ensures that you and your passengers are well-protected, particularly in congested urban traffic scenarios.
Navigating through Indian city traffic requires a vehicle with good manoeuvrability and manageable size. The XC 60 strikes a balance in this regard, offering precise steering and a compact footprint that facilitates easy handling and parking. The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, allowing drivers to confidently navigate through congested streets and crowded intersections. Additionally, the XC60’s turning radius is suitable for Indian road conditions, making it manoeuvrable in tight spaces.
Verdict:
The Volvo XC 60 stands out as a compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV segment. With its striking exterior design, luxurious and comfortable interiors, and impressive performance, the XC60 is a testament to Volvo’s dedication to safety, elegance, and driving pleasure. If you’re in the market for a refined, versatile, and safe SUV, the Volvo XC60 should undoubtedly be on your shortlist. Whether you prioritise style, versatility, or cutting-edge technology, the XC60 delivers on all fronts. If you’re in the market for a luxury compact SUV that offers a refined driving experience and a host of advanced features, the Volvo XC60 is undoubtedly worth considering.
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We would once again like to thank our hospitality partner – Coorg Wilderness Resort. The green environment, the food, the nature sounds and most importantly, the staff, the people. All this made our stay truly heavenly. Stay tuned as we intend to explore another resort from The Paul group this monsoon, Kumarakom lake resorts. It is is a heritage luxury retreat at the famed backwaters of Kerala with luxurious heritage villas, rooms and traditionally styled Kerala houseboats. Much coveted for its seamless blend of ultimate comforts and traditional architecture.
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