2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country: Australian launch due August 2021 with mild-hybrid petrol engines, regular V60 axed
Sweden's high-riding mid-size wagon is bound for Australia with mild-hybrid power, though its arrival will spell the end for the regular V60 wagon locally.
The 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country will arrive in Australia later this year as Sweden's rival to the Audi A4 Allroad.
Volvo Australia confirmed to CarAdvice the V60 Cross Country will reach local showrooms in the third quarter of 2021 – with an August launch looking likely – as part of the brand's Model Year 2022 range, with one just choice of equipment level to be offered.
Despite (just) outselling its sedan sibling Down Under, the arrival of the Cross Country will see the regular V60 wagon axed from the Australian line-up, with only the related S60 to continue on into 2022 – albeit with a pared-back range comprising a single variant, down from today's three.
As reported by CarAdvice in December 2020, the MY22 Volvo range (due to launch locally in July) will see the current crop of T-series petrol engines replaced by B-series units equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, intended to save fuel and improve response at low speeds.
Note: Volvo V60 Cross Country (left) pictured alongside its regular V60 sibling (right).
Diesel engines will also be axed at the same time, meaning the entire Volvo Australia range will be electrified, either with mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid assistance, or fully-electric power.
While full details of the local MY22 range won't be confirmed until closer to its introduction, it's probable to expect the Australian-delivered S60 and V60 Cross Country models will be powered by the 'B5 AWD' driveline offered overseas – the closest match to the T5 AWD powertrain offered in today's MY21 S60 and V60.
Power in the B5 comes from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine, paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive to develop 184kW and 350Nm (down 1-3kW versus the T5).
Combined fuel economy and 0-100km/h acceleration figures are rated at 7.5L/100km and 6.9 seconds respectively in the V60 Cross Country, or 7.2L/100km and 6.5 seconds in the S60.
It's understood larger Volvo vehicles – namely the XC60 and XC90 SUVs, following the discontinuation of the V90 Cross Country – will feature B5 or higher-output 220kW B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, however Volvo Australia has yet to officially confirm specifics.
Unveiled in September 2018, the V60 Cross Country rides 75mm than the V60 it replaces (for 203mm of total ground clearance), with other additions over its low-riding sibling including off-road drive modes, hill-descent control, and rugged exterior styling elements, including grey wheel-arch cladding and side skirts.
Inside, the same array of comfort and convenience features as the outgoing V60 is available, including a large central infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof.
The 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2021, with an August launch expected, as part of the Model Year 2022 Volvo range.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.
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