Volvos' New XC60 Looks to OWN the Premium Sport-Ute Segment, But Does Being LATE To the Party Spell SUCCESS For Volvo In This Crowded Segment?

Volvos' New XC60 Looks to OWN the Premium Sport-Ute Segment, But Does Being LATE To the Party Spell SUCCESS For Volvo In This Crowded Segment?
Agent 001 spent  the last several days in San Francisco getting the 411 on the new Volvo XC60 sport utility.  At one time referred to as "Cute-Utes" this segment has quickly exploded into a major cash cow for manufacturers, and Volvo wants a piece of that action.  Each and every new offering brings to market innovations and technologies as each maker tries to outdo each other in a quest to get their hands on our money.

Volvo is hoping their new XC60 is able to capture a piece of the market currently occupied by the BMW X3, Acura RDX as well as the brand new Mercedes GLK350 and Audi Q5.


Of course as much as Volvo wants to crack into this market, the fact remains that the economy that existed when the XC60 started development simply doesn't exist anymore, and the consumer this SUV was designed for may not exist right now.

But that doesn't mean the XC60 isn't a good car.  Volvo is never one to sit on their laurels, and this XC60 is a technological masterpiece filled to the brim with features intended to make you WANT the XC60.


So it seems logical to ask, as good as the Volvo XC60 is, do you think the premium sport-ute segment is becoming to crowded?  Mercedes, Audi and Volvo are all bringing new models to market, but there is only so much money to go around which means somebody's car is going to sit on dealer lots as consumers become more frugal with their money.



Volvo is hoping that the XC60 becomes a run away sales success, and based on initial impression is seems as though all the tools are present to give it a fighting chance, but is it the premium sport utility YOU would choose in this crowded segment of the market?

So why not sound off and tell us what you think, does Volvo have a home run on their hands, or would you rather have the BMW X3, Acura RDX, Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLK?

To help make your decision easier, make sure you check out the Volvo XC60 Gallery

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bobharleybobharley - 1/31/2009 9:46:56 AM
+4 Boost
In the looks department I'd say the XC60 and the Q5 are the stars, can't wait to drive both of them. I've always despised the styling of the X3, and the GLK350 really does nothing for me either. While the RDX is a lot of bang for your buck, I still think the Euro styling of the Volvo and Audi have what it takes to win this battle. We'll see which one ends up on top!


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 1/31/2009 6:26:56 PM
+1 Boost
The X3 is still the one to beat in this segment, the EX, and RDX those are the best selling in the class at the moment and in that order. If the XC60 wants to be succesful regardless of what people think it will be the first 2 that it will need to contend with. As far as the XC by comparison to the rest of the class interior wise it appears to have the best interior hands down, I love the way it looks, the detailing is excellent and the quality looks very good. The exterior isnt my favorite in this class but it looks good though If they can get people into dealers it should be a success.


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