Model Overview: 2015.5 Volvo XC70
08/13/2014
Volvo
The XC70 embarks on a bold new road for 2015 with the introduction of Volvo's new Drive-E technology. As the new value leading model XC70 T5 Drive-E features an all-new engine teamed with a new transmission and ECO+ functionality to deliver maximum fuel efficiency. Now offered with a choice of three distinct powertrains, XC70 continues to combine the ambience of a luxury car with premium wagon cargo flexibility and the adventuresome spirit of an off-road activity vehicle. It's a trail that Volvo blazed when it launched its first "Cross Country" in 1997.
Volvo continues to update XC70 with more new features for midyear 2015.5 models. New Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscriptions are standard, new Sensus Navigation with Map Care is standard on Premier and Platinum trim levels, new Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System is standard on Platinum and optional on Premier, and new Proximity and Convenience packages are standard on Platinum and available on Premier trims.
Innovative Drive-E Technology
New Drive-E encompasses Volvo's innovative engineering in a range of technologies that provide greater efficiency, excellent performance and rewarding driving pleasure. The T5 Drive-E features Volvo's newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine that produces 240 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque.
It transmits power to the front wheels via a new eight-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission. Additional gears enable the engine to operate at peak efficiency for optimum fuel economy and performance. This new transmission is engineered to provide extremely smooth shifts and reduced noise. Also new is the start/stop feature, which automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.
The third component of Drive-E is new ECO+ fuel-saving technology designed to optimize shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated by the driver, ECO+ can improve fuel economy by five percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate.
ECO+ functions include:
Start/Stop - The start/stop functionality is modified to allow the engine to shut down at 7kph/4mph as the car coasts to a stop.
ECO-coast - Helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine "brake" is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released.
ECO-climate - The air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate ECO+.
Four-Season Friendly Traction
Volvo has made its signature electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction(TM) standard on the midrange XC70 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD. This employs a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. A 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 325 lbs.-ft. of torque is standard on T6 AWD.
Teamed with an efficient six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission, All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction provides the best possible grip in all situations - on wet, slippery or completely dry roads. The advanced Haldex(R) AWD system delivers power to the wheels with the best grip. When a tire loses traction, power is reduced to that wheel and instantly transferred to the more sure-footed wheels. Hill Descent Control (HDC), included on XC70s with AWD, uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.
Top-Flight Performance
At the top of the XC70 range is the T6 AWD with its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lbs.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 2,100 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in quick acceleration and smooth drivability.
A six-speed "Geartronic" transmission that lets the driver select fully automatic operation or shift manually when desired is standard. When sport mode is selected, Advanced Quick Shift provides quicker gear changes for improved acceleration. Gear changes are faster by as much as 50 percent between first and second, and as much as 30 percent on gear changes two through six. Zero to 60 mph acceleration improves 0.4 seconds from 6.9 to 6.5 seconds.
Sensus Accelerates In-Car Connectivity
As a midyear 2015.5 enhancement, all XC70s gain Sensus Connect featuring a wide array of new and improved in-car connectivity services including:
A Volvo-unique cloud developed with Ericsson, a leader in mobile and fixed networking
Cloud-based apps including Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, Glympse and more
Connected service booking
On-screen vehicle owner's manual
Internet browser
Connection achieved via internal modem, which includes 6-month trial service period
Improved voice control with state-of-the-art speech engine powered by Nuance
Volvo On Call is a new standard sophisticated telematics system that includes a driver-activated SOS button, automatic collision alert and GPS location tracking by emergency service operators. If an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is deployed, emergency assistance is notified even if the driver is unable to press the button.
Wi-Fi Hotspot uses the standard 3G-based Volvo On Call plus the car's regular rooftop antenna giving the driver access to cloud-based Volvo services without an on-board smartphone. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car so passengers can connect their smartphone, laptop or tablet to the Internet.
New Sensus Navigation, standard on Premier and Platinum trims and all T6 models, integrates all navigation functions into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one's attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in-dash 7-inch monitor. Sensus Navigation has improved graphics including 3D imaging, improved voice recognition, new routing options and built-in apps.
Designed to Go Anywhere
Volvo brought the XC70 into sharper focus last year with redesigned front and rear styling including a new grille with a bolder, wider proportion, a larger Iron mark, a wider lower intake and new bumpers projecting an enhanced horizontal stance. The changes included new headlights and LED daytime running lights, updated front and rear matte silver decor trim, rear skid plate decor and new taillight design.
Changes to the XC70's luxurious interior included redesigned instrument clusters for all models. An analog cluster is standard on T5 and 3.2 base trim levels. All other T5, 3.2 and T6 trims gained an adaptive digital display. This electronic Thin Film Transistor (TFT) design gives drivers the convenience of selecting from three different themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance.
Volvo's trim level strategy gives customers opportunities to select vehicles equipped exactly the way they desire. XC70 T5 Drive-E and 3.2 AWD are offered in base, Premier, and Platinum trims while the T6 AWD comes in Premier and Platinum. The roster of extensive standard features for all models now includes a power passenger seat.
The Platinum trim level includes the new Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, also available on Premier trims as a stand-alone option. It features innovative Dirac Live(R) sound tuning technology,12 premium speakers and 650 watts.
Available on all models the optional Climate Package includes a heated windshield, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles and Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).
The Technology Package, featuring Volvo's most advanced driver support systems, is standard with the Platinum trim and available on Premier. Features include Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake function. Active High Beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information (RSI) displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera (FLC). The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The Proximity Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier, adds Keyless Drive, rear park assist camera and a hands-free power tailgate.
Additional features are included in the Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier. These include a quick-fold front passenger seat, HomeLink integrated garage door opener, digital compass, cargo cover, grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in the cargo area, power folding rear head restraints and private locking. Stand-alone options include 18-inch "Zephyrus" alloy wheels (standard on T6), active dual xenon headlights with washers (included in Platinum trims), heated front seats (also included with the Climate Package), and front and rear park assist.
Safety and Versatility
Standard XC70 safety systems include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC70 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Introduced on the XC70, a height-adjustable integrated booster cushion, optional on all trim levels, teams with an extended inflatable curtain. This combination provides the industry's best passenger safety system for children in the rear seat. A strong side structure uses high-tensile steel of different grades to optimize side-impact protection.
The XC70's versatile luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminum rails and movable storage points to secure the load. Side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. In addition, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load related accessories.