XC60 2016/17 FWD or AWD? What's sensible?

[domhart10]

Originally Posted by DickyP

My 2011 V50 with 206000miles on the clock is starting to become high maintenance so am looking at replacing it with an XC60 and as I spend quite a bit of time in remote places would like the AWD version but reviews seem to say the FWD is a better drive, newer engine and more fuel efficient etc - any thoughts? I do like my V50 5-pot though still pulls like a train.

yes nice choice, I had an S40 T5 that was getting high mileage and needed more space so started having a look at XC60's and I have to say 4 - 5 months in I am incredibly happy with the change. I ploughed money /time and enjoyed my S40 so much that the value of sale was pointless, so ive kept my S40 as well.

I was worried about cost / mpg / reliability / service costs etc and I actually ended up with a 2014 XC60 T6 Polestar

For me I have always found that you need to pick a car for how you drive and how its going to be used. Any offroading or mud I would go straight for an AWD without thinking about a FWD but equally, rare days with snow etc can be solved by just having the appropriate tire on a FWD. But ive parked up on marshs / slippery hills when walking the dog and if mine was a fwd I would definitely be stuck.

I picked the 3ltr engine, obviously not because it was fuel efficient but for longevity. So I was prepared to take a hit with the mpg, but driven normally, yes I can easily get 35mpg or more which I was very impressed with as the car puts down a lot of power (329bhp). So my fully loaded car on holiday runs moves brilliantly.

I would say, try various XC60 engine's see which suits you and then decide. I always wanted a petrol and always found petrol more reliable than all my diesels (My experience might be different) so for me the only path really was the T6.

If you like all the additions and mods on the car from factory, I would wait till the perfect example comes on the market as these things to retro fit after are frustrating. So for me a waiting till I saw the one I wanted with everything on it! Also look for an example with adaptive cruise control! you dont have these on the V50 / S40's and they are a real game changer, being able to set your cruise control but the car adjusting its speed to everything infront.

As for practicality I was always worried about picking the XC60 over the XC90 but it carries everything just fine and has more than enough space for me and being smaller the handling on the roads is much better.

Anyway, hope any of the above helps.