NEW DELHI:

Swedish automaker Volvo on Tuesday launched its new XC60 SUV in India with a starting price tag of Rs 55.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The premium SUV shares signature design elements with its elder sibling the XC90 and claims to be the safest car launched this year (in 2017).It gets a conventional SUV silhouette till the roof-end but the rear gets some futuristic curves. The front looks aggressive with large grill, having vertical slits, and its LED daytime running lights. Under the prominent wheel arches are beautiful alloys and the dual exhaust ports give a sporty appeal to the rear.The cabin of the Volvo XC60 gets a premium touch with Nappa leather upholstery, a neat and clean centre console with a large touchscreen display and a heads-up display (HUD). The SUV also gets Bowers and Wilkins audio system along with 360-degree camera view, semi-automatic parking and adaptive cruise control. An electronic rear seat fold function is there to easily enlarge the already spacious boot which also gets an electronically, hands-free controlled tailgate.Propelling the new Volvo XC60 is the 2.0-litre, D5 diesel engine that churns out 235PS of power and a peak torque of 480Nm. The motor comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive as standard and there is no manual transmission on offer. This is the only powertrain available with the new SUV in India but the company is expected to bring petrol options soon.Commenting on the launch, Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India, said, “The XC60 is not only one of our largest selling models globally but has been received well in India too. In fact, it makes up almost a third of our total sales here. We are confident that the all-new XC60 with its segment defining features, modern Scandinavian design and luxury will prove to be an attractive proposition for customers replicating its predecessor’s success. Our commitment to launch quickly after the global launch emphasizes our intent in India.”Besides a host of passive safety features, the Volvo XC60 gets a list of active ones as well. It comes with a complete semi-autonomous drive system that includes run-off-road mitigation, autonomous braking and Volvo's Pilot Assist with a detection system for large animals, cyclists, pedestrians and other big objects.The new Volvo XC60 is available in four exterior colour options -- black, white, brown and grey -- and three interior colour options - amber, maroon brown and blond. Assembled at the Volvo's Bengaluru plant, the new XC60 SUV will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC BMW X3 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.