Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux Start/Stop Geartronic 5dr Car Review - January 2012

The Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux is, quite simply, a dream to drive. Complete with a 6-speed gearbox and 20 valves, the luxurious version of the XC70 D5 gives an incredibly smooth ride considering its size. It also copes surprisingly well with excessive wind, though turning circles are a bit of a problem: 4x4s aren’t the best in small spaces.

Although the XC70 Lux has the same size engine as those cars in Volvo’s XC90 range (2400cc ), it is actually considerably quicker in comparison. The XC70 AWD SE Lux can reach the same top speed of 127 mph a whole 2 seconds faster, going from 0-60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. It generates 324 lb-ft torque power at 1500-3000 rpm, and an impressive 212 bhp at 4200rpm.

Unlike most Volvo’s, the XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux’s engine is surprisingly refined, not at all ‘boomy’ as expected from most 4x4s when driving down the motorway.

Years of hard work designing the perfect vehicle has paid off for Volvo as they’ve managed to create a 4x4 that looks both sleek and classy, somehow disguising its 4828 size. The interior of the 5 door vehicle is elegant and stylish: it is beautifully trimmed with a lavish palette of colours, and furnished with five leather seats and a boot with 1600 litres space with the seats down (575 with them up).

In addition to the luxury interior, the Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux is kitted to the max with pretty much every gadget possible for a car, making it extremely practical for a large family. Blue tooth, SAT-NAV, MP3 connectivity and CD system all feature as standard, not to mention the power-steering, alloy wheels, DSTC stability control, central locking, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and rear-parking sensors.

With an incredible 5 star Euro NCAP, the XC70 D5 Lux is undoubtedly one of the safer and more reliable car choices out there. Of course, with a stable body built to last, it isn’t exactly hard to see why.

A large tank capacity of 70 litres, and that it has tonnes of space both in its boot and throughout the car, renders the Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux pretty much perfect in terms of practicality. This along with the fact that it is insanely well-equipped with special features as standard, makes it a very convenient car for a family, and a very good investment.

It also comes with a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles, so it really does tick all the boxes.

In reality, a 4x4 car is never going to be cheap. They are by nature uneconomical, even with their diesel engines cutting down on the fuel costs per mile. This luxury version of the Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE is slightly dearer than the original XC70, priced at £39,400 new, but still cheaper than any in the XC90 range. Given the more extensive torque power and lavish interior then, the XC70 Lux might not be such a bad buy after all.

This Lux version of the Volvo XC70 AWD SE emits the same amount of CO2 as the original (just 179g/km) placing it in Tax Band I. This means that its insurance ratings will be slightly lower than the XC90 range, making it not only cheaper to run, but more economical.

Depreciation costs are at a minimum when you combine that with the Volvo’s fantastic credit ratings, its reliability and security factors, high demand and luxurious features set as standard. So really, you could have yourselves a very good deal both on investment and when eventually selling the car.