Volvo S60 Cross Country: the world's first crossover saloon

Volvo has revealed a new version of its S60 saloon at the Detroit Motor Show and, in so doing, has created a brand new type of car.

The S60 Cross Country joins the V40 hatchback and V60 estate in Volvo’s Cross Country model range. But unlike those models’ more practical-looking appearances, the S60 Cross Country is a pumped-up saloon car.

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The company says the car reflects its efforts in “stepping up to meet the demands of its core customers” and its launch fills a “clear niche in the market”.

Like its V60 Cross Country brother, the S60’s ride height is jacked up by 65mm and receives a full complement of body jewelry with plastic cladding on the front and rear bumpers, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and a choice of 18- or 19-inch alloys.

Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president product strategy and vehicle line management at Volvo Cars, said: “We want to further explore the market with our Cross Country brand. We did this back in 1997 with the V70 Cross Country and it led to the birth of a whole new segment. We have included all the capability-driven benefits of the Cross Country brand in this new model, while offering a completely unique expression of adventure and all-road readiness in a distinctly sporty and stylish package.”

Alain Visser, senior vice president sales, marketing and customer service, added: “The S60 Cross Country is the sole contender in the crossover saloon segment. We have identified a clear niche in the market for a more capable saloon with rugged styling cues and a higher stance. The S60 Cross Country will appeal to people that are searching for an exciting and capable saloon, whilst enjoying the clear benefits that a crossover offers.”

The UK will get its hands on the car this summer with the range kicking off with the front-wheel drive 187bhp D4 at just under £30,000.

Do you think the crossover saloon will take off in the UK market? let us know in the comments section below...