XC60 versus Q5
2018 model year will bring two all-new small premium SUVs for American buyers. Both are from Europe and both are second generation models. Later last year Audi presented the new and larger 2018 Q5, and in this March Volvo unveiled the 2018 XC60 at Geneva Auto Show.
Design
Volvo follows company design strategy with the new XC60, which has similar LED headlights to those of XC90 and new non-SUV lineup. Audi, on the other hand, has adopted more flexible strategy. In our comparison between Q7 and XC90 we wrote about the similarity in linear LED headlights. But comparing their younger siblings we are happy to see clear distinguishable design cues. Volvo XC60's overall design closely resembles the look of XC90, and the same can be said for Audi Q5 and Q7.
Interior designs seem to be on the same level, with both SUVs offering full digital instrument clusters.
Dimensions
When comparing exterior dimensions, we see Audi is in disadvantage here, as on all three axis of measurement it comes in short. 2018 XC60 is an inch longer, more than four inches wider, and half an inch taller than the Q5. With a more than two inch longer wheelbase, the XC60 provides more room for the passengers.
Powertrain
Although both vehicles are all-new, and both Audi and Volvo have the plug-in hybrid technology, Volvo is in advantage here because of its smooth integration of plug-in hybrids across all new models. But not Audi, the German auto maker would rather stick to its diesels; a strategy that has ironically caused a lot of trouble for its parent company. 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 has a 2.0-liter inline-4 petrol engine and an electric motor. The front wheels are powered by the petrol engine while the rear wheels are spun by 65 kW electric motor that has a maximum torque of 177 lb-ft. Combined power output of XC60 T8 reaches to impressive 472 ft-lb of torque and 407 hp, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 72%.
Performance
With that much power, twin-engine XC60 reaches 62 mph in 5.3 seconds, while petrol engine Q5 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds, a full second behind its Swedish competitor. The key for all Volvos is of course safety. When automatic emergency detects there is not enough distance to activate, the new XC60 will steer away from a potential accident. Pricing information for 2018 XC60 hasn't been released yet, but expect it to be in the neighbtorhood of $41,500 - $50,800, which is the price range of the 2018 Audi Q5.
(Preliminary data compiled by Caricos and converted to U.S. standards)