After previewing it at the Nordic Chamber of Commerce’s annual Crayfish Party last September, Volvo’s midsized crossover has finally arrived. Offered in just one variant (for now), the 2018 XC60 is the uniquely Swedish answer to a segment typically dominated by the Germans.

Dubbed “The Scandinavian Athlete”, the XC60 makes a strong, yet understated visual statement. With sharp creases and lines abound, it’s muscular and contemporary. The headlights are illuminated by full LEDs made even more distinctive with the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. At each corner, the large wheel arches are filled by 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tires. At the back, the vertical taillights have been given a modern re-design while still keeping close to the original look. They are illuminated by LEDs as well.

Fitted with the Momentum design package, the XC60 features a chrome framed grille with high-gloss black inserts, polished integrated roof rails, silk metal window trim, and dual integrated tailpipes with chrome sleeves.

Inside, the XC60 emphasizes design and airiness. The dashboard is filled with genuine wood and metal (iron ore) inlays and is dominated by a large tablet-like display called Sensus. This intuitive touch-screen based infotainment system has been updated to integrate both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, in true Scandinavian fashion, it values comfort and tranquility above all else. To this end, it’s fitted with a four-zone climate control system called CleanZone which removes harmful pollutants and particles. Comfort leather seats are standard as are power adjustment for the front seats, power folding for the rear seats, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The sole variant of the XC60 available in the country is the D4 AWD and as such, it’s powered by a 2.0-liter twin turbocharged diesel engine making 190 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, it’s capable of achieving a top speed of 205 km/h while still returning up to 19.60 km/L. Furthermore, it’s fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, Volvo’s single-lane autonomous driving technology among other driving technologies.

And given Volvo’s penchant for safety, the 2018 XC60 comes loaded with everything from 6 airbags to City Safety with Steering Support (it brakes and steers the car to mitigate an accident at low speeds). It can even park itself in both perpendicular and parallel spaces with its Park Assist Pilot technology.

Stocks of the 2018 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD Momentum remain limited as of now, but it comes with a suggested retail price of P 4,288,888.