New AutoCars News: Volvo S60

Volvo hasn't said much about the S60 Cross Country since the car debuted in January at the Detroit Auto Show, so here's a quick recap. The sedan sits 65mm (2.5in) higher above the ground than regular S60 models and comes with the all-wheel drive system from the V60 Cross Country – although Europe and selected markets will also get front-wheel drive variants.

Besides the raised ground clearance, the S60 Cross Country distinguishes itself from standard S60 sedans thanks to the unique cross country honeycomb grille, glossy black green house and mirror caps, as well as the Cross Country emblem embossed in the rear skid plate.

Volvo offers standard 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels with high profile tyres that are said to improve comfort and all-road aesthetics, reduce road noise, and add increased wheel protection when needed. The S60 Cross Country will be available in five exterior colors: Onyx Black, Osmium Grey, Crystal White, Bright Silver and Rich Java. The interior is not very different from regular S60 models, with upgrades including sport seats and a Piano Black deco option.

The Volvo S60 Cross Country's engine lineup includes a powerful T5 All-Wheel Drive 2.0-liter turbo petrol powertrain delivering 254PS (250hp), a 190PS (187hp) All Wheel Drive D4 based on the 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine and a front-wheel drive 190PS (187hp) 2.0-liter diesel D4. Mated to a manual transmission, the latter averages 4.2 l/100 km (56 mpg US or 67.2 mpg UK), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 111 g/km.

In the US, the S60 Cross Country will launch with Volvo's 250hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five and standard all-wheel drive. The S60 Cross Country goes on sale this summer in the United States and Europe with prices starting from $43,500 (US), and €43,840 (Germany).

PHOTOS GALLERY:

Volvo announced earlier this year it would produce a second run of its road-going Polestar sedan and wagon because the global run of 750 (120 in the U.S.) had been snapped up faster than anticipated. But according to Car and Driver, Volvo will send 274 2016 Polestars to the U.S. The model mix will still be 60 percent V60 and 40 percent S60, and it's expected the cars will still come in either Rebel Blue or Black Sapphire paint choices.

Pricing is also expected to stick close to the $59,300 for the sedan and $60,900 that the 2015 models cost. That's a high price for a compact luxury car, but then the Polestars are that forbidden fruit that just happens to make it to the U.S. for once. Or twice, in this case.