Volvo XC60

The diesel is European, full stop — D4, D5, later B4 and B5 Diesel. Of this generation there is not one diesel XC60 in America. If you want a diesel, the American import is ruled out by definition.

The petrols divide by drivetrain. The T5 and the B5 mild hybrid with around 250 hp are very often front-drive only in America, while in Europe the XC60 is positioned higher and front-drive cars are rare. The T6 and B6 with 310 hp — turbocharged and supercharged — are common in America and always all-wheel drive, while in Europe they were dropped early in favour of the plug-in hybrids.

On the T8 the same applies as on the XC90: at the end of 2021, model year 2022.5, the battery becomes 18.8 kWh instead of 11.6 and output 455 instead of 390. America sells 2022 in both forms, so on an import from there the capacity is checked on the individual car.

The suspension is the real difference on this model. In Europe Four-C air suspension is ordered often; in America it is exceptionally rare even on the most luxurious trims, because its upkeep after the warranty is expensive. One more thing: in Europe R-Design comes with a firmer sports chassis, while in America the same trim is often a visual package only — bumpers, black detailing, seats — and the car rides like the base one.

The equipment favours the American car. American base XC60s leave with a panoramic roof, leather, seat memory and 18- or 19-inch wheels. The European base can be on T-Tec cloth, without memory and without the panoramic roof. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats are standard in America and have always been an extra in Europe.