In-Depth Photos of the 2019 Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design

Starting with the launch of the all-new XC90 SUV in 2016, Volvo has been on a roll, enjoying soaring sales from its now completely renewed lineup of sedans, wagons, and crossovers. We've largely been impressed with the luxurious, stylish, and safety-focused offerings, but we have yet to experience what one of these latest crop of Volvos is like to live with over the long haul. So, we've recruited the compact XC60 crossover to come and stay for a 40,000-mile trial.

Our 2019 XC60 is a T6 model. The T6 name denotes the supercharged and turbocharged version of Volvo's 2.0-liter inline-four, which pumps out 316 horsepower.

An eight-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges, and all-wheel drive is standard with this engine. The T6 powertrain sits between a turbo four called T5 and a plug-in-hybrid T8, and it's plenty potent for bopping around town and merging and passing at freeway speeds.

At our test track, the XC60 managed a brisk 5.5-second run from zero to 60 mph. Despite its somewhat soft pedal feel, the brakes provide above-average performance, hauling the XC60 down from 70 mph in a short-for-the-class 169 feet.

Handling is more than agile enough for a luxury crossover, and the XC60 feels solid and stable on long highway drives.

Plus, the R-Design's exterior and interior styling makes it the sportier-looking XC60 with silver exterior mirror caps and window trim, a more aggressive front grille and bumper, aluminum interior trim, and unique black sport seats covered in leather and microsuede

The 21-inch wheels put a sharp edge on the ride quality, however, especially on the pitted and crumbling roads here in southeastern Michigan.

We have the semi-autonomous tech turned on and our hands (very lightly) on the wheel.

Capping it off is Bursting Blue Metallic paint for $645; altogether, our XC60 carries a $60,840 price tag.

The mid-spec R-Design package is a $6850 upcharge. Naturally, then, ours has plenty of goodies, including a 9.0-inch infotainment display with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated windshield-wiper blades with integrated washers, and powered and heated front seats.

We have the semi-autonomous tech turned on and our hands (very lightly) on the wheel.

We have the semi-autonomous tech turned on and our hands (very lightly) on the wheel.

We opted for the Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system ($3200), which sounds fantastic, as well as heated rear seats and steering wheel ($750) and 21-inch wheels with black-painted inserts ($1000).

The R-Design's high-style cabin is a great place to spend time, and staffers have clamored to get behind the wheel.

Will the XC60's chic interior continue to charm us after the new-car smell is gone? Will its super-turbo engine hold up without costing us an arm and a leg in service or repair? Will its big wheels cause big regrets?

These questions-and more-will be answered after 40,000 miles of road trips, grocery runs, and service visits.