VOLVO is on a charge at the moment, both in terms of sales and its move to electrification.

Right at the vanguard are the classy SUVs and the XC60 has played no small part in that success.

Themodel, says Volvo, brings new levels of sophistication, connectivity, efficiency and safety to the class not to mention a range of diesel and hybrid engines with the firm offering electrification options across the range.

The power units are Volvo's own economical Drive-E units, comprising three diesels, three petrols and two petrol-electric plug-in hybrids.

It is one of the best looking SUVs around, offering standard automatic gearbox and four wheel drive capability. In addition, it was also the first Volvo fitted with ‘Steering Support', a safety aid that can automatically apply the steering or provide additional steering input in an emergency to help avoid a potential collision.

It looks good with angular design, high-gloss black mesh front grille and door mirror casings, 21-inch diamond-cut/matt black alloy wheels, dual integrated exhaust pipes with high-gloss black surround, distinctive L-shaped rear lights and not forgetting the distinctive ‘Thor's Hammer' style headlamp clusters.

On the inside, the Scandinavian touch features high-quality soft touch materials giving it a true executive feel, matching anything its competitors have to offer.

Build quality is exceptional with soft touch materials throughout, powered and heated leather seats which are firm and supportive and a large glass areas. There is good leg and headroom all round and occupants feel cocooned in luxury.

Features include two-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric windows and door mirrors and this R Design also features parking camera, head-up display in windscreen and heated steering wheel.

The interior is dominated by the nine-inch portrait tablet style touchscreen and a 12-inch TFT behind the smart multi-function steering wheel.

Here the firm's Sensus Connect technology controls navigation, phone, safety functions and otherconnectivity, controlled via swiping across the screen, to reveal dozens of functions. You can even use Connected Service Booking, which enables the car to pre-book itself for a convenient service appointment.

Connectivity includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and lets you access your phone's functions including calls, text messages music and selected media-streaming apps directly from the touchscreen which works in tandem with the advanced voice-activated control system. You can even turn the car into a WiFi hotspot thanks to the standard data SIM card.

It is an engaging drive, Even at high speed, engine and road noise is muted, with just a hint of wind noise on the large, folding door mirrors. Excellent torque means motorway driving is a comfortable affair, the key acceleration range of 50-70mph achieved with ease.

There are five drive modes,Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off Road and Individual for better economy or a more sporty drive.

These adapt the responses of the engine, automatic gearbox, steering, brakes, stability control and optional air suspension, and even the operation of the climate control system.

Either way the car handles well, with the enhanced setup meaning tight, twisty lanes are dismissed with ease.

This range-topper has amore dynamic version of the standard suspension set-up with 30 per cent stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars front and rear, and faster-acting shock absorbers for sportier, feel. It handles well for the type and size of vehicle, with little body roll while the adaptive on demand all wheel drive is perfect for rougher terrain or inclement weather condition.

Its practical with plenty of stowage and oddment holders. Boot space is decent with 483 litres, while the 60/40 split folding rear seats open up to 1,410 litres.

All models offer a power-operated tailgate, which can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button or by simply putting your foot beneath the rear bumper, perfect for when you've got your hands full or when loading bulky, heavy objects in the boot.

It's a Volvo and almost by definition is safe, so safety kit is extensive, with City Safety which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance, plus Run-off Road Protection which automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road.