Volvo XC60 special feature: Calm in motion

“Closing” is a term we in the print media world use to describe the final checks before wrapping up a magazine’s layout and stories, readying it for the press. “Fired” is how we refer to sending it off for printing, so that readers like you can finally get their hands on it. But before any of that happens, there’s a long, detailed process to complete. That’s what makes closing the most hectic time of the month. Every story needs to be reviewed, every photo scrutinised, every design layout evaluated and constant adjustments are made – both big and small – to ensure we deliver the best possible magazine each month.

This process, of course, means organised chaos. Last month though, after closing our biggest issue of the year, the 11th anniversary issue, Volvo sent us an XC60 for the weekend – just the excuse I needed. As soon as the closing was done, I whisked myself off to Atmantan, a wellness resort on the outskirts of Pune. I’ll get to Atmantan shortly but first, I had to escape the city’s chaos. With the festive season in full swing, even that wasn’t going to be easy – it would take me at least a couple of hours just to get out of Pune. And while writing is a passion of mine, driving is what I truly love, especially when it’s in something so special – like this XC60.

Volvo XC60 cabin and comfort

Just as I’m particular about what goes into the magazine, I am equally meticulous about my driving. My first task is always to set up my driving position. Fortunately, the XC60 offers a range of electric seat adjustments, including four-way lumbar support, so I could tailor the fit to perfection. I adjusted my seat position to ensure a good view of the road ahead and the steering wheel so my arms remained slightly bent, giving me full control and positioned my seat so my knees had just enough bend to comfortably press the pedals – crucial if I ever need to brake hard. Once I’d ensured the windshield, mirrors and lights were spotless, I was ready to roll. I didn’t need to connect my phone for navigation – the XC60 comes preloaded with Google Maps. I entered Atmantan as my destination and set off.

Pune’s traffic has become increasingly stressful over the past few years. But thankfully, the Swedes know how to create an oasis of calm inside the XC60. The dual-tone soft-touch dashboard, the satin-smooth, hand-stitched steering wheel and the Orrefors crystal gear lever all contribute to a sense of luxury. Then there’s the Bowers & Wilkins audio system – 1410 watts, 15 speakers and room transformation technology that adapts the acoustics to your mood. It’s easily one of the best sound systems I’ve ever experienced in a car.

Adding to the tranquillity was the seat massage function, which I quickly activated. For the first time, I found myself unbothered by Pune’s gridlocked traffic. Even as reckless bikers got too close, the XC60’s cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring systems had me covered. The car handled the post-monsoon potholes and rough patches with ease – no jolts, no rattles, no squeaks. I was cocooned in calm. The environment created by this car lets you breathe freely even with all the chaos just outside the doors.

Volvo XC60 engine and performance

As I reached the ghat roads, I finally got the chance to unleash the car’s performance. What an engine! The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivers 247bhp and 360Nm of torque. This setup lets the XC60 sprint from 0-100kmph in just 6.9 seconds, with throttle response that feels eager and immediate. The steering is wonderfully precise, transforming the winding ghats into a playground. In moments such as these, the drive feels less like a commute and more like a retreat – a break I didn’t know I needed.

But just as I was getting carried away, I reminded myself that these roads are notorious for accidents and with rain on the horizon, caution was key. I activated the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), set a safe following distance from the car ahead and let the XC60 manage braking and acceleration. With my foot off the pedals, I could truly relax – the car taking care of the drive while I enjoyed the journey. I will give you a couple of tips about driving through ghats or mountains. Always look towards where you want to go, even if that means moving around in the seat a little. While going downhill, use engine braking as much as possible instead of hitting the brakes constantly and over-stressing them. You can put the car in manual mode to control the gears on your own to aid the engine braking further. This also means being predictive about your driving – making you a safer driver.

Before long, I reached the gates of Atmantan. This isn’t a resort – it’s a wellness destination that draws some of the country’s top celebrities and they curate treatments to holistically heal the body and the mind. Our lives are so fast paced, not just with the fast cars but with all the social media stimuli, the various events, launches, reviews, the insane amount of travel and more. When all this does become too much, I find the time to switch off and head out to Atmantan. With NABH accreditation, a National Tourism Award and Gold LEED certification, Atmantan is one of India’s finest wellness retreats and an exemplar of ecological responsibility. Getting out of the XC60 and entering Atmantan felt like transitioning from one sanctuary to another.

Just like the drive, my time at Atmantan was all about recharging. It is uncanny how similar Volvo’s sustainability efforts and Atmantan’s commitment to wellness are. I spent three days there to return a changed and thoroughly rejuvenated person. I indulged in yoga sessions, wellness treatments, detoxifying meals, acupuncture and a few other activities that were carefully curated for me. It was the perfect antidote to the stress of closing – and the perfect complement to the serene drive in the XC60. On the way back, I opened up the panoramic sunroof and let the sunlight filter through the tinted glass.

Volvo XC60 verdict

Reminiscing in the thought that it is always the simplest things that bring you back to the centre – time with yourself. The world already seemed brighter and I felt reenergised, ready to tackle the chaos of the upcoming month. Although the XC60 had been with me for just a long weekend, it felt like an extension of myself – effortless to drive, luxurious in its ambience and an interior to calm your senses. In the end, all I can say is – thank you Volvo, for sharing this instrument of serenity with me and thank you Atmantan, for restoring me so gently.