Further, as smart and fast-acting as the S60’s AWD system is on slippery roads, it’s good at finding traction on light off-road trails too. Icy and hilly off-road trails proved no trouble for the system, which was assisted by a fantastic set of Michelin Xice winter tires. The AWD system reacts fast and with nearly-seamless precision when a loss of traction is detected. And, as Volvo S60’s tend to, the brakes perform with confidence, for sure-footed stops in a straight line, almost no matter what’s beneath.

A full suite of hazard detection systems is on board, further boosting confidence. This S60 cross country can alert you if you’re drowsy, apply its own brakes to prevent certain types of accidents, and alerts you of a multitude of possible hazards in the world around you. And, in typical Volvo fashion, you get a great safety feature up front: powerful xenon headlamps with steerable projectors and a powerful washer system.

But why not just opt for the XC70? It’s very similar in intention and execution, but has a proper cargo hold and doesn’t look all funny.

The answer? Uniqueness.

First, a caveat: as a car reviewer, I like quantifiable things. Price. Horsepower. Cargo capacity. Headroom. Things I can feel and experience and relay to my readers. Uniqueness is less tangible. You can’t measure it. It’s a little harder to understand and explain. But, to certain shoppers, and in certain vehicles, it’s a very important thing.

And the S60 Cross Country has it in masses. We haven’t seen anything like it since the Subaru Outback was available as a sedan years and years ago. Maybe there’s a reason we don’t see more products like this. Maybe a car-crossover mashup makes a not-so-great car, and a not-so-great crossover. But as it stands in today’s market, S60 Cross Country is a one-of-a-kind machine that, one way or another, will put the brand onto the mental radar of more and more shoppers, as Volvo prepares to roll out new models in the coming months and years.

There’s also the element of making a statement. Not all cars have to be sales superstars. Not all cars are produced for the approval of the masses. Some, like this S60 Cross Country, are perhaps more about leaving a little mark on the luxury vehicle map with something different. You may well not like this car, and you may find it to be an unattractive, awkward and bloated take on the S60’s handsome and discreet looks, and Volvo doesn’t care.

The S60 Cross Country starts at $49,450 and comes only fully-loaded in Platinum trim. For what it’s worth, an XC70, with the same driveline and an actual cargo hold, starts some $6,700 less than that.

Pricing: 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country
Base price: $49,450
Options: Tech Package ($1,600), Climate Package ($1,350), BLIS Package ($1,000), xenon lights with washers ($1,100)
Freight: $1,815
A/C Fee: $100
As Tested: $56,415

Competitors:
Audi A4 Allroad
BMW 328i xDrive
BMW X4
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
A perfectly restored AMC Eagle sedan

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