Just when we thought automakers ran out of niche segments to explore, Volvo announced it is expanding its range of Cross Country models with the S60 sedan.

Scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week, the Volvo S60 Cross Country inaugurates the crossover sedan segment and will probably pave the way for more jacked up sedans from other automakers. Volvo says the S60 Cross Country is the first premium sedan that has the same level of capability and rugged design cues of its Cross Country wagons.

“We want to further explore the market with our Cross Country brand. We did this back in 1997 with the V70 Cross Country and it led to the birth of a whole new segment,” explains Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

“We have included all the capability-driven benefits of the Cross Country brand in this new model, while offering a completely unique expression of adventure and all-road readiness in a distinctly sporty and stylish package,” he adds.

Just like the V60 Cross Country with which it shares all underpinnings, the S60 Cross Country has an increased ride height of 65mm (2.5in) and features the same All-Wheel Drive system. The S60 Cross Country will also be offered with front-wheel drive in Europe and selected markets.

The Volvo S60 Cross Country is offered with both 18-inch and 19-inch wheels shod with high profile tyres that are said to improve comfort and all-road capabilities, while also reducing road noise.

The world’s first production crossover sedan will be offered with three engine options – a petrol and two diesels. The range-topping T5 AWD 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbo petrol engine delivers 250 hp (254PS) in North America and Europe, while in Russia it is slightly detuned to 246hp (249PS) for taxation reasons.

European markets also get a 190PS (187hp) four-cylinder diesel D4 based on Volvo’s Drive-E powertrain architecture, offered with front-wheel drive. Both engines will be available to order when the S60 Cross Country goes on sale in early summer. Later on, Volvo will also offer a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder D4 diesel engine with all-wheel drive.

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