Over 2.7 million have found homes since its 2008 debut, overtaking even the legendary, shoebox-shaped Volvo 240 earlier this year. You can’t swing a cinnamon bun in Stockholm without spotting one.

It’s the middle child of the Volvo SUV family; smaller and less ostentatious than the XC90, but more spacious and grown-up than the little XC40. In car-market terms, it lands smack in the middle of the most overcrowded playground of them all: the mid-size crossover segment.

Its rivals?

The Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. All competent, all capable. But while the Germans seem to march to the same drumbeat, the Volvo hums its own tune.

It’s been around for a while, hasn’t it?

This is the second generation, which arrived in 2017 after the first enjoyed a respectable nine-year run. A facelift came in 2021, and again in early 2025.

The latest tweaks include a new grille, an upsized infotainment screen, and fresh cabin materials. Engines remain unchanged.

So what’s it like to drive?

If you want white-knuckle excitement, this isn’t your car. The XC60’s idea of engagement is guiding you through bends with the calm assurance of a seasoned chauffeur. For 2025, Volvo has added extra sound insulation, so it’s even quieter inside.

All-wheel drive is standard, and there’s no big “Sport” button here, just a subtle setting hidden in the menus if you want things a touch firmer. The steering is light by default, but can be weighted up electronically. Ride quality is plush, without the wheel-hop or body float that sometimes plagues the XC90.

The eight-speed automatic is smooth when cruising, but hesitates if you ask for a quick burst of acceleration.

Our test unit was the T8 PHEV, and the hybrid powertrain suits the XC60 perfectly. It glides along silently in EV mode for a real-world 55km, with Volvo claiming up to 67km. The electric torque makes the car feel sprightlier than the numbers suggest. Charging from a AC wallbox takes about three hours.

Safety, as always, is a Volvo calling card, and the XC60 has it in droves, from lane departure avoidance to steering support that helps you dodge obstacles while staying in control.

What’s it like inside?

From the outside, the XC60 could pass for a tall estate. Inside, you’re perched high in one of the most supportive seats in the business. The rear bench is equally accommodating, with thoughtful touches like optional integrated child seats. Light pours in through the panoramic roof, enhancing the sense of space.

Cabin materials lean towards Scandinavian; matte wood, pale leather, and an airy ambience that feels as calming as a lakeside cabin. Sadly, most buyers still default to black leather and brushed aluminium.

A crystal gear selector is crafted by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors, though it feels a touch flashy compared to the otherwise restrained interior.

A crisp 12.3-inch digital driver’s display sits ahead of you, flanked by the new 11.2-inch portrait infotainment screen. It looks a bit like someone glued a tablet to the dash, but the Snapdragon-powered interface is fast, fluid, and pin-sharp. Google integration is standard with Apple CarPlay also on board.

Physical buttons are scarce, so you’ll be tapping the screen for climate controls, drive settings, and just about everything else. A single rotary knob handles volume – old-school, but appreciated.

With 483 litres, it’s roomier than an Audi Q5, though smaller than a BMW X3 or GLC. PHEV versions lose a negligible 15 litres due to battery packaging. Fold the seats and you’ve got up to 1,410 litres, enough for all your IKEA ambitions.

Sensible and sweet

The Volvo XC60 takes the best bits of the XC90 and distils them into a smaller, more manageable package. The cabin is serene, the design understated, and the driving experience pleasantly unhurried.

It’s still one of the most socially acceptable cars out there. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.

Technical Specifications

Volvo XC60

Engine: 2-litre in-line 4, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 449 bhp
Torque: 709 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed Geartronic
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 71 litres 
Fuel Economy: 18.3 km/litre (tested)
Price: S$354,000 (T8 Plus) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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It’s been Volvo’s global best-seller for a reason, and with the latest round of updates, it’s more poised than ever to keep that crown firmly in place.

Wearnes Automotive has brought in two variants: the Volvo XC60 B5 Plus Mild-Hybrid and the punchier XC60 T8 Plus Plug-in Hybrid. Both share the same 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged heart, but the T8 ups the ante with electric muscle, putting down a combined 455 horsepower and 709 Nm of torque. Zero to hundred in 4.9 seconds.

The B5, on the other hand, has 250 horsepower and a fuel economy of 8.7L/100km.

Slip inside, and you’ll be greeted by Nappa leather, Driftwood décor inlays, and a crystal gear selector by Orrefors. With laminated windows, air suspension (optional), and an advanced air purification system that filters out PM2.5 particles, the XC60 aims to redefine what peace and quiet on the move actually means.

The refreshed XC60 sports a new 11.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen, now powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. Built-in Google services and over-the-air updates keep everything connected.

Volvo’s user interface also takes a Scandinavian stab at minimalism: intuitive, calm, and mercifully free of visual clutter. And for the audiophiles: 14 Harman Kardon speakers (standard), or go all out with a Bowers & Wilkins system.

Outside, the Volvo XC60 has undergone subtle tweaks. There’s a more defined front grille, new wheels, darker rear lights, and a trio of new colours, including the sultry Mulberry Red.

Naturally, being a Volvo, safety is paramount. You get everything from Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control to a full suite of airbags, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and Volvo’s clever City Safety system that watches out for cyclists, pedestrians, and errant animals.

The T8 also introduces “One Pedal Drive,” for those who want a more electric-like experience, with enhanced regenerative braking.

Ready to test serenity on wheels? First deliveries are now underway. You can meet the Volvo XC60 at Volvo’s showroom along Alexandra Road or book a test drive online.

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