The Volvo XC60 has quietly, and rather politely, become Volvo’s best-selling model of all time.
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)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
