Review: Volvo XC60
What is it?
Volvo’s range of cars has changed from boxy estates to premium SUVs and the XC60 is currently the best-selling model the firm has ever sold.
Ever since the original car was launched in 2008, the Swedish firm has managed to shift more than 2.7 million units worldwide.
The current iteration has been around since 2017, so Volvo has decided to give its beloved XC60 a few updates to keep it in-line with the rest of the competition.
What’s new?
At first glance, not a lot. But, analyse further and you’ll notice a fresh radiator grille, updated alloy wheel designs, a choice of new exterior paint finishes and the rear tail lights have received a dark tint to them.
Step inside, and there is new seat upholstery and all cars now come with Volvo’s latest UX infotainment system, which is sharper, more responsive to use than the old system, as well as featuring Google Built-in.
However, under the bonnet remains the same and you can still get the car with a choice of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as an all-wheel drive setup.
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s the same choice as you’ll find in the old model, which means there is a turbocharged petrol and a plug-in hybrid.
We’re driving the latter and it comes fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 18.8kWh battery pack, pumping out 310bhp and 400Nm of torque. Meanwhile, 0-60mph is dealt with in 4.7 seconds and the car will run out of steam at 112mph.
Volvo claims that this powertrain can travel up to 50 miles on electric power and the standard all-wheel drive system gives the car more traction.
All versions of XC60 come fitted with an automatic gearbox and there are no diesel options available anymore.
What’s it like to drive?
Volvos are all about comfort and safety and the XC60 is the exact representation of that.
Out on the road, the suspension is ultra soft and manages to absorb large lumps and bumps with ease. Meanwhile, around town, our plug-in hybrid test car can run on electric power for most of the time, with the one-pedal function – allowing you to lift off the accelerator and the car will naturally start to slow down.
On the motorway, the car’s excellent levels of refinement means that wind, road and tyre noise hardly enters the cabin, making the car an exceptional mile muncher.
How does it look?
The XC60 has aged very nicely, with the current second generation car having been around since 2017.
These new updates make a good-looking car even better, with the revised slatted front grille, tinted high-positioned rear tail lights and flared wheel arches giving the car a much sleeker and classier look.
There is a choice of alloy wheel designs, but our test car’s 20-inchers give the vehicle a chunkier look.
And, the slim front headlights with their wraparound designs still give it that distinctive Volvo look.
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the XC60 has always been a nice place to be, and this new model makes it even better.
The biggest change comes from the 11.2-inch infotainment screen, which now uses Volvo’s latest UX interface which is sharper and more responsive than the old system – helping with usability.
The seats offer a great amount of support and are extremely comfortable. Plus, there is a range of new sustainable upholsteries too.
In terms of storage, up front, there is a large centre storage area with cup holders, deep door bins and an underneath centre armrest compartment.
Jump in the back and the tall roofline makes it very spacious for adults, however the large transmission tunnel makes it a bit of a squeeze for the middle-seat passenger to get comfortable.
Boot space is good though, with the car offering up to 505 litres, but if you opt for the PHEV variant, that space drops to 468 litres, due to the location of the batteries.
You can fold down the rear seats to extend space even further however, taking the capacity to a total of 1,395 litres in our plug-in hybrid test car, or 1,410 litres in the standard model. Also, the back seats fold flat and are very easy to operate, making the XC60 a very capable and practical family wagon.
What’s the spec like?
All Volvos are available with several different trim levels and the XC60 follows suit here.
The range kicks off with the entry-level Core at £48,410 and offers lots of toys such as an 11.2-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-in, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and adaptive cruise control.
We’re testing the Ultra model, which bumps the price tag up to £62,740 or £68,860 in plug-in hybrid format. Equipment boasts a glass panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree camera.
And, for a no cost option, you can also get the XC60 with a heated front windscreen – making those frosty mornings a little bit easier.
Verdict
Volvo has taken its best-selling model and made it even better. The XC60 is not the most exciting car in the world, but it’s a very good one nonetheless.
With its excellent levels of refinement, comfort and quality, this is a premium SUV that doesn’t cut corners.
The plug-in hybrid setup is finely tuned and provides decent economy and manages to make use of its electric power wisely.
Prices are rather steep, and the design is a little bit sober, but you can’t ignore that this minor update has made the XC60 an even more tempting package.
Fancy switching to a new Volvo or see yourself in another mid-size SUV? Head to our main page to see what we’ve got on offer here at UK CarLine.
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