The current Volvo XC60 has been around since 2017, yet the end of its career doesn’t seem to be in sight. At Volvo, they are still so satisfied with the SUV that it can last a while longer with only a few subtle changes. Is that justified or is it nearing its expiration date?
How long does a model normally last?
Volvo managed to extend the life cycle of the 240 series so long (from 1974 to 1994) that the car actually had classic status in the final days of its career. And to think that that model was basically a further development of the 140 from 1966. That seems hard to imagine nowadays; a model usually lasts about seven years (with a major update about halfway through) after which a completely new replacement makes its appearance. But at Volvo they still try to get the most out of a model from time to time. We already drove the current XC90 in 2015 and the XC60 – still Volvo’s bestseller – has also been around since 2017. To keep it fresh, the XC60 already received an interim update in 2021. And apparently they are not finished with that car in Gothenburg: it has recently been further refined. Now not very drastic, but still. On the outside, you can recognize the second update of the XC60 by a grille with a wild collection of diagonal lines (completely Volvo anno 2025) plus a larger logo and slightly darker rear light units at the rear. The most important news, however, is under the skin.
With its new grille and larger logo, the Volvo XC60 is neatly in line with its younger stablemates again.
Do you have some space in the Volvo XC60?
The car is still just as spacious, you have plenty of space in the front even with an above-average build, and it is also fine to stay in the back seat. At least as long as you don’t have to sit in the middle, because you can’t put your feet down there. The battery pack of the plug-in hybrid is hidden under the high center tunnel, because the XC60 is still available in two PHEV versions. As a result, the engine compartment is full of high-voltage technology, which means that the 12-volt battery is hidden under the floor of the trunk and you can only take 468 liters of luggage with you, which was already the case and still is. We find that modest for a D-segment SUV.
Because the battery pack is hidden under the center tunnel, you can’t really put your feet down comfortably as a middle passenger.
What has changed?
The most visible change in the interior is the new infotainment screen, which has grown from 9 to 11.2 inches. As a result, it no longer fits between the ventilation grilles in the dashboard, but now ‘floats’ freely in front of the dashboard. In passing, the pixel density has increased by more than 20 percent, so you not only have a larger but also a sharper image. In the background, the latest generation of the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform ensures that the multimedia system (which is now more in line with what we know from the EX30 and EX90) now works twice as fast as before. Although the infotainment system in the updated XC60 is not the most extensive we know, we can effortlessly operate everything that is necessary. The menu structure is very easy to understand, equipped with clear icons and short texts and responds quickly. This means you only have to take your eyes off the road minimally. See that as an extra form of security. Just below the infotainment system we see a new wireless phone charger on the center tunnel, neatly within reach, while the cup holders next to the gear lever have become slightly larger. This makes it easier to store a thermal mug, although the classic disposable cup now has just a little too much space.
The infotainment screen has grown out of its power and no longer fits in the dashboard. It therefore hangs neatly in front of it.
Is the powertrain still up to date?
You still have the choice of two drive variants: a PHEV with a system power of 350 hp (the T6) and a PHEV with 455 hp (the T8). We are on the road with the latter and therefore have a 310 hp petrol engine between the front wheels and a 145 hp electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Volvo says nothing about adjustments to the powertrain, yet you should be able to travel three kilometers further purely electrically on a full battery: 81 instead of 78 kilometers. In practice, 70 km is easily achievable without too much effort. That is no longer groundbreaking, but certainly still a decent average. Although there is a sporty driving mode, the PHEV powertrain comes into its own best in the hybrid mode. If possible, the car drives nice and quiet and smoothly electrically. When the two-liter four-cylinder joins in, the two engines form a good duo, with the electric motor neatly filling in any shifting pauses. When the battery is empty, the petrol engine is on its own. With its 310 hp and 400 Nm, it has enough reserves so that it does not have to run desperately on its toes. This directly benefits comfort. Volvo also says it uses extra sound-insulating material, yet the petrol engine occasionally lets you hear that it has to work. However, this is usually short-lived and not disturbing. We are also the first to admit that you also have enough with the 350 hp T6, but with the 455 hp T8 everything is just a little easier.
Together with the electric motor, the four-cylinder forms an excellent tandem.
How does this PHEV SUV drive?
Despite more insulation material and a larger screen, the XC60 has become 13 kg lighter. Every little bit helps, although it does not directly result in different road behavior. The XC60 has coil springs at the front and a transverse leaf spring at the rear as standard. We know from the past that this provides a stable and comfortable chassis. The car we are now on the road with is equipped with air suspension all around and that also provides a lot of comfort, incidentally without causing too much movement or swaying at any moment. It has the side effect that you can adjust the lifting height when loading and unloading luggage.
Especially with air suspension, the Volvo XC60 is a comfortable machine.
What about the expiration date?
To remain interesting in its final phase of life, the XC60 has become cheaper in almost all versions. The XC60 T8 was available from €76,895 and is now available from €73,895. Only the basic version, the T6 Essential, has become slightly more expensive, you can have it for €61,995. This makes the gap to the slightly more richly decorated but cheaper Core version financially slightly smaller. The bottom line is that the XC60 was already a fine car and still is, neatly updated for a few more years. The expiration date has been pushed back a bit further.
Verdict
The Volvo XC60 was already a fine car and still is, neatly updated for a few more years. The expiration date has been pushed back a bit further.