Volvo XC60 Review 2026
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Volvo XC60 Verdict
Very comfortable and refined on the move. High quality well designed interior. Strong performance from all engines. Great seats for long distances.
Not quite as sharp to drive as its rivals. Has one of the smallest boots in its class. Polestar Engineered version is expensive.
Find out more about the Volvo XC60
Insurance Groups are between 28–43
On average it achieves 72% of the official MPG figure
The Volvo XC60 provides a refreshing and luxurious alternative to the current crop of driver and performance-focused SUVs, like the Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan. Admittedly, the second-generation XC60 is not the most dynamic of things to drive, but for what it lacks in handling it more than makes up for in comfort and refinement.
Like its predecessor, the Volvo XC60 is aimed at family car buyers, with a spacious interior, low fuel costs and lots of safety kit as standard. All XC60 models gets automatic city braking with pedestrian (and animal) recognition. This means it scans the road ahead and will automatically apply the brakes or help the driver steer around an obstacle in an emergency situation.
There's an extensive engine line-up, including mild-hybrid petrols and diesels as well as pricey plug-in hybrid models. While the latter offer impressive performance, the XC60 is better in a mid-level trim with small wheels and an economy-focused engine.
Topping the XC60 range is the powerful Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid T8. This offers the performance to match a Macan, with firm suspension and beefy brakes. It's expensive, though, starting around £65,000 - and it's not as fun to drive as you might expect.
Comfort and refinement are the XC60's strong suit. Its excellent ride quality (with small wheels) is backed-up by a luxurious and refined interior that is more than a match for anything from the competition. The suspension set-up is carried over from Volvo's 90 range and provides one of the best ride qualities of any car in its class. Even the diesels, under hard acceleration, struggle past a muted rumble, which means the XC60 is well-suited for long drives.
The only slight issue we have with the XC60 is its shallow boot, which is one of the smallest of any mid-sized SUV. The price for the entry-level models is also higher than the outgoing XC60, but it's clear to see where the investment has gone. If you value comfort and luxury over razor sharp handling and performance, then the XC60 will make a fine choice as your next family car.
Reviews for Volvo XC60's top 3 rivals
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Volvo XC60 handling and engines
- Engines range from D4 Automatic to T6 Recharge
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–88 mpg
The XC60 wafts along with the air and grace of a luxury saloon, while the raised driving position provides a commanding view of the road that makes it easy to navigate this 2.1 metre wide SUV though narrow B roads or multi-storey car parks.
Admittedly, the steering doesn't boast much in the way of feel, but despite its numb nature it remains light and accurate, with compliant turns that will allow the car to complete a u-turn in just 11.4 metres.
As long as you avoid the largest wheel options, the XC60 is comfortable, with the suspension soaking all but the most violent of pot hole-related jolts.
Most XC60s feature all-wheel drive, meaning the 1800kg SUV can carry itself through demanding turns without any sign of scruffiness in the handling department. Those wanting limo-like comfort can fit air suspension as an optional extra, with a soft cushioned ride that will match that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
While there's a long list of engines available in the XC60, the good news is you can't really pick a bad one. It's worth taking time to understand the differences, though, and working out which one best suits your needs.
There's the entry-level T4 petrol which we're yet to drive and sells in limited numbers, only available with front-wheel-drive in Edition trim. If you're after a petrol, you'd be better opting for the mild-hybrid B5, available with two- or four-wheel drive and capable of returning up to around 39mpg depending on things like the size of the alloy wheels.
The T6 is an amusingly powerful 2.0-litre petrol without the faff of a plug-in hybrid, providing 310PS. It's thirsty, though, officially returning 31.7mpg on the combined WLTP fuel economy cycle.
Many XC60 buyers will be better catered for with a diesel, particularly if you cover a lot of motorway miles or are looking to tow regularly. The mild-hybrid B4 is so good that it almost makes the more powerful B5 irrelevant, unless you really need the extra torque on offer. It's efficient, too, returning more than 45mpg.
If you can justify the B5 diesel, though, it's a lovely engine and well suited to the XC60. It offers effortless performance, with excellent refinement on offer. You won't really notice the mild-hybrid side, although it'll quietly recuperate energy under braking, on hand to provide a useful amount of power on hand when you look to overtake.
Then there's the plug-in hybrid T8. If most of your journeys are within its 27-mile electric range but you need a car capable of travelling further when required, an XC60 T8 is a true Jekyll and Hyde car. Around town, with a full charge, it's a quiet and serene electric car. But when the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, it's got a combined 390PS and can sprint to 62mph in 5.5 seconds.
If that's not quick enough, you can spec the T8 in Polestar Engineered form. This has an extra 15PS, shaving a tenth of a second off the 0-62mph time, along with upgraded brakes, firmer suspension and lightweight alloy wheels. While the Polestar Engineered XC60 can certainly be chucked around in a manner unbecoming of its size, it's extremely firm on anything but the smoothest of roads.
It's not as fun as the figures suggest either. If you're happy to spend £65,000 on an SUV the size of an XC60, you'd be much better looking at a Porsche Macan if driving enjoyment is high on your wishlist.
Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Volvo XC60 review
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B4 | - | 7.1–8.3 s | 161–168 g/km |
| B4 Automatic AWD | - | 8.3 s | 139–145 g/km |
| B5 | - | 5.9 s | 149 g/km |
| B5 Automatic AWD | - | 7.1 s | 139–145 g/km |
| B5 AWD | - | 5.5–7.1 s | 160–168 g/km |
| B6 | - | 6.2 s | - |
| D4 Automatic | 49–51 mpg | 8.4 s | 129–136 g/km |
| D4 AWD | 51–53 mpg | 8.4–8.8 s | 131–139 g/km |
| D5 Automatic | 47–49 mpg | 7.2 s | 144 g/km |
| T4 Automatic | - | 7.9 s | 167 g/km |
| T5 Automatic | 39 mpg | 6.8–6.9 s | 165–169 g/km |
| T5 Automatic AWD | 37–39 mpg | 6.8 s | 169 g/km |
| T6 Automatic AWD | - | 5.9 s | 174–181 g/km |
| T6 Recharge | - | 6.9 s | 47–54 g/km |
| T8 Automatic AWD | - | 5.5–6.2 s | 50–52 g/km |
| T8 AWD | - | 5.3–5.5 s | 49–52 g/km |
| T8 Recharge | - | 5.5 s | 52–55 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volvo XC60
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
72%
Real MPG
20–88 mpg
MPGs submitted
146
Volvo XC60 interior
- Boot space is 598–1410 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4688 mm |
| Width | 2117 mm |
| Height | 1658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865 mm |
Like the XC90, the interior of the XC60 is comfortable and spacious. It will easily cope with four adults, thanks to the abundance of head and legroom at the back. The cabin is also filled with high quality materials, while the overall build quality is first class, with no worrying creaks or squeaks from the plastics. This gives reassurance that everything has been bolted together with purpose.
All models get leather seats, with electric controls for height and lumbar adjustment in the front. Heated front seats are also standard across the range, along with central pillar-mounted ventilation for those in the back.
Head and legroom will seldom be an issue in the XC60 and the rear seats will easily accommodate two large adults, with room to spare for an equally large or tall driver to get comfortable in the front.
A powered tailgate is standard fit and provides simple access to the boot, with a click of a button. However the XC60 doesn't have as much storage space as its rivals with the shallow boot offering just 505 litres. This means it fills up surprisingly quickly when the load cover is in place. In comparison, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will provide 689 litres while the Audi Q5 has 550 litres.
As with the latest crop of Volvo cars, the XC60 features a minimalist dashboard with the highlight being the eye-catching tablet touchscreen. The TFD display is bright and straightforward to use, although the myriad of sub-menus can be a little confusing at first.
However, while its high-tech nature will undoubtedly impress passengers, the screen can become a little bit of a distraction, with the driver needing to take their eyes off the road to change something as simple as the ventilation.
Voice activation controls – for heating and audio – are included, however, which allows the driver to adjust the ventilation or temperature by telling the system to increase the heat or air con. Sensus Connect, which provides access to a range of apps, like the digital music service Spotify is also fitted, but can equally distract. Ambient interior lighting and massaging front seats are also available to those with a penchant for extras.
As you'd expect from Volvo, safety has been comprehensively addressed, with all cars getting a whiplash protection system that's built into the front seats to prevent spinal injuries. Pretensioners are also fitted to the belts in the back and all XC60s get Volvo's run-off road protection system, which automatically tightens the belts to cushion the impact should the vehicle leaving the road.
Standard equipment (January 2020):
Momentum comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox featuring stop/start and manual change functions, all-wheel drive, height and reach adjustable steering column, speed sensitive steering, three-spoke leather steering wheel with chrome trim, steering wheel remote infotainment controls, cruise control, hill start assist, power parking brake with auto hold, hill descent control, drive mode settings, keyless start, dynamic chassis, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, autofolding heated power door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers, electric tailgate, integrated roof rails, piano black front grille with chrome surround, twin exhaust pipes, roof spoiler, front and rear park assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, tyre sealent kit and compressor, two-zone electronic climate control, 12.3-inch active TFT driver's information display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, floor mats, driver and passenger seat with electric height adjustment, 60:40 split folding rear seat, rear armrest with storage and cupholders, nine-inch centre console touchscreen, voice activated control, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Sensus Connect sound system, Sensus navigation, Volvo On Call.
T8 Twin Engine models add a panoramic sunroof, auxiliary heater with pre-conditioning functions, subwoofer, electric rear axle driver, 11.6kWh Lithium-Ion battery, 87PS electric motor, 4.5m charge cable with three-pin plug.
Edition comes with dark tinted windows, rear park assist camera, 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome window surround, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Momentum Pro adds heated windscreen wipers, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, head-up display, headlight cleaning system, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, front LED foglights with cornering function, power driver seat with memory for seat and exterior mirrors, puddle lights.
R-Design builds on Momentum specification with sports seats with leather/textile upholstery, front seat cushion extensions, high gloss black steering wheel remote infotainment controls, front LED foglights, dual exhaust pipes, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports steering wheel, sports pedals, dark tinted windows, lowered sport chassis.
R-Design Pro adds heated wiper blades, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, power driver seat with memory for seat and exterior mirrors, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, 21-inch alloy wheels, headlight cleaning system, head-up display, front LED foglights, Active Four-C chassis with adaptive dampers.
Polestar Engineered models come with a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, black chrome exhaust pipes, floating front brake discs, Polestar Engineered front and rear brake calipers, gold seatbelts, 21-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, front aluminium tread plates, Polestar Optimised engine and gearbox, Polestar Engineered chassis.
Inscription features Nappa soft leather upholstery, power driver and passenger seat with memory for seats and exterior mirrors, front LED foglights, driftwood inlays, 19-inch alloy wheels, crystal gear lever, chrome window surround, dual exhaust pipes, multicolour theatre lighting, ambient door lighting, multi-directional lumber support.
Inscription Pro adds heated windscreen wipers, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, Active Four-C chassis with adaptive dampers, 20-inch alloy wheels, headlight cleaning system, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, front LED foglights with cornering function, head-up display, front seat backrest massage, puddle lights.
Volvo XC60 models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4688 mm |
| Width | 2117 mm |
| Height | 1658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1735–2155 kg |
| Boot Space | 598–1410 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £40,335–£53,350 |
| Insurance Groups | 28–43 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–I |
| Official MPG | 36.8–122.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until September 2021
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 B6 P 300hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | £48,600 | - | 6.2 s |
| 2.0 D4 190hp Inscription Auto FWD 5dr | - | - | 8.4 s |
| 2.0 D4 190hp Momentum Auto FWD 5dr | - | - | 8.4 s |
| 2.0 D4 190hp R-Design Auto FWD 5dr | - | - | 8.4 s |
| Inscription B4 197 FWD Geartronic Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| Inscription B5 235 AWD Powerpulse Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| Inscription Pro B4 197 FWD Geartronic Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| Inscription Pro B5 235 AWD Powerpulse Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| Momentum B4 197 FWD Geartronic Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| R-Design B4 197 FWD Geartronic Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| R-Design B5 235 AWD Powerpulse Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| R-Design Pro B4 197 FWD Geartronic Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| R-Design Pro B5 235 AWD Powerpulse Auto MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
On sale until August 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 B4 197hp Momentum Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £35,000 | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B4 D 197 Inscription Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B4 D 197hp Inscription Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B4 D 197hp Momentum Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B4 D 197hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B4 D 197hp R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 B5 D 235 Inscription Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| 2.0 B5 D 235hp Inscription Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| 2.0 B5 D 235hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| 2.0 B5 D 235hp R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 7.1 s |
| 2.0 B5 P 250hp Momentum Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £43,385 | - | 5.5 s |
| 2.0 B5 P 250hp Momentum Pro Auto FWD 5dr | £41,865 | - | 5.9 s |
| 2.0 D4 190hp Momentum Pro Auto FWD 5dr | £33,583 | - | 8.4 s |
| 2.0 T4 190HP Edition Auto FWD 5dr | £30,500 | - | 7.9 s |
On sale until May 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 T8 Hybrid Inscription Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 5.5 s |
| 2.0 T8 Hybrid R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | - | - | 5.5 s |
On sale until April 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Inscription Auto AWD 5dr | - | 37.8 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Inscription Auto FWD 5dr | £35,083 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Inscription Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | 37.8 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Inscription Pro Auto FWD 5dr | £38,333 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Momentum Auto AWD 5dr | - | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Momentum Auto FWD 5dr | £31,542 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Momentum Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp Momentum Pro Auto FWD 5dr | £33,583 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | - | 37.8 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp R-Design Auto FWD 5dr | £33,458 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | - | 36.8 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 250hp R-Design Pro Auto FWD 5dr | £37,333 | - | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 T6 310hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | £37,792 | - | 5.9 s |
| 2.0 T6 310hp R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £41,667 | - | 5.9 s |
On sale until August 2019
On sale until June 2018
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 T8 Hybrid Inscription Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £58,700 | - | 5.3 s |
| 2.0 T8 Hybrid R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £57,600 | - | 5.3 s |
On sale until March 2018
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 T5 254hp Inscription Auto AWD 5dr | £41,900 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 254hp Inscription Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £45,600 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 254hp Momentum Auto AWD 5dr | £37,900 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 254hp Momentum Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £39,700 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 254hp R-Design Auto AWD 5dr | £40,400 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 T5 254hp R-Design Pro Auto AWD 5dr | £44,400 | 38.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
Model History
- February 2017: Volvo announced second generation XC60
- April 2017: Volvo XC60 available to order in the UK
- July 2017: Polestar upgrades for the XC60 launched
- January 2018: Volvo XC60 is 2017’s safety car in Euro NCAP testing
- March 2018
- February 2019: New B4 and B5 models launched
- October 2019: Polestar version of Volvo XC60 announced
- December 2020: Volvo XC60 engine line-up refreshed with hybrid power
- April 2021: Orders open for updated Volvo XC60
February 2017
Volvo announced second generation XC60
It features three new advanced driver-assistance features aimed at keeping the driver out of trouble.
4,688mm long x 1,902mm wide (2,117 with mirrors) x 1,658mm high.
These are designed to provide the driver with automatic steering assistance or support – when required – to help avoid potential collisions. Volvo believes that these new features will make the new XC60 one of the safest cars on the road.
City Safety has been updated in the XC60 to include steering support, which engages when automatic braking alone would not help avoid a potential collision. In such circumstances, the car will provide steering assistance to avoid the obstacle ahead. City Safety helps to avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and large animals. Steering support is active between 50-100 km/h.
Volvo Cars has also added a system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which helps drivers to avoid collisions with vehicles in an oncoming lane. The system works by alerting a driver who has unwittingly wandered out of a lane by providing automatic steering assistance, guiding them back into their own lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicle. This system is active between 60-140 km/h.
April 2017
Volvo XC60 available to order in the UK
Prices starting at £37,205 for the D4 AWD Momentum and £37,900 for the 254PS T5 petrol AWD Momentum.
A choice of three 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines are initially available – the D4 and D5 PowerPulse diesels, and the T5 petrol. A T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid is available from late 2017.
Every XC60 comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. The D4 offers 190PS, combined fuel consumption of up to 55.4 mpg and CO 2 emissions from just 133 g/km. The D5 has 235PS, combined fuel consumption of 51.4 mpg and CO 2 emissions of 144 g/km. It also benefits from PowerPulse, a Volvo invention that uses compressed air to spin the engine's two turbos when they would otherwise be dormant, such as very low engine revs, boosting responsiveness.
The T5 offers 254PS, combined fuel economy of up to 39.2 mpg and CO 2 emissions from 164 g/km.
Volvo's Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9-inch portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation – including lifetime annual map updates and Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) – and an intuitive voice-activation system. It even provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp.
| XC60 | PS | Claimed mpg | On-the-road price |
| D4 AWD Momentum | 190 | 55.4 | £37,205 |
| D4 AWD Momentum Pro | 190 | 55.4 | £39,005 |
| D4 AWD R-Design | 190 | 54.3 | £39,705 |
| D4 AWD R-Design Pro | 190 | 54.3 | £43,705 |
| D4 AWD Inscription | 190 | 54.3 | £41,205 |
| D4 AWD Inscription Pro | 190 | 54.3 | £44,905 |
| D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design | 235 | 51.4 | £43,205 |
| D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design Pro | 235 | 51.4 | £47,205 |
| D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription | 235 | 51.4 | £44,705 |
| D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription Pro | 235 | 51.4 | £48,405 |
| T5 AWD Momentum | 254 | 39.2 | £37,900 |
| T5 AWD Momentum Pro | 254 | 39.2 | £39,700 |
| T5 AWD R-Design | 254 | 38.7 | £40,400 |
| T5 AWD R-Design Pro | 254 | 38.7 | £44,400 |
| T5 AWD Inscription | 254 | 38.7 | £41,900 |
| T5 AWD Inscription Pro | 254 | 38.7 | £45,600 |
July 2017
Polestar upgrades for the XC60 launched
With the Polestar enhancement, the new Volvo XC60 T8 delivers 421PS, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.
The Polestar optimisation improves five key areas of the powertrain while retaining the Volvo warranty, official fuel consumption and a pure electric range of up to 28 miles for the T8.
A total of four XC60 models are available for Polestar optimisation in the UK, including the T8, T5, D5 and D4. For the D5, the Polestar optimisation boosts peak power from 235 to 240PS, and peak torque from 480 to 500Nm. The 0-62mph time is also cut from 7.2 to 7.1 seconds.
January 2018
Volvo XC60 is 2017’s safety car in Euro NCAP testing
The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98 per cent in the Adult Occupant category, and in its Large Off-Road class it showed a clear advantage in Safety Assist with a score of 95 per cent – 20 percentage points higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor.
Each year, Euro NCAP publishes a ‘Best in Class’ to indicate which vehicles have performed better than their competitors launched in the same calendar year, using a weighted sum of scores for accurate comparison in each class, across four areas of assessment: adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian and safety assist.
March 2018
Voted 'World Car of the Year 2018'
February 2019
New B4 and B5 models launched
These mild hybrids for the first time offer customers Volvo’s advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, under its new ‘B’ badge.
The B5 comes as mild hybrid petrol or diesel variant, a B4 diesel mild hybrid as well as a B6 petrol mild hybrid. The B5 petrol will be available with front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Volvo has also upgraded its existing T8 and T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains, while at the same time confirming that plug-in options will now be available on every model it produces.
This new powertrain, electrified via brake-by-wire energy recovery, offers drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving.
The new brake-by-wire system interacts with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.
The upgraded T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid with up to 420PS features a new battery and brake-by-wire advanced battery charging. The range of the T8 powertrain has increased by around 15 per cent and this powertrain is available on all 90 and 60 Series cars.
An upgraded version of the smaller capacity T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid is also combined with the new battery and brake-by wire-technology. This powertrain also offers an approximate 15 per cent range increase and is available on the V60 estate and S60 sedan.
October 2019
Polestar version of Volvo XC60 announced
Boosts combined output of T8 2.0 litre PHEV from 390PS to 405PS (engine power alone up from 303PS to 318PS + 87PS from electric motor). Software changes to the automatic transmission bring quicker gearshifts and a more precise shift programme that minimise gearchanges when cornering quickly. Brembo brakes. Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers which use a dual-flow valve for accurate response to changes in the road surface and driving conditions, ensuring an excellent balance between handling precision and ride comfort. A strut bar between the front suspension towers also helps to improve steering response and handling. The XC60 benefits from the same upgrades on the R-Design Pro specification, with the addition of metallic paint (a heated steering wheel is standard on the XC60 R-Design Pro). 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels with a sporty five-Y-spoke design with contrast polished and black surfacing.
December 2020
Volvo XC60 engine line-up refreshed with hybrid power
Volvo’s XC60 mid-size SUV is now available with a full range of electrified powertrains. The XC60 is now offered purely with hybrid power, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels to petrol-electric plug-in hybrids.
Every mild-hybrid powertrain in the XC60 range combines a powerful 2.0-litre engine with a 48-volt battery and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system to reduce fuel consumption and improve driveability and response, especially at low speeds. An integrated starter generator also provides faster, quieter restarting of the engine.
This mild-hybrid set-up can be combined with front-wheel drive in the 197PS B4 diesel and 250PS B5 petrol for optimum efficiency, or with all-wheel-drive for extra stability and security, especially in slippery conditions. The 235PS B5 diesel and 300PS B6 petrol mild-hybrids are offered exclusively with all-wheel drive.
The XC60 is also available with three plug-in hybrid engines. These combine a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels and an electric motor that powers the rears, ensuring the plug-in hybrid’s exceptional efficiency is twinned with the reassurance of all-wheel drive.
Recently introduced to the XC60 range, the entry-level plug-in is the Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6. Despite having a total of 340hp from its petrol engine and electric motor for stirring performance when needed, its high-voltage battery enables it to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with no tailpipe emissions and without using a drop of petrol. Its CO2 emissions from 55g/km are the lowest of any XC60, while WLTP Combined fuel economy is up to 113.0mpg. It also sits in the 14% BIK band for company car tax, making it a cost-effective choice for company car drivers.
The Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 is available in popular R-Design and Inscription trim levels, along with keenly priced Inscription Expression (£50,695 on-the-road), which makes a plug-in hybrid XC60 more accessible than ever.
Sitting above the T6 is the 390PS Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8, which is available in highly specified R-Design Pro and Inscription Pro form. The range-topper is the 405PS Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Polestar Engineered, which has a series of powertrain, suspension and brake upgrades to make it the most dynamic of all XC60s.
Every plug-in hybrid XC60 has a 11.6kWh high-voltage battery that can be completely recharged in two and a half hours.
April 2021
Orders open for updated Volvo XC60
Volvo says the model’s eye-catching Scandinavian design has been refined with a new-look front grille, new lower front bumper and air intakes, and a refresh of the lower rear bumper. The exhaust pipes are also now hidden, as part of Volvo’s wider design changes that showcase the company’s continued journey to all-out electrification. Completing the visual updates are new alloy wheel designs and new paint colours – Platinum Grey, Silver Dawn and Thunder Grey.
Connectivity is key for today’s customers and Volvo is taking on-board technology to a new level with the introduction of its industry-first Android-powered infotainment system to the XC60. Designed to seamlessly blend into your digital lifestyle, the new system gives quick and easy access to Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice recognition and the Google Play Store for installing a wide range of apps for in-car use. The package includes the required data for four years, while convenient over-the-air software updates are also now possible.
Wireless smartphone integration is now provided as standard via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Across the range, wireless device charging is also a standard feature, together with four USB ports so multiple devices can be connected at once. In addition, the XC60 gains an upgraded 12.3-inch driver information display with improved graphics to present key performance and car status information.
There is more technology-based innovation to safeguard against collisions: a rear auto-brake function automatically engages if a collision risk is detected when reversing, dramatically cutting the chance of a parking scrape; and the optional Pilot Assist driver-assistance system has gained more sophisticated accident-avoidance capability with the addition of an emergency stop assist function.
The updated XC60 exemplifies Volvo’s leading position on electrification, being a fully electrified model range. The powertrain choices are three Recharge plug-in hybrids and four mild-hybrids (two B5 and one B6 petrols, and a B4 diesel), with power outputs from 197hp to 405hp. All versions are all-wheel drive except for the B5, which is available in front- or all-wheel-drive form.
The upgraded XC60 is on sale in the UK now, with the first customer deliveries expected in June. On-the-road prices start at £41,745 for the 250hp B5 Momentum front-wheel-drive version. Details of PCP and PCH finance offers, and availability through Care by Volvo, Volvo’s convenient subscription service, will be announced shortly.
What to watch out for
Report of Adblue problem with new Volvo V60 D3 Momentum delivered 25-10-2018 with 241 delivery miles. A warning message stating "Adblue Dosing Service required. No restart after 550mi" appeared. Owner took it to Volvo dealer under warranty who explained that they would have to take it for a 30 mile test drive. They then tried to update/upgrade the software but this hasn't worked and the message is still there.
10-09-2021:Report of rear trailing arm bushes failure on Volvo XC60 (2017). Bushes have split after 52,000 miles. The owner has been quoted £540 to replace at the dealer.
10-09-2021:Report of alloy wheel buckle on XC60 T5. Car has 21-inch wheels and 21,000 miles on the clock.
