Volvo XC60 Review - A Serious Player in the Premium Car Market
Volvo used to make a living out of selling estate cars. The Volvo 240 was a classic of its time and became a favourite of families, the huntin’,shootin’ fishin’ brigade, and antique dealers. Its boxy shape meant it was a serious load lugger and, because it’s a Volvo, it was safe. It was eventually replaced by the Volvo 850 which evolved into the Volvo V70.
You could even get the slightly smaller Volvo V60 with a serious performance edge. It was called the Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered. Polestar, as I’m sure you know, has now been spun off as a standalone performance brand. Both companies are owned by Geely who’re based in China.
However, delve into a Volvo dealership today and you’ll see only one estate car: the V60. The V90 was discontinued at the end of last year, although a few are still lying around.
SUVs now rule the Volvo roost, and although a lot of folk will be sad to see the demise of traditional Volvo estates, it’s hard to argue that something like the Volvo XC60 can’t do the same job…and a lot more.
Volvo has also trimmed things in terms of engine options. Electric propulsion is now starting to appear in more of their models, but the XC60 offers something of a halfway house because every XC60 is now a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Trim Levels & Performance Figures
The XC60 is available in Core, Plus or Pro Plus trim, all of which are available with T6 AWD 2.0 litre petrol power producing 330bhp when you combine the battery and engine outputs. This allows a 0-60mph sprint in 5.7 seconds and a potential all-electric range of 49 miles. Handy. Use the PHEV set-up to its full extent and Volvo reckons you’ll manage a potential 313.9mpg. That figure is for anyone who has a daily commute of, say, 35 miles. The petrol engine will only burst into life if you ask for some extra oomph. For most of you, think around the 50mpg mark if you regularly charge the battery.
Move up to the top-of-the-range Ultra trim and you’ll now also get T8 AWD power, producing a thumping 400bhp from the 2.0-litre engine and battery, and a 0-60mph sprint of 4.9 seconds. For a chunky, heavy car weighing 2.1 tonnes, that’s impressive. Floor the throttle and you’re pushed back in your seat.
The XC60 uses the same powertrains as the bigger XC90.
The downside of a PHEV if you’re doing a long journey is that the battery will eventually be depleted. You’re then carrying a battery and electric motors which do nothing but add weight and will drop to something like 35mpg.
Price
Prices for the Volvo XC60 start at £56,765 (July ’26) for the T6 AWD Core. I had the T8 AWD Ultra, which costs £70,865.
The Volvo XC60 is a premium mid-size SUV, and is slap bang in the middle of what is arguably the most competitive section of the UK car market. It has been such a success in this country because Volvo does things differently and is an expert in understated style. There aren’t acres of black shiny trim which show every fingerprint; there’s a mixture of top-quality soft-touch mouldings and fabric. It looks and feels good. Build quality is terrific.
Driving Experience
It’s also a car which is enjoyable to drive and pretty comfy too. The standard suspension setup works well, while if you go for the top-of-the-range Ultra T8 model, you get air suspension which is downright cushy. You can also raise the suspension if you head onto a rutted track and need a tad more clearance. All-wheel drive comes as standard across the XC60 range, which is handy if you live out in the sticks or need to tow a trailer. And of course, it helps with general roadholding if you decide to press on. Everything goes via an 8-speed auto which can be a bit slow to react, but it’s something you get used to.
One-pedal driving is available using the PHEV gubbins. It’s one of the better systems and can bring the car to a halt.
Interior & Tech
Inside, the XC60 looks smart and the interior as a whole is top notch and comfortable.
As for kit, even the entry-level Core model is pretty well stacked. The sat nav uses Google Maps. There’s a powered tailgate, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, 11.2-inch central display, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, quilted upholstery, heated front seats, cracking audio system and a host of safety gadgets.
To be honest, unless you want additional luxuries and the power of the T8 AWD, I’d stick with the entry-level XC60 T6 AWD in Core trim. You get everything you really need.
Should you buy one?
Volvo is now a serious player in the premium car market…and they’re getting very close to being luxurious. The XC60 is one of their best cars. If you can make full use of the PHEV system, it’s economical.
As a company car it makes sense, and as a family holdall it ticks all of the boxes. The latest model is bang up to date, having been given a refresh. This is one of my favourite cars.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Volvo
