Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60 at a glance

The XC60 sits between the smaller XC40 and the larger Volvo XC90 and competes with the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It combines a raised driving position, available all-wheel drive and Volvo's focus on safety. The brand's story is told in the history of Volvo, and related estates such as the Volvo V60 Cross Country are in the Volvo catalogue.

First-generation Volvo XC60 (2008–2017)

Design and launch

A concept with a glass roof, a new grille, an electric tailgate and 20-inch wheels previewed the XC60 at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The production model debuted at Geneva in 2008, European sales began in the third quarter of that year, and North American sales followed in early 2009. It shared the P3 platform with the 2007 Land Rover Freelander and was built at Volvo Car Gent in Belgium.

Interior and practicality

The front seats offer a wide range of adjustment, and the rear bench seats three adults. Boot space is 495 litres, rising to about 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded; each section of the rear seat can be folded separately. The 2013 facelift added a revised grille and lights, new interior materials and a 7-inch display.

First-generation engines

Engines were paired with a six-speed manual or the six-speed Geartronic automatic. According to the old 1cars text, the 3.0-litre T6 reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and uses up to 10.7 L/100 km combined. A plug-in hybrid concept of 2012 never reached production.

Dimensions

Safety and City Safety

The XC60 was the first Volvo with City Safety. A laser sensor near the rear-view mirror scans the road ahead. If the car approaches a vehicle at a speed difference of less than about 20 km/h and the driver does not react, the system prepares and applies the brakes. In Euro NCAP's 2008 test the XC60 scored 37 of 37 points in the frontal and side tests and received five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Second-generation Volvo XC60 (2017 to today)

Design, interior and platform

Revealed at Geneva in 2017, the second XC60 was the first 60 Series model developed after Geely bought Volvo. It moved to the Scalable Product Architecture shared with the XC90, S90 and V90, and a cabin with higher-quality materials and more legroom. Ground clearance is 216 mm, and air suspension with adjustable ride height was offered. It won Car of the Year Japan for 2017–2018.

Second-generation engines and plug-in hybrids

The first plug-in hybrid used a 10.4 kWh battery, increased to 11.6 kWh in 2020 for about 31 km of electric range. From 2022 the Recharge models have an 18.7 kWh battery (14.8 kWh usable) for about 77 km of electric range and a total output of 339 kW (461 PS). The 2021 update introduced Google-based Android infotainment, and the August 2025 facelift brought a criss-cross grille, smoked LED tail lights, an 11.2-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument display.

Second-generation safety

In the 2017 test aligned with Euro NCAP, the XC60 scored 98% for adult occupants, 85% for children, 76% for pedestrians and 95% for safety assist. The IIHS awarded it Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ in most years from 2018 to 2024.

Rivals: how the XC60 compares

Against the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the XC60 stands out for safety, a calm and comfortable cabin and strong plug-in hybrid versions. Its weaknesses are a less sporty drive than the BMW and, on first-generation cars, an older infotainment system. For larger SUVs see the XC90, and for estates the Volvo V90.