Volvo XC60 4×4 review

With a classy interior, excellent build quality and a lineup of efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, the Volvo XC60 is a great alternative to rivals from premium manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Safety is first-class, too, as is overall space and practicality, although the XC60’s infotainment setup isn’t the best in class.

If you’re after more power than most, then the plug-in hybrid models are particularly punchy, but Volvo’s mid-size SUV is more of a relaxed cruiser than a true performance option. The second generation XC60 may have lost a little of its shine since its launch in 2017, but it’s still worthy of consideration if you’re after a premium family car that offers excellent levels of comfort.

About the Volvo XC60

The XC60 has gone on to become Volvo’s best-selling model, and the latest car will continue that trend. Like its big brother, the XC90, the XC60 takes a more comfort-oriented approach than its rivals, and that means it’s less dynamic than models like the Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X3.

However, it adds a level of tech and quality that beats a lot of its rivals, while space inside is good, too. In fact, the XC60 will be a very easy car to live with day-to-day. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine range spans diesel and petrol power, plus T6 and T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids offering excellent straight-line performance and big company car tax savings for business users.

Volvo has been on a roll since the launch of the hugely successful flagship XC90 in 2015, and the current XC60 demonstrates what’s so good about the company’s latest range of cars. Volvo has long been known for its strong safety credentials, but the XC60 displays the company’s latest design direction, with smart looks inside and out and a raft of technology on board to appeal to even the most tech-savvy buyer. But this hasn’t come at the expense of practicality, and the XC60 is a versatile five-seat premium SUV that delivers comfort and luxury in a great package.

The second generation XC60 went on sale in 2017, replacing the Mk1 model which had become Volvo’s best-selling car during its life. The Mk2 uses a scaled down version of the platform found under the XC90, and as a result has the same suspension and engine range as the seven-seater. As a result, the XC60 is a rival for premium compact SUVs such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Land Rover Discovery Sport, among others.

Sticking with the XC90’s platform means there are a range of 2.0-litre engines available with mild-hybrid assistance; the B4 diesel is joined by the B5 petrol unit, while the B4 and more potent B6 petrol options have now been discontinued. The 194bhp B4 oil burner and 247bhp B5 petrol now come with all-wheel-drive as standard, while the (now discontinued) 194bhp B4 petrol is a front-wheel drive model. The more potent B6 petrol was only available as a 4×4 with 296bhp.

Badged as ‘Recharge’ models, there are two plug-in hybrids included on the price list – the T6 with 345bhp and the top-of-the-range T8 Recharge delivering 449bhp.

Volvo has three core equipment levels for the XC60 – the entry-level Core is followed by Plus and Ultimate. These replace the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trims which were offered until early 2022.

Even Core models are well equipped, but then prices start from around £47,000, which is a significant jump over the old XC60 and puts all models into the upper road tax threshold, meaning VED will be more than £500 a year during years two to six of ownership, after which it reverts to the standard rate.