Volvo XC60 review

The XC60 is sandwiched by Volvo’s other SUVs – the XC40 and the XC90 – occupying one of the most popular car segments today. Sales of medium-sized premium SUVs are strong, and the XC60 is one the Swedish firm’s most popular models in the range.

Unsurprisingly, this also means the XC60 has a lot of competition. However, it aims to beat the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Alfa Romeo Stelvio with sleek style, a high-quality interior, plenty of space for the family and strong safety credentials.

There’s also a very broad selection of engines and trim levels to choose from in the XC60, from efficient diesels to powerful plug-in hybrids, while the available equipment is extensive, high-tech and user-friendly.

Modern interior is simple but packed with tech

Jump behind the wheel of the XC60 and you could be driving any model – the dashboard is largely the same as those found in the majority of the Volvo range. That’s no bad thing – there’s a simple yet classy design with a set of digital dials, a portrait-oriented touchscreen and not much else.

The materials all look and feel suitably premium, the seats are brilliant and comfort is key. There’s also a lot of technology lurking beneath all of this, with the firm’s Intellisafe driver assistance and safety systems available, high-end sound systems and plenty of other convenience features you’d expect.

What trim levels are there?

Quite a few. Three main trim levels make up the range – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Momentum is well-specified despite being the entry point to the range, R-Design focuses on a sportier vibe, while Inscription is more about luxury. You can boost each of these trim levels with a Pro package that adds specific extra kit to each model.

Whichever you go for, all XC60s come with the following equipment:

• Leather upholstery
• LED headlights
• Two-zone climate control
• Heated front seats
• Powered tailgate
• 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav
• Volvo City Safety with Steer Assist

The last is an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals as well as other vehicles.

The original XC60 was the first production car to feature AEB technology; new for the second-gen model is Steer Assist, which aims to reduce accident severity by helping the driver to take emergency avoidance action.

With so many engine and equipment options, there should be a version of the popular Volvo XC60 for anyone in the market for a premium SUV. It's certainly proving a hit for those looking for an upscale off-roader that doesn't wear one of the more obvious premium-market badges.

What engines are available?

More a case of what's not available. If you want a conventional engine, there are new ‘B’-badged options, denoting those that come with mild-hybrid tech to boost performance and improve emissions. There are 197hp B4 and 235hp B5 diesels, as well as B5 petrol (confusingly). Both of the diesels are all-wheel drive, while the petrol offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The older D4 is still available as a front-wheel drive option on lower-spec cars, while non-mild-hybrid petrol are also available. There’s a front-wheel drive 190hp T4 on limited models and a 310hp T6. The T5 has been replaced by the B5 altogether.

All XC60s come with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want a manual SUV.

At the top of the XC60 range sits the T8 Twin Engine. Combining a powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid electric motor drive system, this delivers strong performance as well as tax-friendly CO2 and fuel economy figures.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a T8 Polestar Engineered model in its own right, with chassis and mechanical tweaks from Polestar to give the SUV a more sporting slant.

Further performance is available through a range of Polestar upgrades on regular models too, offered specific engines. It livens up throttle response and gear change times.

Is it as good as it looks?

The XC60 is as good as it gets for the money. From the scaled-down XC90 exterior design to the luxurious, high-technology interior, it feels every bit the modern family accessory.

The engines are refined, the ride is comfortable, and performance is brisk throughout the range. It also features more standard safety equipment than any of its rivals, and a distinct warm, cutting-edge image without the aggression of some of the German alternatives.

So, it's safe, desirable and we rate the XC60 very highly indeed. To read about it in more detail, read on for the full review.