• Minimalist interior still looks classy
• Central touchscreen controls most functions
• We’d prefer more physical buttons

How is the quality and layout?

Since the introduction of the second-generation XC90 in 2015, Volvo has successfully established a striking interior design language, which uses bold, high-quality materials alongside modern technology. It manages to be warm, user-friendly and distinctly Scandinavian – and has become one of the primary reasons for purchasing the latest generation of Volvo cars.

The XC60 fully reinforces this appeal, with an attractive yet simple dashboard that exudes a clarity of design that eludes many more ‘modern’ rivals. As such, although it might feel a little old and outdated compared to some competitors at first, you quickly come to appreciate the elegance of Volvo’s ethos in here. The cabin’s appearance is highly spec dependent, however, so the wow factor can vary somewhat between versions.

Infotainment and tech

The vast majority of the XC60’s features are controlled via the 9.0-inch central touchscreen, which is mounted in a portrait (rather than the more usual landscape) orientation. This has always been relatively user-friendly, but as part of the 2021 facelift, Volvo switched to an infotainment system based on the Google Android operating system, the same as that offered by many smartphones.

This brings a lot of familiarity if you’re used to the way Google does things – and the full integration of Google Maps and Google Assistance voice control are certainly a pleasure – but may take some adjustment if you’re experienced with Volvo’s own Sensus software, fitted previously. It’s easy enough to figure out either system, but a few more buttons for major functions would improve things for us. Having to dive into submenus to access drive modes and similar items seems a little convoluted.

All XC60s come with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, updated with sharper graphics in 2021. Volvo also offers a crisp, bright head-up display as an optional extra, which gives the driver line-of-sight notification of things like speed limits and road signs. It works well, as such systems typically do.

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Comfort

• A particularly strong area for Volvo
• Excellent seats
• Good refinement, especially plug-in hybrid models

Volvo takes a great deal of pride in designing ergonomically comfortable and supportive seats. Add this to a substantial amount of adjustment in the position of the steering wheel, and it’s easy to find your ideal driving position. Long journeys should hold no fear in an XC60.

Cabin refinement is another strong point. The only time you’re reminded that you’re driving a diesel, for example, is when accelerating hard from low speeds. Cruising on the motorway is a hushed affair – although we did detect a little wind noise from around the door mirrors, it’s easy to hold a normal conversation.

Unseemly vibrations are a non-issue in our experience with the XC60, too, making every kind of trip more bearable. King of the lot, however, are the plug-in hybrids. Especially the versions with the larger battery packs sold from late 2021, as these are capable of going even further on electric power alone.