SIXTY NOT OUT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volvoxc60_2024

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 115

In 2021, the second generation Volvo XC60, which had first been launched in 2017, got the first of two facelifts, creating the 2021-2025-era version of this premium mid-sized SUV model that we're going to look at here. Think of this kind of posh crossover from this period and you probably think of something German - maybe also a Jaguar or Lexus product. We'd also suggest though, that this elegant and beautifully crafted second generation XC60 is in this form well worth a look, proof that in Sweden, they build SUVs just a little differently. Safe, efficient, clever, practical and stylish, it's yet another model that re-established this Scandinavian maker as a credibly prestigious automotive brand.

Modelsword count: 19

5dr SUV (2.0 petrol B4 / 2.0 turbo & supercharged T6 and T8 plug-in hybrid / 2.0 diesel B5D)

Historyword count: 384

Once, Volvo was a car maker primarily specialising in spacious estates and solid, safe saloons. By the beginning of this century's third decade, that wasn't true any more. By then, the brand was building far fewer cars of that sort with the majority of its business instead done in selling SUVs - cars like this XC60. Volvo launched the second generation version of this model in 2017, replacing an extremely successful predecessor, then in 2021 this SUV was lightly updated to create the car we're going to look at here. Like the model that inspired it, the second generation version of the larger XC90, this XC60 uses the 2.0-litre 'Drive-E' engines and 'SPA' 'Scalable Product Architecture' platform that Chinese brand owner Geely bankrolled for all mid and large-sized Volvo models from this period to use: the smaller XC40 model uses a much less sophisticated 'CMA' 'Compact Modular Architecture' chassis. That more compact car is essentially a family hatch with Crossover cues. This one in contrast, had to be in every way a proper SUV, offering everything you get in a prestigious XC90 but in a slightly more compact five-seat package. It needed to be good, given the quality of competition in this period in the premium-badged segment of the mid-sized SUV market where this XC60 had to compete. Back in 2021, BMW's X3, Audi's Q5 and the Mercedes GLC remained this Volvo's default class competitors, but some likely customers were also looking at rivals like the Jaguar F-PACE, the Lexus NX and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio - maybe also the Range Rover Velar and the Genesis GV70: all represented tempting alternatives in this class. Which is why by 2021, this second generation XC60 had evolved quite a lot over the original version launched in 2017. The light visual facelift four years into production brought with it a clever Android-based infotainment system. And by 2021 there were two PHEV models, the T6 and the T8, both with larger drive batteries and more powerful rear electric motors. Volvo saw these as a better option than black pump fuel, so in Autumn 2023, diesel variants were removed from sale. The post-2021 version of this MK2 XC90 was further updated in late 2025, but it's the first facelift 2021-2025-era versions we look at here as a used buy.

What You Getword count: 440

If you like the look of this XC60, you'll probably be one of those people who already liked the shapely lines of the second generation version of its larger XC90 stablemate. Much of the same design language is, after all, carried directly over, creating a sleek, distinctly Scandinavian SUV that isn't particularly flashy but delivers an understated, confident demeanour that potential buyers will like. The main visual updates with the 2021 facelift were applied at the front, where the grille was lightly updated. More noticeable were the more upright corner cut-outs and the more prominent lower intake. Inside up-front, take a look around and at first glance, if you happen to be familiar with the earlier 2017-2020- version of this MK2 XC60 design, you might initially think that not much changed with this revised model - though actually, the 9-inch Android-based Centre Console Touch Screen fitted as part of this update was completely different, 'designed to seamlessly blend into your digital lifestyle', whatever that means. The system gives quick and easy access to Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice recognition and the Google Play Store for installing a wide range of apps for in-car use. Through the rather ugly three-spoke wheel, you view another screen, Volvo's 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display'. But it's not just about technology in this cabin. Volvo says that when creating interiors, it applies the same principles that you would when designing a living room. High-quality materials, intelligent use of space and attention to detail work together to create a distinctly Scandinavian cabin that's simple and elegant, with layer upon layer of chrome and beautifully stitched leather. In the back, there's decent space for shoulders and heads and the kind of room for knees and legs that you'd expect from an SUV 4.7-metres in length. A really unique touch lies with the concealed storage compartments under the rear seat bases which are just the right size to store electronic devices, like a tablet, out of sight. The standard power-operated tailgate can adjust to suit the height of your garage ceiling. When raised, it reveals a cargo area that in a conventionally-engined B5 model would be rated at 483-litres - or 613-litres if you were to load up to the roof. The Plug-in Hybrid variant loses a bit from those figures because of its underfloor battery - 468-litres, or 598-litres if you load up to the roof. Once you've flattened everything, on the conventionally-engined B5 model up to 1,410-litres of total capacity will be revealed - that's if you load to the roof. It's up to 1,395-litres with the PHEV variant.

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