The Volvo XC60 Still Refuses to Chase German Sportiness
All three reviews describe the same deliberate choice: comfort and calm over outright dynamics, a formula that's now made this the best-selling Volvo of all time.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Eighteen Years, Still Doing Its Own Thing
Plenty of rivals have chased sharper handling to compete with BMW and Audi. This car never really tried, and reviewers keep noting that refusal to conform is precisely why it's outsold every other Volvo ever made.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Mid-size luxury SUV |
|---|---|
| Engines | B5 mild-hybrid petrol (247bhp), T6 PHEV (345bhp), T8 PHEV (449bhp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive standard |
| 0–60mph | 7.8 sec (B5) to 4.9 sec (T8) |
| Electric range (T6/T8) | Up to around 50 miles official |
| Price range (new) | From around £49,810 |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar found ride quality curiously unresolved even on the optional air suspension, describing a slightly hollow feel over coarse surfaces and a rocking sensation over larger inputs, though it settles nicely and quietly at motorway speeds. They rated the T8's 4.9-second 0-62mph time as genuinely rapid, and praised comfortable, widely adjustable front seats with more rear legroom than the Mercedes GLC or Audi Q5. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping tech were criticised as feeling a generation behind rivals, with slow responses and an overly simplistic feel.
What Car?
What Car? recommended Core trim for the best value, and rated the B5 mild-hybrid as making most sense for private buyers while the T6 plug-in hybrid offers the lowest running costs for company car drivers. They measured the B5's 0-60mph at 7.8 seconds but noted the automatic gearbox can hesitate before kicking down for a burst of acceleration. Keen PCP finance deals were highlighted as making it cheaper per month than rivals like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-60 in some cases.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the calming, distinctive cabin design as a genuine point of difference against German rivals, describing the overall character as confidently doing its own thing rather than chasing sports-saloon-derived dynamics. They noted a 2025 refresh brought a new grille, bigger infotainment screen and fresh interior materials without changing the underlying powertrains, and rated it the most "socially acceptable" choice in a crowded, competitive segment even if it isn't the sportiest or cheapest option.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
All-wheel drive comes standard across the entire range — even the mild-hybrid entry model — unlike many rivals that reserve it for pricier trims.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 B5 Core / Plus / Ultra | 2.0L 4-cyl mild-hybrid turbo petrol, AWD | 247bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 6.9s |
| XC60 T6 Recharge Core / Plus / Ultra | 2.0L petrol + electric motor, AWD | 345bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 5.7s |
| XC60 T8 Recharge Core / Plus / Ultra | 2.0L petrol + electric motor, AWD | 455bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 4.9s |
Trim walk runs Core → Plus → Ultra across all three engines. The T6/T8's 18.8kWh battery gives up to 51 miles of electric-only range. All engines are electronically limited to 112mph. Check Volvo's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Distinctive, calming cabin design and genuinely comfortable seats
- Strong rear legroom versus key rivals
- Quiet, refined at motorway speeds
- Competitive PCP finance deals
Weak points
- Ride quality feels unresolved even on optional air suspension
- Driver assistance tech trails rivals for responsiveness
- Automatic gearbox can hesitate under sudden acceleration demands
- No seven-seat option — that requires stepping up to the XC90
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely calming, comfortable cabin experience and don't need sharp handling or seven seats. The B5 suits private buyers best, while the T6 plug-in hybrid makes most sense for company car drivers chasing lower tax bands.
Common Volvo XC60 Parts & Costs
- Volvo XC60 Alternator
- Volvo XC60 Battery
- Volvo XC60 Brake Discs
- Volvo XC60 Brake Pads
- Volvo XC60 Cabin Air Filter
- Volvo XC60 Engine Mount
- Volvo XC60 Exhaust System
- Volvo XC60 Fog Lights
- Volvo XC60 Front Bumper
- Volvo XC60 Front Suspension
- Volvo XC60 Fuel Pump
- Volvo XC60 Grille
- Volvo XC60 Headlights
- Volvo XC60 Radiator
- Volvo XC60 Rear Bumper
- Volvo XC60 Rear Shock Absorber
- Volvo XC60 Rear Springs
- Volvo XC60 Spark Plugs
- Volvo XC60 Tail Lights
- Volvo XC60 Timing Belt
- Volvo XC60 Wing Mirror
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