Volvo XC60

Model Overview

The Volvo XC60 is a mid-size luxury SUV from Swedish premium automaker Volvo, slotted between the XC40 and XC90. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, the first-generation model was built on Ford's EUCD platform. The second-generation XC60 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, underpinned by Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, before being locally assembled and launched by Volvo Asia Pacific in December of the same year. As of 2026, the 2026 XC60 on sale represents the second facelift for the second-generation model. In the domestic market, it is offered in both petrol (48V mild hybrid) and plug-in hybrid powertrains: the petrol lineup consists of 5 variants, with official retail pricing ranging from RM396,900 to RM474,900 and limited-time promo pricing of RM254,900 to RM425,900; the plug-in hybrid range comprises 3 variants, with official guide prices from RM523,900 to RM603,900 and limited-time promo prices from RM354,900 to RM434,900. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,708 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,865 mm. The SUV features a five-seater cabin layout.

Design Language

The 2026 XC60 receives noticeable exterior styling revisions. Up front, it gains a refreshed grille design in line with the flagship XC90—featuring dual-directional diagonal slats in place of the previous vertical waterfall design, echoing the brand's diagonal emblem. Differentiating itself from the XC90's chrome-heavy executive styling, the XC60 sports a more athletic gloss-black front grille. The signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights are retained, combining T-shaped light guides with active high-beam functionality. The front bumper has also been reprofiled with sharper, sportier lines. Along the sides, it retains its short front overhang and sloping roofline, offering 19-inch five-spoke dual-arm diamond-cut alloy wheels and optional 21-inch multi-spoke wheels. The rear is fitted with smoked upright "Viking Axe" LED tail lamps. For the 2026 model year, three new exterior paint shades have been added: Forest Green, Streaming Silver, and Wild Berry Red. Inside, the cabin carries forward the brand's Scandinavian minimalist theme, introducing newly developed Nordico breathable bio-attributed upholstery; acoustic insulation in the A- and B-pillars has been reinforced, and laminated acoustic glass side windows now come standard across the range to enhance cabin quietness and NVH levels.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2026 XC60 is available with two powertrain options:

• B5 Petrol (48V Mild Hybrid) : Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. The engine produces 184 kW (approx. 250 PS / 247 hp) and 360 Nm of torque, with the 48V system supplying an additional electric assist of around 14 PS. Power is sent via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 7.43 L/100 km.

• T8 Plug-in Hybrid: Powered by a 2.0T engine paired with front P1 and rear P4 dual electric motors, delivering a total system output of 335 kW (approx. 455 PS / 450 hp) and 709 Nm of torque. It is matched with an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 5.0 seconds. It delivers a CLTC pure electric range of 90 km and an overall cruising range of up to 1,360 km, with WLTC combined fuel consumption rated as low as 2.46 L/100 km. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h across all variants.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the chassis employs a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Extensive use of aluminium components reduces unsprung mass and sharpens handling agility. The suspension tuning strikes a well-judged balance between dynamic handling and supple ride comfort. A sixth-generation BorgWarner permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system comes standard across the range, intelligently distributing torque between the front and rear axles via a central multi-plate clutch. Higher-spec models can be specified with the 4C Active Chassis and adaptive air suspension, which scans the road surface 500 times per second to adjust damper stiffness in real time. Multiple drive modes are selectable.

Cabin & Equipment

The most significant cabin upgrade is the transition from the previous 9-inch integrated infotainment screen to a larger 11.2-inch floating central touchscreen. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, CPU computing speed has doubled while GPU graphics processing power has increased five-fold. The system runs on Google built-in infotainment and supports wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. The centre console retains vertical air-con vents and tactile physical controls, ensuring both practicality and ease of use on the move.

In terms of convenience and luxury kit, standard equipment across the range includes a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors; higher variants add a hands-free powered tailgate, keyless entry on all doors, front seat heating/ventilation/massage with memory settings, a head-up display (HUD), and an advanced cabin air purification system. On the audio front, B5 variants come standard with a Harman Kardon premium sound system (14 speakers, 600W digital amplifier); T8 variants feature an audiophile-grade Bowers & Wilkins sound system (15 speakers, 1,410W Class-D amplifier) integrated with Dirac Unison acoustic calibration technology. Boot capacity stands at 483 litres.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety remains the core DNA of the Volvo brand. The XC60 comes standard across the lineup with the City Safety active safety suite. The system features a 5-tier safety protection net backed by 20 high-sensitivity sensors to deliver 360-degree coverage and round-the-clock proactive collision avoidance. It covers six critical avoidance scenarios, including Emergency Stop Assist (ESA) and Rear Collision Warning with Rear Auto Brake (RAB). Level 2 Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capability is fitted as standard across all variants, relying on a sensing network of 2 external cameras, 8 ultrasonic sensors, and 1 millimetre-wave radar. Key driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Centring Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Road Sign Information (RSI), and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Passive safety features include front airbags for driver and passenger, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. The body shell is constructed with a high-strength boron steel safety cage. Additional safety equipment includes Roll Stability Control (RSC/ARP/ERM), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

Market Performance & Verdict

The XC60 stands as a primary volume driver for the Volvo brand worldwide. In 2025, XC60 sales in the Chinese market reached 62,173 units, with June 2025 alone recording 7,801 units—a month-on-month increase of 13.7%. Monthly PHEV deliveries remained steady between 500 and 1,100 units. Globally, Volvo achieved total sales of 710,042 units in 2025. In its segment, the XC60 competes directly against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5L, and Lexus NX. The core strengths of the XC60 lie in its comprehensive standard safety suite across all trims, clean Scandinavian aesthetics, eco-conscious interior materials, and the strong performance and efficiency of its PHEV variant. Serving as the backbone of the brand, the XC60 continues to hold a compelling position in the fiercely competitive luxury mid-size SUV market thanks to its solid engineering and pragmatic pricing strategy.