First Drive: Facelifted Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 has been around for what feels like forever, since 2008, in fact, outlasting even rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC. And that longevity says a lot. Now in its second generation following its launch in 2018, it’s had its fair share of updates along the way.
Volvo’s big push into electrification also reshaped parts of it, but at its core, the XC60 never really lost what made it special. It has always carried that clean Scandinavian style, confident road manners, and the kind of safety tech that’s become synonymous with the brand.
With the refreshed XC90 now out, it naturally follows the same evolutionary path. But before getting into the finer details, it’s worth remembering just how important this SUV is for Volvo. Not only has it consistently been the brand’s best-seller, but it also walked away with the 2018 World Car of the Year crown. And even with this latest update, the XC60 remains one of those SUVs that we can’t help but keep in high regard and a familiar favourite that still feels relevant.
It’s still the same XC60 underneath, that trusty SPA platform we’ve praised for years because it just gets comfort right. And honestly, this refresh feels a lot like the XC90’s: subtle, understated, but it works. Really well, actually. Don’t go looking for new dimensions or a reinvented silhouette; Volvo didn’t fix what was never broken.
You still get two powertrain options: the B5 mild-hybrid and the T8 plug-in hybrid. The B5 comes in Core and Plus, while the T8 steps things up with Plus and Ultra. On the outside, the tweaks are small but meaningful: a cleaner, more modern face thanks to a redesigned grille and badge, sharper headlights, darkened rear lights and a fresh set of wheel designs. Volvo also added a few new colours: Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and Mulberry Red, the shade that first popped up on the EX90 and XC90.
The B5 Core and T8 Plus get a brighter, more traditional finish on the roof rails, grille and window surrounds, while the B5 Plus and T8 Ultra go for a darker, sportier look in Glossy Black. And honestly, that blacked-out treatment was easily our favourite at the launch, as it just gives the XC60 a bit more attitude.
It’s when you climb inside that the changes really start to show. Right away, you notice the fresh premium materials and cleaner decorative inlays that all feel more premium. The cup holders have finally been redesigned, the wireless charger actually works properly now, and there’s the big new 11.2-inch free-standing touchscreen, which replaces the outgoing model’s unit that was embedded into the dash. It runs Volvo’s latest operating system too, which is noticeably quicker and more responsive than before.
At the launch, we spent some time with the T8 Ultra, and it didn’t take long to feel just how much punch this thing has. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol with an electric motor, delivering a hefty 340kW and 709Nm, more than enough to shove you from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds through its smooth 8-speed auto that drives all four wheels.
Out on the road, the T8’s electric assistance makes everyday driving incredibly relaxed. It pulls away quietly, with that familiar Volvo calmness in the cabin, barely any wind noise, very little road noise, and a ride that feels properly cushioned. Even when you push it a bit, it stays composed and settled. Around town, the electric motor does most of the work, and we actually saw the consumption dip as low as 1.0/100km, which is impressive for something this size. The 19kWh battery pack offers up to 81km of electric-only driving before the engine steps in, which is genuinely useful for daily commuting.
Though it wasn’t available at launch, the B5 comes fitted with the same engine but with a 48-volt battery and an integrated starter motor to enhance efficiency. This setup produces 183kW and 350Nm, sent to all four wheels, and it’s enough to move the SUV from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds. It’s not as forceful nor as efficient as the T8, but it should still be smooth, quiet and easy to live with.
As for safety, it’s a Volvo, so there’s really no debate. This brand practically sets the benchmark, and the XC60 sticks to that reputation. You get the full spread of safety tech as standard: heaps of airbags, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, collision mitigation, a 360-degree camera… the list goes on. It’s one of those cars where you genuinely feel looked after, even before you’ve touched a single button.
The refreshed XC60 is a quietly confident SUV that gets the fundamentals absolutely right. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, punchy in the T8 form, and reassuringly safe. Sure, it’s pricey at R1,500,700 for the range-topping T8 we drove at launch, but that’s just the reality of the modern premium SUV market. For anyone after a capable, stylish and practical mid-size SUV that still feels contemporary, the XC60 continues to be a tough one to beat.
- Volvo XC60 B5 Core: R1,058,400
- Volvo XC60 B5 Plus: R1,116,300
- Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Plus: R1,460,800
- Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Ultra: R1,500,700
