The new Volvo XC60: improving a best-seller?

Fresh designs, improved ergonomics, and superior comfort: Volvo’s top-selling XC60 gets a refresh. 

It feels like a long time since the XC60 hit the scene back in 2008, or even since its somewhat unorthodox Twilight campaign in 2010 — yes, Edward Cullen the vampire from Twilight. Had you really forgotten such a landmark of a different time? 

But, 15 years is a long time in the car world, and the XC60 has seen quite an evolution. Now well into its second generation, the XC60’s 2025 refresh — dubbed ‘significant’ — is here to keep Volvo’s best-selling car up to date with the modern world.

“With its cutting-edge user experience, modernised Scandinavian design, improved comfort and even more luxurious interior, the XC60 sets the standard even higher for mid-size SUVs” — Erik Severinson, Volvo Cars Chief Product and Strategy Officer

Scandi-ly clad

Fear not, the changes may be significant, but tasteful Scandinavian minimalism remains at the core of the XC60’s refreshed exterior. 

Clean lines and smooth surfaces still flow together to create a smooth, understated base. This is then broken up by the restrained use of sharp bodywork detailing to culminate in an elegant package which carries a certain presence onto the road. The road presence remains enhanced by the high-shouldered, boxy, and quintessentially Volvo-shaped silhouette, and — most importantly — the signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, which have also endured.

So, what is new then? The luxury five-seated crossover now boasts an even more contemporary look, falling closer in line with its luxurious larger sibling: the XC90. Primarily, this means there are updated air intakes (which now look even more like angular gills to our eyes), and some tweaks to the slashing grille logo, punctuated by the rejuvenated Volvo iron mark. Then, take a walk around for the full 360 view, and you’ll find some darkened rear lights to keep things classy, and the potential for some new sharp-looking wheel options.

Volvo’s Mulberry Red paint is now available for the XC60, while two brand new nature-flavored colours have been added to the available palette for those looking to switch it up completely: Forest Lake and Aurora Silver. 

Nordic living

The Scandi design principles have been built upon on the inside as well. 

Although perhaps not fully embracing a less-is-more mindset due to the number of features included, the decluttered interior does nicely replicate the exterior’s smooth surfaces. There’re new materials incorporated such as Quilted Nordico (a sleek durable fabric) and Navy Herringbone weave to create a clean, contemporary space, now fitted with improved storage compartments and an upgraded wireless phone charger. And of course, new cupholders — a very important and feature to us.

More than just skin deep, efforts have been made to improve the wholistic cabin experience as well. A larger, more responsive 11.2-inch screen gives access to Volvo’s ‘new-generation, new-look user experience’ infotainment package: boasting fresh features, more personalisation than its predecessor, and twice as much operating speed.

This experience can be enjoyed from the tranquillity of a quieter cabin than the previous iteration, which can then be combined with air suspension for a truly comfortable ride. There’s even a new air-purification system in the refreshed model — in a word: luxurious.

Updated infotainment and a sound insulted cabin? That’s only got us thinking one thing: music. And Volvo thought the same it seems, as the speakers have seen an upgrade too. Featuring a new design, the Swedish brand reckon the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system has landed them ‘one of the best-sounding car audio systems’ around. Big talk, but it may well be backed up.

Hero image credit: Volvo