Key Takeaways
The XC60 blends elegant Scandinavian design with family friendly comfort and safety at a starting price of £48,000. Mild hybrid and plug in hybrid powertrains provide up to 250hp, 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds, around 37.7 mpg, and over 30 miles of electric only range. The cabin is calm and high quality with an 11.2 inch Google based infotainment system, though reliance on touch controls may deter some. It favours a smooth, refined drive over sportiness, with strong safety tech and everyday usability, especially in plug in hybrid form.
The Perfect Family Car
The XC60 prioritises comfort, safety and refinement at a starting price of £48,000, pairing elegant Scandinavian design with strong day to day usability. Mild hybrid and plug in hybrid options deliver up to 250hp, 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds, around 37.7 mpg and over 30 miles of electric only range for PHEVs. Inside, quality materials and an 11.2 inch Google based infotainment system impress, though heavy reliance on touch controls may deter some. It's not the sportiest SUV, but its calm ride, comprehensive safety tech and family friendly comfort make it especially appealing, particularly in plug in hybrid form.
Performance and Efficiency
The XC60 is available with a range of engines, including B5 mild hybrids and the more powerful T6 and T8 plug in hybrids. With up to 250hp and a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.9 seconds, it delivers a confident and capable drive. Fuel economy sits at around 37.7 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 170 g per km. The plug in hybrid models stand out in particular, offering over 30 miles of electric only driving, making them ideal for short commutes and urban journeys.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the XC60 showcases Volvo's signature minimalist design. The cabin feels calm and refined, with high quality materials used throughout. At the centre is an 11.2 inch Google based infotainment system, providing a modern and connected driving experience. While the system is sleek and intuitive, some drivers may find the reliance on touchscreen controls less convenient for everyday use.
Practicality and Comfort
The XC60 is well suited to family life, offering generous passenger space and a thoughtfully designed interior. The seats are especially comfortable, making long journeys more enjoyable. Although the boot is slightly smaller than some competitors, it still provides enough space for daily needs and weekend trips.
Safety
Safety is a key strength of the XC60. It comes equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced driver assistance systems, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for prioritising driver and passenger protection. This makes it one of the most reassuring SUVs in its class.
Driving Experience
On the road, the XC60 focuses on delivering a smooth and relaxing drive. It is composed and comfortable, absorbing bumps with ease and making it ideal for long distance travel. While it may not be as sporty or engaging as some rivals, it excels as a refined and easy to live with SUV.
Verdict
The Volvo XC60 is an excellent choice for those seeking a safe, stylish and comfortable SUV. It may not deliver the most exciting driving experience, but it stands out for its quality, efficiency and overall sense of calm. In plug in hybrid form especially, it becomes a highly practical and appealing option for modern drivers.
Q&A
Question: What versions of the Volvo XC60 are available, and how do they perform?
The XC60 comes with B5 mild-hybrid engines and more powerful T6 and T8 plug-in hybrids. Outputs top out at 250 hp, with a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds, delivering a confident, capable drive. Prices start from £48,000 on the road.
Question: How efficient is the XC60, and what's the benefit of the plug-in hybrid?
Expect around 37.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 170 g/km overall. The plug-in hybrid models stand out by offering over 30 miles of electric-only driving, making them ideal for short commutes and urban trips while reducing fuel use and tailpipe emissions on those journeys.
Question: What is the interior like, and how good is the infotainment system?
The cabin is calm, refined, and minimalist, using high-quality materials throughout. At its centre is an 11.2-inch Google-based infotainment system that feels modern and intuitive, though its heavy reliance on touchscreen controls may be less convenient for some day-to-day tasks.
Question: Is the XC60 practical and comfortable for family life?
Yes. It offers generous passenger space and exceptionally comfortable seats that make long journeys easier. While the boot is slightly smaller than some rivals, it still provides enough room for daily needs and weekend trips.
Question: What's the driving experience like, and is it a safe choice?
The XC60 prioritises a smooth, relaxing ride and remains composed over bumps, excelling on long-distance journeys. It's not the sportiest option, but it is very refined. Safety is a major strength, with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies that make it one of the most reassuring SUVs in its class.
