The Volvo XC60 has been locking horns with the famed German trio in the midsize luxury SUV segment for over eight years now. While its competitors have undergone sweeping updates and overhauls, Volvo has taken a more restrained approach—choosing subtle refinements that often require a trained eye to spot. Yet, despite this minimal evolution, the XC60 remains Volvo’s global bestseller. But in a market quickly shifting toward sleeker, more technologically advanced SUVs, is that consistency enough to keep the XC60 relevant in 2025?
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Volvo XC60: Exterior Design and Engineering
Volvo has always believed in the philosophy of timeless design, and the 2025 XC60 stands as a testament to that. The Swedish automaker hasn’t made sweeping changes to the SUV’s exterior. The biggest visual addition for this year is a new paint option called Forest Lake, which joins the existing palette. Beyond that, most of the exterior elements—including the bumpers—are carried over from the facelift that debuted in 2021.
Despite the minimal updates, the XC60 doesn’t come across as outdated. Familiar, yes—but certainly not obsolete. Its clean lines, Thor’s Hammer LED DRLs, sharp LED headlamps, and tasteful chrome touches still make it a visually striking SUV. The only true design departure for 2025 is a reworked front grille, which replaces the vertical slats with a criss-cross pattern. The size and shape of the grille remain identical, but the new look adds a fresh twist to the face of the SUV.
Volvo XC60 Key Details
- Brand: Volvo
- Model: XC60
- Price: ₹83.20 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Fuel Economy: 12.9 kpl (Petrol Hybrid)
- Configuration: SUV | 5 doors | 5 seats
- Variant Available: Ultra
- Highlighted Features: LED headlamps, 11.2-inch touchscreen display, 8 airbags
From the side, the XC60 continues to showcase its elegant proportions. The only noticeable change is the updated design for the 19-inch alloy wheels. The chrome band that outlines the windows and runs along the lower part of the doors is carried forward without alteration.
Move to the rear, and you’ll struggle to find any differences at all—it looks nearly identical to the outgoing model. But does this lack of change hurt its appeal? Not necessarily. In fact, it’s remarkable how a design that’s nearly eight years old still looks fresh and relevant. Volvo’s designers deserve credit for managing to retain the XC60’s contemporary feel without succumbing to drastic cosmetic makeovers.
Volvo XC60: Interior Space and Comfort
The XC60’s cabin is designed to be a calming and luxurious space, and it certainly delivers. The interior layout remains largely the same as before, with the most prominent change being the addition of a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen. This new screen replaces the older 9-inch unit, which was more seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. In contrast, the new screen feels more like a freestanding unit—an evolution that may not appeal to everyone.
That said, the cabin’s aesthetic remains one of its biggest strengths. Material quality is top-notch, with soft-touch leatherette surfaces, brushed metal accents, and rich open-pore wood trim giving the space a truly premium vibe. The crystal gear selector may divide opinions, but it undeniably adds a sense of sophistication to the overall cabin ambience.
The front seats are plush and deeply supportive, offering heating, ventilation, and even a segment-exclusive massage function that makes long-distance travel supremely comfortable. The rear seats, while generally comfortable, could use a bit more under-thigh support. However, the well-contoured seats, generous recline angle, and ample legroom make it a pleasant space overall.
What slightly hampers rear-seat usability is the prominent central transmission tunnel, which makes it less than ideal for three passengers. Rear-seat occupants do benefit from dual-zone climate control, air vents on the pillars and centre console, though the absence of sunshades is a bit of a miss. Boot space stands at a respectable 483 litres, expandable by folding the rear seats flat.
Volvo XC60: Features and Safety
The majority of the XC60’s tech capabilities are now concentrated in the new 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Built on Google’s ecosystem, the interface allows users to access Google Maps and apps like Spotify directly, without needing to pair a smartphone. However, if you’re looking for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, you’ll still need to plug in via cable.
Below the touchscreen sits a wireless charging pad and a few physical buttons for quick access to media functions. Other features, such as ambient lighting, climate control settings, air purifier controls, and even display customization for the instrument cluster, are all housed within the touchscreen interface.
One of the standout features remains the Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system. With impressive clarity and deep, immersive sound, it ranks among the very best in this segment.
As always with Volvo, safety is a top priority. The XC60 comes equipped with eight airbags and Level 2 ADAS, which has now been better tuned for Indian road conditions—an improvement over previous iterations.
Volvo XC60: Performance and Refinement
Under the hood, the XC60 continues with its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 250hp and 360Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and powers all four wheels. While global markets receive plug-in hybrid variants, the Indian version sticks with this mild-hybrid setup featuring a 48V battery.
2025 XC60 B5 Specifications:
- Engine: 1969cc, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol
- Power: 250hp
- Torque: 360Nm
- Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Hybrid System: 48V mild-hybrid
In terms of performance, don’t expect neck-snapping acceleration. Power delivery is smooth and linear, and the hybrid assist, while helpful, doesn’t deliver an explosive push. The XC60 excels more in refinement than raw performance. Engine noise is barely noticeable at low speeds or during cruising. It’s only when you push it hard that the engine starts to sound a bit strained—especially when compared to the more expressive exhaust note of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The transmission is smooth in relaxed driving conditions, but tends to hesitate under sudden throttle inputs. Downshifts, particularly, aren’t as quick or decisive as those in the BMW X3 or GLC. You can take manual control via the gear lever’s side-to-side tiptronic mode, though paddle shifters would’ve made the experience more engaging.
Volvo XC60: Fuel Efficiency
Volvo claims a fuel efficiency of 12.9kpl for the XC60’s mild-hybrid powertrain. While this figure is yet to be verified through real-world testing by Autocar India, the engine start-stop system should contribute positively to urban mileage. That said, a plug-in hybrid variant would have significantly boosted efficiency, especially for city commutes.
Volvo XC60: Ride Comfort and Handling
The XC60 has always leaned towards comfort rather than outright sportiness, and that approach continues. The suspension setup—now using steel springs instead of the earlier air suspension—does a commendable job of handling rough roads. Small potholes and bumps are absorbed well, with only sharp, low-speed impacts causing any noticeable cabin disturbance.
At highway speeds, the XC60 remains composed and planted. Body roll is present when cornering but never excessive or alarming. The steering is light, adding to its easy-going nature, though there’s an option to add a bit more weight through drive mode settings. However, the difference is barely perceptible. Ultimately, this SUV is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace—let the Germans chase lap times.
Volvo XC60: Price and Verdict
With a starting price of ₹71.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the XC60 is competitively placed among its premium peers. And even though it may not be the newest or flashiest SUV in its class, it continues to tick most boxes that buyers in this segment care about—comfort, design, safety, and tech.
The Volvo XC60 may not dazzle with constant change, but it doesn’t need to. Its enduring design, well-appointed cabin, and refined performance make it a compelling alternative to the German heavyweights. In a segment that’s always chasing the next big thing, the XC60’s charm lies in its consistency and quiet confidence.
