Step inside the new Volvo XC60: where luxury meets advanced technology and electrification

It’s been a busy year for Volvo locally this year, with three models launched and a new managing director, Grant Locke, appointed to restore customer confidence, strengthen dealer networks, and guide the brand through South Africa’s transition to electric mobility.

Concluding the year, the Swedish company launched their best-selling XC60 with refreshed styling, comfort, improved user experience and updated design details to bring it in line with Volvo’s growing line-up of electrified vehicles.

Exterior 

There are three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultra.

Volvo has tweaked the exterior with a reworked air intake and aligned the updated iron mark badge with the refreshed XC90, as well as given it darker rear LED lights and new wheel designs.

The B5 Core and T8 Plus trims feature a bright finish on the integrated roof rails, grille, and side window trim, while the B5 Plus and T8 Ultra receive a sportier dark finish in Glossy Black.

All models come standard with LED headlights. Wheel options vary by trim: the B5 Core comes standard with 18-inch wheels (upgradeable to 22 inches), the B5 and T8 Plus feature 19-inch alloys, and the T8 Ultra is equipped with 20-inch wheels.

Optional 21and 22-inch wheels are available across the range, and a panoramic sunroof is standard on all models except the B5 Core, where it is optional.

Two new colours - Forest Lake and Aurora Silver - are available, while Mulberry Red, previously seen on the EX90 and XC90, will be offered on the XC60 for the first time.

Interior

The biggest update to the XC60 is the inclusion of Volvo’s new-generation infotainment system.

The larger 11.2-inch free-standing touchscreen boasts 21% higher pixel density with a more intuitive interface powered by the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. The new system more than doubles the speed of the previous version, delivering graphics up to ten times faster.

Integrated Google services and over-the-air updates ensure the system remains current throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. 

The wireless charging pad has been moved forward to allow for more space on the centre console. 

Behind the steering wheel, a 12.3-inch configurable digital driver display delivers all essential information.

They have improved cabin insulation with laminated windows and refined their advanced air purification technology as well.

Ventilated Nappa leather is available for the B5 Plus, T8 Plus and T8 Ultra. Navy Herringbone Textile is offered as an alternative option, while all models, including the B5 Core, can be specified with Nordico Vinyl. 

The interior has also been updated with the B5 Core sporting Metal Mesh inlays, while the rest of the range can be specified with Natural Wood or White Wood finishes.

Front and rear heated seats, a power-operated tailgate, climate control, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry are standard across the range.

Powertrain options

The B5 derivative, available on the Core and Plus trims, is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a 48-volt battery and an integrated starter generator (ISG).

The combined output of 183kW and 350Nm of torque provides a 0–100km/h time of 6.9 seconds. Volvo says the XC60 B5 returns consumption figures of  7.6 l/100 km on a combined cycle and channels power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The T8 plug-in hybrid features a 340kW and 709Nm ‘Twin Engine’ setup, combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, propelling the XC60 T8 to from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 19kWh battery provides a range of up to 81 kilometres with claimed fuel consumption of 1.8l/100 km depending on driving style, and is offered in Plus and Ultra trims.

Driving

We were behind the wheel of the plug-in Hybrid, and like all Volvos, what strikes you is the quality of the interior. 

The soft touch surfaces, stitching and fittings show the attention to detail that the Swedes are renowned for. 

The seats are extremely comfortable with ample lumbar support, and with a few tweaks of the electric settings, it feels like it’s possible to sit for hours.

With the new laminated windows and using the battery as we headed out on the launch route, it’s eerily quiet inside the car, and when you do press the accelerator down, there’s the slightest thrum from the engine in the cabin.

It’s got a very decent turn of speed and quickly gets to the speed limit, but it will obviously affect the battery charge level.

For a mid-sized SUV, the XC60 handles tight curves well, and there’s decent enough steering feedback and response to inputs for what the car was designed to do.

The air suspension handles road imperfections almost perfectly, adding to the car’s overall comfortable and responsive drive.

Rear passengers have ample space, and with more than 400 litres of boot space, it’s ideal for a family holiday or for carting the kids and their school baggage around.

Thankfully, sound controls are adjusted by a dial rather than having to go into various menus on the touchscreen.

Safety 

As we know, Volvo has always been one of the safest cars on the road, and in the XC60, passive safety features include: driver and passenger airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags, inflatable curtain airbags, whiplash protection (WHIPS) for the front seats, and Isofix anchorages for the outer position rear seats. 

Furthermore, there’s pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation support, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning and mitigation support, park assist camera, 360-degree camera, park assist front, rear and side, hill start assist and hill descent control.

The Volvo XC60 comes with a five-year/100 000km warranty and a five-year/100 000km service plan. On T8 PHEV models, the hybrid battery is covered for eight years/160 000km and five years of unlimited roadside assistance.

Pricing

• XC60 B5 Core: R1 058 400.
• XC60 B5 Plus: R1 116 300.
• XC60 T8 PHEV Plus: R1 460 800.
• XC60 T8 PHEV Ultra: R1 500 700.