The Volvo XC60 is the Swedish brand’s best-selling car of all time, and now its most important family SUV is getting a significant update for 2027.
Having overtaken the legendary Volvo 240 in the company’s all-time sales charts last year, the XC60 now faces the challenge of staying competitive against newer rivals including the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
Ahead of UK order books opening this autumn, we take a first look at the updated XC60 to see what has changed – and whether Volvo has done enough to keep its biggest seller near the front of the premium SUV pack.
Watch the What Car? video review at the end of editorial…
What’s changed?
Although instantly recognisable as an XC60, the 2027 model receives a substantial exterior refresh. There are new front wings, bonnet and bumper, together with a slimmer grille and a fresh interpretation of Volvo’s familiar Thor’s Hammer LED headlights.
New 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels also feature, while Heather Bronze joins the exterior colour palette.
Changes continue at the rear with a redesigned bumper and tailgate, accompanied by a new tail-light signature that gives the XC60 a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.
Petrol and plug-in hybrid power
The familiar B5 mild-hybrid petrol remains part of the range. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces 247bhp, drives all four wheels and is expected to return official fuel economy of around 37mpg.
The bigger news, however, comes from the plug-in hybrid line-up.
Two new PHEV versions use a sizeable 37.9kWh battery – greater in capacity than the battery fitted to some fully electric small cars – helping the XC60 achieve an official electric-only range of up to 124 miles.
That could make the plug-in XC60 particularly interesting for company-car drivers. Both versions are expected to sit in the 7% Benefit-in-Kind tax band, with the T6 coming close to dropping into the lower 4% category.
What about the electric EX60?
Volvo now also has a fully electric alternative in the shape of the new EX60.
We’ve already put that car up against some of the strongest electric family SUVs on the market, including the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Tesla Model Y, so the updated XC60 arrives at an interesting point in Volvo’s transition towards electrification.
For buyers who aren’t ready to go fully electric, the XC60’s significantly increased plug-in hybrid range could provide a compelling halfway house.
Practicality
Boot capacity depends on the powertrain. The B5 offers 483 litres of luggage space, while the plug-in hybrids provide 468 litres.
The difference isn’t enormous on paper, but underfloor storage changes how usable that space feels in everyday life.
We also climb into the back to see how much room there is for a six-foot passenger. The XC60 remains a practical family SUV, although rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport demonstrate that there are still areas where Volvo could offer more space.
Interior and technology
Inside, the XC60 gains Volvo’s latest 11.2-inch Google-based infotainment system, complete with the Google Gemini voice assistant.
There are redesigned door cards and speaker grilles, while materials including Cardamom nappa leather and Brown Ash trim give the cabin a suitably upmarket feel.
Volvo has also upgraded the XC60’s driver assistance and safety technology with revised radar, ultrasonic sensors, cameras and a more powerful safety computer.
New functions include a door-opening alert designed to warn occupants of approaching traffic and automatic lane-changing capability when using Pilot Assist.
When can you buy one?
UK order books for the 2027 Volvo XC60 are expected to open this autumn, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch.
But there’s another question worth considering. With the new model on its way, remaining examples of the outgoing XC60 could become particularly attractive if Volvo retailers start offering stronger deals to clear existing stock.
We take a detailed first look at the new XC60 to find out what’s changed, what the new plug-in hybrids could mean for running costs and company-car tax – and whether Volvo’s best-selling model has what it takes to remain one of the UK’s most appealing premium family SUVs.
