Volvo’s bestselling midsize luxury SUV gets an update for 2025, and in typical Volvo fashion, subtle is an understatement.
The Volvo XC60 has been fighting the German trio in the midsize luxury SUV space for over eight years now and while the rest have received significant updates, the XC60 has moved ahead with only subtle changes that need a keen eye to notice. Despite that, it is Volvo’s bestselling car globally; however, is this enough to keep up with new and modern players in 2025?
Volvo XC60: Exterior Design and Engineering – 8/10
Clean Scandinavian styling with elegant lines; subtle updates for 2025 keep it fresh.
Rear design is the same as the outgoing model.
For 2025, Volvo hasn’t tinkered too much with the design. The new Forest Lake paint shade joins the fleet but that’s pretty much it. Even soft parts like the bumpers are carried over from the previous version launched in 2021. Still, it doesn’t feel old or dated. Familiar, yes. But long in the tooth? Not really. The sleek lines, digital LED headlamps with Thor Hammer-shaped DRLs, and plenty of chrome give it a plush look.
Criss-cross grille design is the only new element at the front.
The only new element for 2025 is the grille, which does away with vertical slats and adopts a criss-cross design. Even the size and shape remain unchanged.
Over to the side, the 19-inch wheels sport a new look, and that’s all that’s new. The silhouette, along with the thick chrome band around the windows and on the doors, is carried over.
19-inch alloy wheel has a new design.
At the rear, you’d struggle to find changes as it looks identical to the outgoing version. But are these shortcomings? I don’t think so. Despite being an almost 8-year-old design, with only minor facelifts over that time, the XC60 still looks like a car from 2025. If anything, the designers deserve praise for continuing with the same overall style without making it feel last-gen.
Volvo XC60: Interior space and comfort – 9/10
Spacious and airy cabin; plush seats offer excellent long-distance comfort.
The interior design and layout is vastly similar to the previous version, with the most noticeable change being the new and larger 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. The previous 9-inch unit felt better integrated as it was placed flush within the dashboard; the new screen does feel like an add-on.
Other than the new touchscreen, the interior layout is the same as its predecessor.
Apart from that, the design is simply beautiful. There are no complaints regarding the quality of materials, placement and fit and finish. There is brushed metal and leatherette almost everywhere you touch and the open-pore wood elevates the experience. The crystal gear shifter might not be for everyone, but it adds a bit more bling to the otherwise sleek and subtle cabin.
The front seats offer incredible support and adjustment, and also feature heating, ventilation and a segment-exclusive massaging function.
Rear seats are best for two due to the large centre tunnel.
The rear seats are comfy too, but a bit more under thigh support would have been appreciated. However, the decent backrest recline and the supportive and well-contoured seats are worth praising. Seating three in the rear won’t be possible due to a large centre tunnel. Amenities in the rear include two-zone climate control and AC vents in the pillars and centre for better cooling. It misses out on sun blinds though.
The 483-litre boot space is generous, and it can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
Volvo XC60: Features and safety – 9/10
Packed with tech and segment-leading safety systems; typically Volvo.
11.2-inch screen replaces previous model’s 9-inch unit.
Most of the tech in the XC60 is in the new 11.2-inch touchscreen. Powered by Google, it gets you access to Google Maps without having to pair your phone, and apps like Spotify are standard. Strangely, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will need a cable. There is a wireless charger under the screen and some basic physical switches for media controls.
Climate control, air purifier, ambient lighting and even the instrument display settings are in the touchscreen. The Bowers and Wilkins audio system is arguably one of the top highlights. The sound quality is exceptional and is easily the best in the segment.
1,410W, 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system is a feature highlight.
Safety, unsurprisingly, is aces – 8 airbags and level 2 ADAS, which is a lot better tuned to Indian conditions compared to the previous model.
Volvo XC60: Performance and refinement – 7/10
Smooth, composed and impressively quiet; strong-hybrid powertrain options.
| 2025 Volvo XC60 B5 specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1969cc, 4-cyl, turbo-petrol |
| Power | 250hp |
| Torque | 360Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed torque convertor auto |
| Drive | AWD |
| Hybrid tech | 48V mild-hybrid |
Globally, the XC60 features plug-in hybrid powertrains, but there are no changes in this department for the Indian model. It continues to feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 250hp and 360Nm that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power goes to all four wheels, but it’s not what you’d call exciting. Power delivery is linear, and although there is a mild-hybrid system with a 48V battery, the extra assist isn’t all that explosive either. You feel a slight surge under acceleration and the overall experience is calm.
There are no vibrations or engine noise at low speeds or while cruising, but push the engine to the redline, and it sounds strained. The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a sportier exhaust note in comparison.
250hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid assist continues.
The 8-speed automatic is smooth for the most part, but hesitates if you rush it. Slam on the throttle and there is a pause before it downshifts. Through the gears, too, it lacks the finesse you get on the X3 or even the GLC, but drive it in a calm manner and things are not too bad.
You can take some control via the tiptronic function, which requires you to move the crystal lever side-to-side, but it would have been more engaging with paddleshifters instead.
Volvo XC60: Mileage – 6/10
Mild hybrid system helps, but real-world efficiency yet to be tested.
Volvo claims 12.9kpl with this powertrain but we are yet to conduct a real-world efficiency test according to Autocar India test standards. The stop/start will likely help but a PHEV would have been a lot more beneficial.
Volvo XC60: Ride comfort and handling – 8/10
Comfort-focused suspension setup soaks up bad roads; still stable in corners.
The X60 was never meant to be a fun-to-drive SUV, and its softly sprung suspension attests to that. Despite no air suspension, which was once its exclusive feature in the segment, the steel springs soak up bad roads rather well. It is only on sharp low-speed bumps that you feel some movement inside the cabin.
It’s not a corner carver, but it isn’t meant to be one.
Highway manners are excellent and while cornering brings out some body roll, it isn’t uncontrollable. It remains a sedate car to drive and the light steering further validates that. You can choose to add more heft to the steering, but it won’t be a noticeable difference. Best to leave it at its lightest and have a relaxing cruise. Let the Bimmers attack the corners.
Volvo XC60: Price and verdict – 7/10
Well-priced for its premium appeal, and holds its own against fierce Germans rivals.
Prices for the XC60 start at Rs 71.9 lakh making it competitive against other players in the segment.
The XC60 might have been around for a while, but it has managed to hold its own despite rivals getting significant updates. It carries over most of the essentials you need in the luxury midsize SUV segment, and remains a strong – and only worthy – alternative to the Germans.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
2025 Volvo XC60 facelift launched at Rs 71.90 lakh
2025 Volvo XC90 review – A different flavour of luxury SUV
Volvo S90 discontinued in India
