Volvo XC60

FIRST UK DRIVE Subtle styling changes and new tech try to keep Swedish SUV fresh against increasingly talented rivals

- Richard Ingram [e-mail]

THE midsize premium SUV class has undergone pretty drastic change over the last few years. The Lexus NX and Mercedes GLC arrived within a few months of one another, while Audi's multi-pronged, multi-fuel attack materialised more recently with the hybrid Q5 and electric Q6. BMW's latest X3 stands proud - as you'll discover on Page 36 - as our pick of the bunch.

One model was left languishing, however; Volvo's XC60 was revealed in 2017 and has had very little in the way of updates since. But like the larger XC90, Volvo's X3 alternative has been given a stay of execution until the firm goes EV-only towards the end of the decade. Cue a series of changes that Volvo hopes will keep buyers coming back while it waits for the market to mature.

Key to the tweaks is a subtle new look. The front end has been modernised with a new grille - similar to that found on the 2025 XC90 - and a revamped logo, while the rear lights have a darker tint. A selection of new wheels and colours - including our car’s Mulberry Red - complete the design revisions.

Inside, the old car's dinky infotainment system in the dashboard is gone, replaced by an 11.2-inch display that sits proud of the fascia. A cynic might suggest that it looks like a tablet fixed in place with superglue, but the floating design has its benefits - making it far easier to grip and operate on the move.