The new Volvo XC60 has changed more than you think, and I’ve been to see it

The Volvo XC60 has been around since 2017, but despite creeping closer to a decade old, it’s still one of our favourite premium SUVs. It’s posher inside than a BMW X3, better-looking than a Mercedes GLC and it’s really comfy to drive, and now it’s been given a refresh to keep it looking and feeling modern.

At a glance, it doesn’t look like much has changed – but I’ve been poking around this car to scout out the differences. There are more than first meet the eye.

New Volvo XC60 technology upgrades

Under the skin, the XC60 has had a pretty extensive rework. The plug-in hybrid models have a larger battery, 38kWh up from around 18kWh, and as a result they’ll do up to 124 miles on electric power alone. That’s more than almost any other PHEV on sale today.

It’ll make for a cheap company car, because low emissions means low BiK rates. However, you might want to consider the all-electric Volvo EX60 instead. It’ll cost about the same as the XC60 PHEV, at around £65,000, but it’ll be even cheaper to run if you have a home charger and plug in on cheap electricity rates.

In true Volvo style, the XC60 has also had some safety upgrades. There are new radar and ultrasonic sensors, new cameras and uprated software for the driver assistance systems. It can now change lanes automatically, and there’s a feature which will prevent you opening the door if there’s a cyclist coming.

New Volvo XC60 design changes

The Volvo XC60 is a perfect example of a brand getting the design right the first time, because it still looks fresh and modern after almost nine years.

It was updated in early 2025 with new bumpers and lights, but now it’s been ever-so-slightly tweaked once again.

When you put them side-by-side, you can see the new car’s headlights extend slightly into the grille, and the grille itself is slightly slimmer with new slats. The bumper is also slightly revised with a cleaner lower air intake design.

Not much has changed down the side, apart from some new alloy wheel designs and this new “Heather Bronze” colour. The rear bumper is new though, as are the slimmer, smoked tail lights.

New Volvo XC60 interior upgrades

Stepping inside, the XC60’s central screen is the same as before. It was upgraded last year to use the same 11.2-inch display as the latest XC90, and it’s a Google-based system with excellent software. I find it’s responsive, easy-to-use and packed with features.

You get apps such as Spotify and Google Maps built-in, as well as Google Gemini AI assistant. You can ask it to do things like recommend a restaurant en-route, or get you to a destination with a certain charge level by finding chargers on your way.

In terms of design changes in here, this cinnamon-coloured leather is new, and there’s some new trim on the door card. Alright, it’s not a radical overhaul, but this was already one of my favourite SUV cabins so I’m glad Volvo hasn’t completely re-worked it.

The XC60 is just as practical as before, with plenty of rear headroom and legroom, even for me at 6’3”. The boot is also still a decent size, with 483 litres of space on offer in the plug-in hybrid models.

You’ll be able to order the new Volvo XC60 in the next few weeks, and I reckon these light changes have made the XC60 even more appealing than it already was. We’ll be driving it as soon as it hits UK shores, so stay tuned for the full review.

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