Volvo XC60 gets major tech and style refresh

There was a time when car makers relied on more engine power to shift metal but these says the big news is just as likely to be an upgrade to a car’s infotainment system, which is the case with Volvo’s XC60 SUV.

Since its introduction in 2008, the mid-size SUV has become a firm favourite with buyers, notching up more than 2.7 million sales on its way to becoming Volvo Cars’ top-selling model worldwide.

The XC60 also recently overtook the Swedish car maker’s iconic 240 to become the best-selling Volvo of all time, which is quite some achievement.

Here in Australia, the XC60 trails the smaller XC40 in the brand’s sales hierarchy but Volvo Australia understands the need to keep its medium-SUV up to date against constantly evolving category rivals including the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Hence why the car maker has announced a significant refresh for the XC60, including updates in user experience, design and comfort, along with a faster and more responsive infotainment system.

What’s new with the XC60?

The refreshed XC60 gets Volvo Cars’ new-generation, redesigned user experience, designed to make the central infotainment screen more focused and personalised than its predecessor, with several Google services built-in.

All newly built XC60s will get the update but thanks to the marvel of Over The Air (OTA) updates so too will older models built as early as 2020. Volvo estimates this will benefit around 2.5 million customers worldwide.

What those existing owners won’t be able to access is the updated XC60’s larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen with improved pixel density resulting in a crisper display.

The updated infotainment system with Google built-in is also much faster than the outgoing system, with faster graphics generation, thanks to addition of the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit

Platform from Qualcomm Technologies.

The Snapdragon Cockpit Platform is a suite of automotive technologies designed to power digital cockpits in vehicles, providing high-performance computing, AI, and connectivity for in-car experiences.

Not all the XC60 updates are focused on its computing power, however, with the SUV’s exterior also refreshed with the addition of a new air intake, new wheel options and darker rear lights.

There’s also a handful of new colours available.

Design and comfort updates

Inside, a mix of refreshed interior decors, inlays and new premium materials such as Quilted Nordico are claimed to offer a more exclusive and contemporary experience. There’s also new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger, further enhancing the versatile and roomy interior.

The updated XC60 is also claimed to be quieter than its predecessor, although no details were provided as to how this has been achieved.

Now, as before, buyers can opt for a more luxurious ride with the optional air suspension system, while audiophiles can choose from either Harman Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

How many variants of the Volvo XC60 are there?

The refreshed Volvo XC60 is offered in four variants – XC60 Plus B5 Bright, XC60 Ultra B5 Dark, XC60 Plus T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark and the XC60 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark.

Australian XC60 variants are exclusively all-wheel drive, with the Plus B5 Bright and the Ultra B5 Dark featuring a 183kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbocharged petrol mild-hybrid engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid variants mate a 107kW/309Nm electric motor to a 233kW/400Nm four-cylinder petrol engine, with the latter boasting both e-boost and turbocharger technology for outputs of 340kW/709Nm.

How much will the Volvo XC60 cost?

Pricing for the new lineup starts at $74,990 (MRLP) for the Volvo XC60 Plus B5 Bright, rising to$81,990 for the Ultra B5 Dark.

Stepping up to the PHEV variants sees the XC60 Plus T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark retail for $92,990 and the XC60 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark for $101,990.

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