Volvo XC60 Facelift India Launch on August 1: What's New, What's Not, and Why It Matters

Volvo will launch the 2025 XC60 facelift in India on August 1, marking the second update to this generation of the premium mid-size SUV. Although this may seem like a cosmetic update at first glance, it is timely as the Swedish luxury automaker struggles to maintain its position in the Indian luxury SUV market, where players like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and even Jaguar Land Rover currently hold sway. The XC60 is still a major model for Volvo worldwide, with over 2.7 million units sold, but in India, the automaker has sold over 5650 units of the second generation since it arrived on the scene in 2018. 

Also Read: 2025 Volvo XC60 Facelift India Launch on August 1

Renewed Exterior With A Nordic Flair

The XC60 facelift debuted worldwide in February 2024, but in a rather modified state. Exterior design-wise, Volvo has pursued the evolutionary rather than the revolutionary route. The India-spec car will carry much of the shape of the current car with only mild cosmetic changes to set it apart from its predecessor. Chief amongst these are a new diagonally slatted grille pattern, a cleaner bumper with reworked air vents, new dual-tone multi-spoke alloy wheels, and a smoked finish on the LED tail-lamps. Though the global version introduces three new outside colours, Forest Lake, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red, the India-spec XC60 will include Crystal White Pearl, Onyx Black, Denim Blue, Forest Lake, Bright Dusk and Vapour Grey. 

Significant Tech Upgrade Inside

Within the cabin, the biggest modification is the addition of an 11.2-inch standalone touchscreen infotainment system based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. Volvo asserts the new system is twice as quick and offers more definition in the visuals than the outgoing arrangement. It features over-the-air updates and a redesigned user interface, which helps bring the XC60 more in line with contemporary digital expectations. Other than this, the mesh speaker grilles are a small cosmetic enhancement, and the rest of the interior remains faithful to Volvo's minimalist, high-quality Scandinavian design philosophy.

Also Read: Volvo XC60 Achieves Historic Sales Milestone, Maintains Global Standing

No Powertrain Update

Mechanically, the facelift XC60 will carry on with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit matched with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Known as the B5 AWD Mild Hybrid, this combination delivers 247 bhp and 360 Nm, married to an 8-speed torque converter automatic driving all four corners. Though it will not provide the thrill of a plug-in hybrid or EV, it provides a pragmatic mix of performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, perfect for city and highway driving without the inconvenience of having to charge outside the car. 

Pricing 

The existing Volvo XC60 costs ₹70.75 lakh (ex-showroom), and with this update, a small price increase is anticipated. This would still make it competitively priced versus its competitors, such as the Audi Q5 (₹67 lakh and above), BMW X3 (₹75.80 lakh), and Mercedes-Benz GLC (₹78.30 lakh). Having no badge pull with the Germans, the XC60 still punches above its weight in terms of equipment, cabin comfort, and safety, where Volvo has consistently been a cut above.

Also Read: India-Bound Volvo XC60 Facelift Revealed; Gets Minor Changes

Why Refresh the XC60 Now?

This update comes when Volvo is making a global and Indian shift towards an electrified product portfolio. The XC60, however, remains a cornerstone in India's lineup as a high-margin, technology-driven SUV that will attract traditional luxury customers who are not yet ready for a full-electric experience.

What's Next for Volvo in India?

While the XC60 facelift keeps things going for the time being, Volvo is gearing up to launch its next series of EVs, starting with the flagship EX90 and the compact EX30, both likely to reach Indian shores by the end of this financial year. The XC60 might perhaps be the last such combustion-based facelift for the brand before its India range makes a more aggressive transition to electrification. This new SUV, thus, serves both as a stopgap and a standard-bearer for Volvo's changing identity in India.