Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Still The Smart Choice?

This is the second facelift for the Volvo. Wait, didn't we recently hear that somewhere? Oh yeah, the XC90 got a second facelift recently too. So, naturally, the XC60 would have followed suit. 

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Design

So what’s new then? Subtle changes, like a new grille, new alloy wheels and new darker taillamps. That's about it. Oh wait, there are two new colours too – Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Vapour Grey. 

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Interior

Even on the inside, the changes are very subtle. The most obvious one is the new iPad – the new vertical 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen which is just slightly bigger than a regular iPad (also seen on the new XC90). It's got great graphics, runs on Android OS so it's very smooth. 

But I have a gripe. While it gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it's still a wired connection. Why can’t Volvo just work it out and give us wireless connectivity for this?

The cabin has new materials, too, like the wood veneer. With the White upholstery, you get a White Driftwood veneer.  But if you choose the Black upholstery, you get a Brown driftwood veneer. Even the Bowers & Wilkins audio system sounds epic to say the least. 

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Rear Seat

Since this is a facelift, not a lot has changed for the rear seat passengers either. It’s just the same as before, so that means you have comfortable seats with a nice seating position, meaning you have a lot of space at the back. I’m almost 5’11” and with the driver’s seat set to my height, I had a lot of head and knee room to be comfortable.

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Safety

Safety and Volvo go hand-in-hand. It’s a space where Volvo has been a pioneer! Six airbags, seat belt reminders, child seat mounts, and a 360-degree camera! It’s got everything to keep you safe, and don't forget ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation and lane keep assist. 

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Performance

So just like the last time, the XC60 still only gets the B5 variant, which means 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 247 bhp and 360 Nm and a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist! So how does it drive?

The same as before! And did you even expect anything different because nothing’s been changed mechanically. Power starts to build around 2,500 rpm and goes up to 5,000 rpm. The 8-speed automatic is quite smooth, but paddle shifters behind the steering wheel would have made it more engaging to drive. Steering doesn't feel as light as you'd like, and even if you put it in the firm setting, it doesn't drastically change how it feels.

There are only two driving modes – Standard and Off-road. The steering is automatically changed to the Firm setting when you select off-road. So while you won’t usually switch to that setting, it’s good to know that there lies the capability. 

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Ride and Handling

Again, the luxury quotient remains. It's still comfortable, it can munch miles with ease, and even body roll is quite contained. It's very much the understated luxury car it's meant to be.

Volvo XC60 Facelift Review: Price and Verdict

Well, the XC60 is the global best-seller for Volvo! Over two generations, more than 2.7 million XC60s have been sold globally and since it’s also the best-selling model for Volvo in India, more than 5,650 units have been sold here since 2018. Strangely, Volvo doesn’t have the sales number for the first-gen XC60, though. This new one should just help Volvo keep things going till its electrification plans hit full swing.

Volvo made a whole case about focusing on EVs, and now, slyly, it has launched refreshed versions of its ICE cars – the XC90 and the XC60. So, is it backing off from its EV goals? Not exactly. 

The options for ICE are still open, and the strategy will keep changing, but the long-term goal remains the same. The EX30 is already coming to India very soon, so yes, the offerings will be on both fronts. 

Volvo has just launched the XC60 in India, and it's priced at ₹71.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). So would you then go for the XC60 in a market that has the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5 (which by the way is getting a new version soon)? It’s a tough nut to crack, and Volvo has its work cut out for sure. A more extensive update than just giving it an iPad and a small nip and tuck would have made the XC60’s case stronger. But still, if you want to stay away from the herd, the XC60 makes for a compelling, no-nonsense choice.