New Volvo XC60 Drive Review: Quiet Evolution Done Right

In a world where mid-cycle updates often arrive with exaggerated taglines and cosmetic theatrics, Volvo’s approach to refreshing the XC60 feels almost meditative. The brand has always favoured evolution over reinvention, and the updated XC60 launched in India this year carries that philosophy forward with quiet confidence. It isn’t dramatically different from the outgoing model, and Volvo isn’t pretending it is. Instead, this update feels like a thoughtful refinement of a recipe that already works, rather than change for the sake of change.

The XC60 has long occupied a sweet spot in Volvo’s lineup: more compact and agile than the XC90, yet more mature and luxurious than the XC40. In India, it has found loyal buyers who want understated luxury without sacrificing a sense of occasion. The refreshed model holds onto that DNA while making just enough updates to stay relevant in a fiercely competitive segment.

From the outside, the XC60 remains a study in Nordic restraint. Its design doesn’t chase attention; it earns it through proportion, stance, and subtle detailing. The signature Thor’s Hammer headlamps continue to define the front, now with slightly updated LED internals that sharpen their light signature. The front grille is one of the few significant changes, but while it attempts to bring the XC60 closer to Volvo’s latest design language, we aren’t entirely convinced by the added bling and excessive chrome.

The silhouette remains elegant and uncluttered. A strong shoulder line runs the length of the car, adding definition without aggression, and the 19-inch wheels now sport a more modern, EV-inspired aero design. At the rear, the familiar vertical taillamps remain sculptural and distinctive. What we appreciate most is the honesty in the XC60’s design. It isn’t trying to look sporty. It isn’t pretending to be something it isn’t. It communicates confidence through simplicity — a rarity in today’s luxury SUV landscape.

Inside, the updates follow the same philosophy: small but meaningful refinements layered onto an already well-executed cabin. Volvo interiors have always had a calming, almost therapeutic ambience, and the refreshed XC60 stays true to that ethos. Step inside and there’s a reassuring sense of familiarity. Soft leather, open-pore wood, metal accents, and a minimalist layout come together to create a warm and cocooned environment. The signature crystal gear knob remains one of the few indulgent flourishes, but it continues to add a sense of occasion.

The vertical 12-inch touchscreen is bigger than before, and runs the latest Google-based infotainment system. Operation is smoother and more intuitive, with native apps like Maps and Assistant integrated more fluidly. The older 9-inch unit felt better integrated into the dash, however, and the new screen does appear like an add-on — an unavoidable compromise in a mid-cycle update. The instrument cluster gets mildly refreshed graphics, and the UI overall is cohesive. Feature highlights include 4-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, and Volvo’s latest ADAS suite. But the omission of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feels dated, and during our testing even wired connections were a bit unreliable. We eventually resorted to Bluetooth audio and native Google Maps. Occasional connectivity niggles persist, but nothing that can’t be sorted with a software update.

Seating comfort is where the XC60 continues to set benchmarks. The front seats are superbly contoured and ergonomic, making long journeys effortless. The inclusion of heating, ventilation, and massage functions only elevates the experience. Material quality is excellent, with impeccable stitching and upholstery. Rear-seat space is generous apart from the large transmission tunnel, and the panoramic sunroof makes the cabin bright and airy. Noise insulation is outstanding, providing a whisper-quiet cabin even at highway speeds.

Under the hood, the XC60 continues with the mild-hybrid petrol powertrain familiar to Indian buyers, though we would have liked to see Volvo introduce its globally available plug-in hybrid options here. True to its character, the XC60’s performance is measured and unpretentious. The turbocharged petrol engine delivers 250 BHP and 360 Nm, offering smooth, linear acceleration. The 48V mild-hybrid system helps fill torque gaps and improves low-speed driveability. It isn’t the quickest in the segment, nor does it aspire to be. Instead, it prioritises refinement — and succeeds.

In city traffic, the XC60 feels relaxed and composed. The 8-speed automatic shifts unobtrusively, and throttle, brake, and steering responses are all smooth and predictable. Steering is light at low speeds, making the SUV surprisingly manoeuvrable. On the highway, it maintains its calm, delivering confidence in overtakes, though the engine does get vocal and a bit strained at the upper end of the rev range. At idle it can be surprisingly loud from the outside, but inside the cabin, the noise simply never reaches you.

Ride quality is where the XC60 shines. The suspension is tuned for comfort over sportiness, and it glides over most road imperfections with ease. Larger potholes are handled with dignity, and while some rivals feel sharper or more dynamic, few match the XC60’s sense of serene effortlessness on long drives. Handling is predictable and secure. Body roll is present but well-controlled, and the steering gains reassuring weight at higher speeds. The XC60 isn’t a corner-carver, but it is stable and confidence-inspiring — traits that matter more in daily use.

Efficiency has been a quiet strength for the XC60, and the refreshed model doesn’t disappoint. Over our mixed driving cycle, we averaged around 12.5 km/l, which is commendable for a luxury SUV of this size. The 71-litre fuel tank gives the XC60 a genuinely impressive touring range. Expect 800 to 900 km on a full tank with sensible driving. For long highway runs, that kind of endurance makes the XC60 feel even more relaxed and capable, reducing fuel stops and adding to its long-distance comfort credentials.

Living with the XC60 every day remains easy and uncomplicated. The cabin is family-friendly, the boot is well-shaped, and the mild-hybrid system adds incremental efficiency benefits without complexity. The updated infotainment improves functionality, and cabin materials elevate every touchpoint. In a segment where tech-heavy cabins can feel cold or overwhelming, the XC60 stands out for being welcoming and thoughtfully designed.

That said, this update isn’t transformational. Buyers expecting a dramatic leap will find the changes subtle. Some may want more powertrain options, especially as rivals move toward electrified or performance-focussed variants. Others may expect more dramatic visual changes. But the XC60 has never been a car that follows trends, and Volvo seems content continuing its quiet-evolution philosophy.

After spending time with the refreshed model, what becomes clear is that the XC60 remains one of the most balanced luxury SUVs you can buy. It blends design purity with comfort, tech with simplicity, and everyday usability with long-haul refinement. It isn’t the flashiest or the fastest, but it excels in the areas that matter most to buyers who value sophistication over spectacle.

If you liked the earlier XC60, you will appreciate this one even more. The updates add just enough freshness without diluting what made it appealing to begin with. In a segment full of bold statements and aggressive personalities, the XC60 continues to offer something few others do: a calm, composed, and deeply thoughtful approach to luxury — at a price that undercuts many of its rivals.

At INR 68.10 lakh ex-showroom, the new Volvo XC60 might be exactly the kind of luxury Indian roads need.