Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is a premium mid-size SUV from Volvo Cars, slotted between the XC40 and the XC90. The current iteration on sale is the third-generation XC60, which originally debuted in 2017 and received a mid-cycle facelift in 2021. As of June 2026, the latest offering is the 2026 model year facelift, available in five petrol variants with official retail prices ranging from RM396,900 to RM474,900, alongside limited-time promotional prices between RM254,900 and RM425,900. The plug-in hybrid (T8) range is offered in three variants, with official retail prices spanning RM523,900 to RM603,900 and limited-time promotional prices from RM354,900 to RM434,900. Key rivals to the XC60 include the Audi Q5L, BMW X3, and Cadillac XT5.

Design Language

On the exterior front, the 2026 Volvo XC60 adopts a dual-diagonal slash front grille similar to the refreshed XC90; standard petrol variants feature chrome accents, whilst the sporty trim gets a gloss black grille. The signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights and smoked "Viking Axe" LED tail lamps are both retained. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,708 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, with a 2,865 mm wheelbase. Boot capacity ranges from 483 to 1,410 litres. The 2026 line-up introduces two new exterior finishes—Pine Green and Forest Berry Red—bringing the total palette to seven colour options. Inside, the cabin retains Volvo's signature minimalist design with a driver-centric cockpit. Material-wise, sustainable materials such as Nordico upholstery are extensively used in place of traditional leather. The seats were developed in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons, with the range-topping variant further benefiting from front-seat massage functionality.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is available with two powertrain options. The petrol (B5) range is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system as standard, churning out 184 kW (250 PS) and 360 Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, it completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds, returning a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 7.43 L/100 km. The plug-in hybrid (T8) variant pairs the 2.0-litre turbo mill with a rear-axle electric motor to deliver a combined output of 335 kW (455 PS) and 709 Nm. The century sprint is dispatched in just 5.0 seconds, with an all-electric range of up to 90 km on the CLTC cycle, and a WLTC rated fuel consumption of 2.46 L/100 km. The T8 is equipped with an 18.8 kWh battery pack, which can be fully juiced up from 0% to 100% in around five hours using a standard home AC wallbox charger.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Volvo XC60 rides on a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link setup at the rear as standard across the range. All petrol variants feature standard all-wheel drive, utilising BorgWarner's sixth-generation Haldex AWD system. Ground clearance stands at a generous 209 mm. Higher-spec grades feature the 4C active chassis, which reads road surfaces 500 times per second to continuously adapt damper damping rates; the flagship PHEV variant can be optioned with adaptive air suspension for variable ride height adjustment. The electric power steering (EPS) is calibrated for a comfortable, well-balanced feel, lending the chassis its hallmark Scandinavian composure.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the 2026 Volvo XC60 replaces the previous 9.0-inch integrated infotainment display with a larger 11.2-inch floating central touchscreen, complemented by a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment setup runs on Google's Android Automotive OS, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, and supports voice control, connected navigation, mobile app vehicle telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Wireless smartphone charging is standard across the board. Mid-to-high-spec variants feature an Orrefors genuine crystal gear shifter. On the audio front, buyers can opt for or enjoy standard-fit premium systems from Harman Kardon or the flagship Bowers & Wilkins® sound system. Additionally, the XC60 comes standard across all variants with the CLEANZONE® interior air system, which bundles IAQS, CZIS pre-ventilation, and the AAC dual-action advanced air purification system, filtering out up to 95% of PM2.5 particulates.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety remains the core hallmark of the Volvo brand. On the passive safety side, the XC60 utilises a robust safety cage built with 34% ultra-high-strength boron steel, supplemented by eight airbags as standard (including a driver's knee airbag). Active safety is anchored by the third-generation City Safety suite across the range, employing 20 ultra-sensitive sensors to provide 360-degree environmental monitoring, encompassing all-speed adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), run-off road mitigation, and oncoming lane mitigation. Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system comes standard across all variants, supporting Level 2 driving assistance with lane centring at speeds up to 130 km/h. Higher variants also add the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist and a head-up display (HUD). Underpinning Volvo's "equal safety for all" ethos, these comprehensive active and passive safety features are generously fitted right from the base variant.

Market Performance and Verdict

Thanks to its class-leading safety, understated Scandinavian design, and health-focused cabin environment, the Volvo XC60 enjoys an enviable reputation among family buyers. In terms of sales numbers, the XC60 chalked up cumulative sales of 10,788 units from January to May 2026, with 953 units registered in May alone. Full-year sales for 2025 stood at a solid 64,836 units. As one of Volvo's core volume drivers in the market, the XC60 locks horns directly with established segment contenders like the Audi Q5L and BMW X3. The 2026 model has substantially sharpened its competitive edge with the larger infotainment screen, the faster Qualcomm 8155 chipset, and aggressive promotional pricing. However, some owners have noted minor niggles, such as the inability to permanently toggle off the automatic engine start-stop system and room for improvement in overall infotainment fluidity. On the whole, the XC60 continues to command a healthy presence in the premium mid-size SUV segment, bolstered by its clear, differentiated strengths in vehicle safety and eco-conscious engineering.