Volvo XC60 Review: Swedish Sophistication Meets Real-World Driving

There are few things more exhilarating than testing a car through the winding forest roads of Müggelberge, a hidden gem just outside Berlin. It’s a place where nature hums around you, and the road is never flat or boring. That’s exactly where I found myself behind the wheel of the Volvo XC60, a vehicle that’s as refined as it is functional. Over several days, I put multiple variants of the XC60, B5 AWD, B4 Diesel, and the Recharge T6 Plug-in Hybrid, through their paces. And let me tell you, the Swedish elegance met German terrain with confidence.

Before we get into the ride, let’s set the stage. The XC60 is Volvo’s answer to the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, packed with rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC. But Volvo’s strength lies in delivering a unique blend of minimalist Scandinavian luxury, advanced safety tech, and powertrains that cater to a broad spectrum of drivers, from eco-conscious commuters to family haulers.

Volvo XC60 🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/c01IJTEQQf

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Design and First Impressions

The XC60’s design is understated yet striking. It doesn’t shout for attention but turns heads with its sharp LED headlights, signature Thor’s Hammer DRLs, and a rear end that’s arguably its most beautiful angle. The moment I stepped into the cabin, I was enveloped by soft-touch materials, crafted wood veneers, and a layout that whispers premium.

Volvo’s attention to detail is top-notch. The seats are not just comfortable, they’re orthopedic-level good. Even after hours of climbing the Müggelberge hills and maneuvering through tight village corners, there wasn’t a hint of fatigue. Space-wise, the XC60 comfortably seats five adults, and the cargo capacity is quite generous.

Performance on the Road – From Müggelberge to Motorway

Let’s get to the part that really matters, how it drives. I first took out the XC60 B5 AWD, the mild-hybrid petrol variant with 250 PS. On paper, it’s supposed to blend performance with efficiency, thanks to a 48V system that lends a small electric boost. In real-world driving, especially on the twisty inclines of Müggelberge, the B5 felt lively. Acceleration was brisk, 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, and overtaking was a breeze.

What impressed me even more was the smoothness of the 8-speed automatic gearbox. Shifts were seamless, and the system smartly chose gears depending on the terrain. However, the fuel efficiency left something to be desired. Despite the mild-hybrid system, I averaged about 9.1 liters per 100 km, which is a bit thirsty for a car in this segment.

Switching to the B4 Diesel, which sadly is no longer offered, the experience was more about torque and cruising comfort. With 197 PS, it felt slightly lazier than the B5 but made up for it with better fuel efficiency, around 6.9 liters per 100 km. The diesel clatter was surprisingly well-muted, and the engine noise never intruded into the cabin.

Then came the XC60 Recharge T6 Plug-in Hybrid. This is where things got interesting. With a combined output of 398 PS from a 253 PS petrol engine and a 145 PS electric motor, this version was an absolute rocket. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint came in just 5.7 seconds, and the 60–100 km/h overtakes felt like launching a spaceship. The best part? I drove about 64 km on pure electric power through the forest trails, and it was whisper quiet.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Volvo has nailed the balance between comfort and handling. The optional air suspension on the Recharge model made a world of difference. Even on cobbled streets and uneven countryside roads, the ride was pillowy without being floaty. Body roll was well-controlled, and the all-wheel-drive system gave a reassuring grip, especially when I took a detour onto a muddy trail.

Steering feel isn’t razor-sharp like a BMW, but it’s direct enough for everyday driving. What I appreciated most was the confidence the car inspires. Whether you’re cruising at 130 km/h on the autobahn or maneuvering through tight turns in Müggelberge, the XC60 remains composed.

Interior Tech and Infotainment

Volvo’s infotainment system is a bit of a mixed bag. The XC60 now runs on Android Automotive, which integrates Google Maps and Assistant natively. That’s a plus. Voice commands worked flawlessly, and real-time traffic updates were spot on. But the 9-inch touchscreen interface can be a bit clunky. Simple adjustments like changing the fan speed or seat heating require multiple taps through nested menus.

While tech-savvy users might find it intuitive, older drivers or those new to Volvo’s ecosystem might feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, the sound system, especially the optional Bowers & Wilkins setup, is phenomenal. Whether it was classical music echoing through the forest or some upbeat electronic on the motorway, the acoustics were heavenly.

Practicality and Usability

With a standard boot space of 483 liters (up to 1,410 liters with seats folded), the XC60 proved to be a capable companion during a grocery haul and a weekend hiking trip. Loading was easy thanks to the flat load floor and low lip. Towing capacity is also impressive, up to 2.4 tons depending on the model. If you’re a horse owner or plan to tow a caravan, the XC60 won’t break a sweat.

However, city driving isn’t its forte. At 2.13 meters wide with mirrors, it’s a big car. The turning radius of 12 meters didn’t help either when navigating Berlin’s narrow streets. Parking sensors and 360-degree cameras are a must-have and thankfully standard in most trims.

Taming the Terrain – Offroad and Towing

While most owners will never take the XC60 off-road, I wanted to test its mettle. With nearly 22 cm of ground clearance and an Off-Road mode that kicks in below 20 km/h, the SUV handled gravel paths and muddy inclines well. The hill descent control worked like a charm on steep trails in Müggelberge.

Adding to its versatility is the generous 100 kg tow bar support and a braked towing capacity of up to 2.4 tons. Whether you’re pulling a trailer or heading out with bikes and gear, this Volvo can handle it.

Real-World Efficiency and Charging

The Recharge T6 Plug-in Hybrid is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde. Start with a full battery, and you’ll enjoy up to 64 km of electric range. Perfect for short commutes or errands. But once the battery is drained, expect about 7.5 liters per 100 km in hybrid mode. Not bad, but not stellar either.

Charging is limited to 3.7 kW AC, so a full charge takes about six hours. That’s acceptable if you charge overnight at home or during work hours. But it’s certainly not quick.

Pricing and Trims

Let’s talk money. The XC60 isn’t cheap. The B5 AWD starts at €56,990, and the Recharge T6 comes in at €68,990. Add options like air suspension, upgraded sound, and driver assistance packs, and it’s easy to hit the €75,000 mark. Still, compared to similarly specced German rivals, the XC60 holds its own.

Volvo now offers several trim levels: Essential, Core, Plus, Ultra, and Polestar Engineered. Each brings more gadgets and visual flair. My test vehicles were in R-Design and Inscription, both exuding class.

Technical Specifications Table

For up-to-date and accurate specs, we rely on Volvo’s official web data.

Specification	B5 AWD	Recharge T6 AWD	B4 Diesel (Discontinued)
Engine Type	Mild Hybrid Petrol	Plug-in Hybrid	Mild Hybrid Diesel
Displacement	1969 cc	1969 cc	1969 cc
Power (PS)	250	398 (System Output)	197
Torque (Nm)	350	659 (System Output)	420
0-100 km/h	6.9 sec	5.7 sec	8.4 sec
Top Speed	180 km/h	180 km/h	180 km/h
Fuel Consumption (WLTP)	7.7 l/100km	1.0 l/100km	6.0 l/100km
Electric Range (WLTP)	–	79 km	–
CO₂ Emissions (WLTP)	174 g/km	22 g/km	158 g/km
Boot Space	483–1,410 L	468–1,395 L	483–1,410 L
Max Towing Capacity (Braked)	2,400 kg	2,250 kg	2,300 kg
Starting Price	€56,990	€68,990	€56,200 (when available)

Conclusion: A Balanced Luxury SUV, With Caveats

After days of real-world driving across German hills and highways, I can say the Volvo XC60 is a well-rounded, genuinely premium SUV. It’s stylish, safe, and brisk when needed. While the mild-hybrid system doesn’t wow with fuel savings, it does enhance drivability. The Recharge T6 is the pick of the bunch if you have access to regular charging.

This isn’t the SUV for tight city driving or budget-conscious buyers. But if you value comfort, safety, and understated luxury, and have the means, the XC60 won’t disappoint.