The Volvo XC60 is getting a major update for the 2028 model year, combining a more sculpted exterior, a redesigned interior and updated technology with a new plug-in hybrid option that could significantly expand its electric-driving capability.
Volvo Gives the XC60 a Sharper Design
Volvo unveiled the latest version of the XC60 in London, highlighting a series of exterior and interior updates to its midsize SUV.
The company has taken a different approach from the increasingly aggressive styling seen across the SUV segment. The updated XC60 features a slimmer grille, along with more sculpted hood, front fender and bumper designs.
The new Thor’s Hammer-style headlights also adopt a simpler signature, while the rear receives revised horizontal elements through the tailgate, LED lighting and bumper.
New XC60 Interior Focuses on Scandinavian Design
Inside, Volvo continues its Scandinavian design approach, with calmness serving as a central theme. The XC60 receives a redesigned dashboard and door panels, along with new interior illumination intended to add ambience at night.
Buyers can also choose Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather seats, while natural wood remains part of the interior design.
The infotainment system now uses an 11.2-inch screen running Google Built-In as its underlying operating system. It also features the Google Gemini AI assistant.
XC60 PHEV Gets 78 Miles of Electric Range
The XC60 continues in the U.S. with the B4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The major change comes with the T8 AWD Long Range PHEV.
The plug-in hybrid XC60 can now travel 78 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicks in. According to Volvo, that would make it the longest-range plug-in hybrid on the U.S. market and could allow many drivers to complete their commutes and errands entirely on electric power.
The PHEV uses the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the regular XC60 but adds a floor-mounted 41.2-kWh battery and a 174-horsepower electric motor producing 228 pound-feet of torque.
The combined system produces 420 horsepower and 358 pound-feet of torque. The XC60 PHEV has a 112-mph top speed and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
2028 Volvo XC60 PHEV Specs
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
- Battery: 41.2 kWh lithium-ion
- Horsepower (combined): 420
- Torque (combined): 358 pound-feet
- Top Speed: 112 mph
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
The added electric power also gives the XC60 more power in reserve from a luxury perspective, while making the PHEV a quick luxury SUV from a performance standpoint.
Volvo Refines XC60 Safety Technology
Volvo’s approach to safety continues with updates to the XC60’s active safety technology. If the vehicle detects a potential collision, it can respond in real time by warning the driver or intervening to help avoid or reduce the impact.
The automatic emergency steering and braking system can also respond to danger, while the 2028 model year brings an upgraded sensing system that includes radar cameras.
Volvo is also refining how its warning systems operate. Speaking with Volvo’s senior technical advisor from the Volvo Cars Safety Center, we learned that the company is using behavioral science to improve more subtle aspects of its safety alerts.
“We know for sure trust is very big. If we cry wolf too much, then people lose trust,” he said, explaining the continued refinement of warning systems to reduce false positives and repetitive alerts that can cause drivers to eventually ignore or turn off safety systems they may later need.
The updated Volvo XC60 combines revised styling, a more technology-focused interior, expanded active safety systems and a T8 AWD Long Range PHEV capable of traveling 78 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicks in.
