Plug-in hybrid SUV competitor to the Lexus NX, BMW X3 and Audi Q5 scores a refresh: Volvo XC60 welcomes design and tech upgrades for 2025

Volvo has given its luxury mid-size XC60 SUV a modest update to keep apace with its fresher-faced European rivals.

Set for a third quarter arrival date in Australian showrooms, the XC60 will gain a redesigned front end, including a new diagonally striped front grille that brings it into line with recent updates on the XC90.

Updates at the rear are even more subtle, with only darker inserts on the XC60’s tail-lights being added.

Volvo has added three new paint colours, Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Aurora Silver, as well as two new wheel options.

The changes to the interior are more significant, with the XC60 once again following the XC90’s lead by adding a 11.2-inch tablet-style portrait touchscreen, which replaces the previous 9.0-inch unit.

Pixel density is 21 per cent better, leading to a crispier display, Volvo claims, while the entire unit has a faster Snapdragon Cockpit operating software from Qualcomm.

No changes have been made to the XC60’s two powertrain options, which includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a mild hybrid.

The PHEV carries a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired to a 18.8kWh battery pack. All up it delivers 311kW/670Nm and a claimed 81km of electric range.

The mild hybrid, on the other hand, utilises the same engine paired to a 48-volt battery and outputs 184kW/350Nm.

Pricing remains unconfirmed for now, however, a slight rise across the range, which starts at $73,990 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level Plus B5 mild-hybrid, is likely. The plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, currently starts at $92,390 (before on-road costs) for the Recharge T8. 

Volvo sold 82 XC60s in Australia last month, a drop of 44.2 per cent compared with January last year. It trails behind the newer BMW X3, the Lexus NX, and the Audi Q5, which is launching under a new generation this quarter.