What's the difference?
There aren’t many cars like the new Cupra Terramar VZe as it’s a mid-size plug-in hybrid flagship that sits firmly at the premium end of the mainstream market. That’s either a huge advantage… or it’s not.
Because when you don’t have a clear set of rivals, you tend to stand out.
There are alternatives, of course. Things like the BYD Sealion 6 Premium, Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, GWM Haval H6 GT, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid - but they each approach this space a little differently, whether it’s in pricing, positioning or execution.
Which leaves the Terramar VZe carving out a niche for itself. So the question is, does this plug-in hybrid make a compelling case?
The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.
It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?
The Cupra Terramar VZe looks fantastic on the road and confidently handles most things you throw at it. The plug-in hybrid set-up offers a nice blend of performance and efficiency. But… when you start digging into the price and ownership promise and what you do (and don’t) get for your money, it doesn’t always feel like the most compelling package. Sexy and sporty? Definitely. Value-for-money? Mmm.
The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.
The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.