Volvo 960 Reviews

The new Volvo EX60 electric mid-size has been dubbed a ‘game changer’ by the Swedish carmaker.It needs to be too as it’s finally introducing an electric counterpart to its best-selling car of all time, the XC60.Speaking to CarsGuide, Volvo Vehicle Product Lead for the EX60 and EX60 Cross Country, Lorina Gewargis said it’s fun to be standing with the finished product and having delivered the promises the brand made years ago.“I would say we have packed this car with so much new technology that we haven’t done before and we did that in this timeframe,” said Gewargis.“I’m very confident that we have basically sold the kind of three main concerns that some consumers have when going to electric.“We have the range and the charging speed. Then obviously, price is a very important area as well. The price for the EX60 to be equivalent as current XC60 plug-in hybrid .”The EX60 is priced from $86,900 before on-road costs for the Ultra P6 RWD and $101,990 before on-road costs for the Ultra P10 AWD in Australia. These are equivalent with the XC60 PHEV.Volvo is readying a flagship P12 AWD version of the EX60, which offers the full 810km of WLTP-claimed range, as well as 400kW of peak DC fast-charging thanks to the 800V electrical architecture.This flagship EX60 P12 AWD trim will likely cost more than the P10 AWD trim and be closer to the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, which is currently priced from $109,900 before on-road costs and offers 805km of WLTP-claimed range.“We are designing it, engineering it and building it in Sweden. I think that’s the whole game-changer point,” added Volvo Technology and Programs Manager, Power Electronics, Adrian Thuresson.“Of course we have the HugeinCore, where we have fully centralised computing, where we improve this over time, continuously.“This is just the start of a really nice journey.”It’s worth noting that the EX60 is the first Volvo to have a landscape-oriented central touchscreen multimedia system.“We have a new world-first when it comes to restraints,” said Volvo Engineering Manager Front and Rear Structure Analysis, Dr Isabelle Stockman, noting the new multi-adaptive safety seat belt that’s making its debut in the EX60.“So with this … software-based car, we can analyse what’s going on outside of the car using the exterior sensors and also what’s going on inside of the car using the interior sensor.“Based on that information … we can then adapt to the situation with help of these … profiles now in the safety belt and together with the rest of the restraint systems.”Additionally, the Volvo EX60 has a clean, Scandinavian-inspired exterior design without regular door handles. Instead there is a tiny flap with a button at the bottom of the window. It’s a similar set-up to the front doors on the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Volvo has detailed the pricing and specifications of its new EX60 mid-size electric SUV ahead of its Australian launch late in 2026.This BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV rival is an electric counterpart to the XC60, which has been the Swedish carmaker’s best-selling vehicle for over 15 years now.Dubbed a game changer, the Volvo EX60 debuts the brand’s new SPA3 dedicated electric platform, which runs on an 800V electrical architecture. It also offers the most range and quickest charging of any Volvo EV to date.It’s priced from $86,990 before on-road costs for the Ultra P6 RWD trim and $101,990 before on-road costs for the Ultra P10 AWD trim.This starting price is notably more affordable than the BMW iX3, though the German carmaker is launching with the range-topping 50 xDrive trim first, whereas Volvo is launching with mid-spec versions.It’s understood the range-topping EX60 P12 AWD with 810km of WLTP-claimed range, as well as a more affordable, entry-level model will be launching in Australia in 2027.2027 Volvo EX60 pricing Australia 2027 Volvo EX60 drivetrain and efficiency 2027 Volvo EX60 standard equipmentUltra P6 RWD:21-inch alloy wheelsMatrix LED headlightsElectrochromic glass roofPrivacy glassHeat pumpHeated wiper blades11.4-inch digital instrument cluster15.04-inch OLED touchscreen multimedia system28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound systemThree-zone climate controlDigital Key and key cardHeated steering wheelSynthetic leather upholsteryHeated and ventilated front seatsHeated outboard rear seatsUltra P10 AWD adds:All-wheel driveAdaptive suspensionNappa leather upholstery2027 Volvo EX60 safetyNine airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Blind-spot monitoringFront and rear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistLane centringAdaptive cruise controlTraffic sign recognitionDriver attention monitorFront and rear parking sensorsSurround-view camera2027 Volvo EX60 warranty and servicingVolvo hasn’t fully detailed the ownership package for the EX60 just yet, though it currently offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.Logbook servicing will likely be detailed closer to the EX60’s local launch late in 2026.

Many premium European carmakers have launched new mid-size electric SUVs, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but now it’s Volvo’s turn and it could be the pick of the bunch.The Volvo EX60 is an electric counterpart to the XC60, which has been the brand’s best-selling car for more than 15 years.This means the EX60 has a lot to live up to, however there is growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), especially amid the fuel crisis.To get a feel of this new Volvo electric SUV, we got a spin on the outskirts of Barcelona ahead of its Australian arrival late in 2026.At launch there are going to be two versions of the EX60 – the Ultra P6 RWD, priced from $86,990 before on-roads and the Ultra P10 AWD, priced from $101,990.This entry price notably undercuts the BMW iX3, which starts at $109,900 before on-road costs. However, the German carmaker is launching with the top-spec 50 xDrive trim with 805km of WLTP-claimed range first, whereas Volvo is launching with mid-spec versions of the EX60 with smaller batteries and less range initially.It’s understood that the range-topping P12 AWD trim, as well as a more affordable, entry-level grade will arrive in 2027.The price tag is even more appealing when you consider the amount of standard kit you get. Australian-spec EX60s all receive 21-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, a power tailgate, 11.4-inch digital instrument cluster, 15-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 28-speaker Bower & Wilkins sound system, three-zone climate control and synthetic leather.Opting for the Ultra P10 AWD brings adaptive suspension rather than a passive set-up with frequency selective dampers, as well as Nappa leather upholstery.One of the biggest drawcards with this new Volvo electric SUV is the driving range. The entry-level P6 gets an 83kWh lithium-ion battery with 610km of WLTP-claimed range, whereas the P10 trim gets a 95kWh lithium-ion battery with 660km of WLTP-claimed range.That’s arguably enough to quell range anxiety for many, but the aforementioned P12 gets an even larger 117kWh lithium-ion battery with 810km of WLTP-claimed range which is slightly more than the iX3 50 xDrive and on par with many combustion-powered cars.Better yet is the charging. All EX60s have an 800V electrical architecture, meaning fast charging. The P6 trim has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 320kW, while the P10 can do up to 370kW and the forthcoming P12 up to 400kW.With the P6 and P10, this means a 10-to-80 per cent charge in 16 minutes – a game changer for long-distance road trips.AC charging is offered at rates up to 22kW which is currently the benchmark.Power in the P6 comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 275kW and 480Nm, whereas the P10 gets an additional electric motor on the front axle bringing total system outputs to 375kW and 710Nm.In practice, neither version of the EX60 feels slow or sluggish. There’s an instantaneous zip off the line, plus plenty of rolling acceleration available for quick overtakes.Adding to this, the EX60 feels nimble and dynamic which defies its circa-2.2-tonne heft. A lot of this comes down to the steering which is incredibly direct and only requires small movements to change direction.I’m also a big fan of the small steering wheel which is rather Peugeot-like and has plenty of physical buttons and toggles.Although the versions we drove in Spain were equipped with massive 22-inch alloy wheels, the ride is plush, comfortable and compliant. My only gripe is that the adaptive suspension in the softest setting can get a little too floaty over harsher imperfections or speed bumps.We’ll have to reserve full judgement of the suspension until we can drive the EX60 on Australian soil later this year.Now to the more polarising elements of the EX60. The exterior design is undoubtedly clean and aerodynamically optimised, hence the big range figures. However, the exterior door handles are far from conventional.You get into the EX60 by pushing a button on a small flap located just under the window. It’s a similar set-up to the front door handles on the Ford Mustang Mach-E.I’m sure you’d get used to it but initially the operation feels fiddly. I’d much prefer regular door handles and incur the slight range drop as this is something that didn’t need reinventing.Then there’s the interior. The landscape central touchscreen is a major departure for Volvo, but it’s easy to navigate around the native interface thanks to contextual shortcut buttons close to the driver.You need to adjust virtually everything using the touchscreen and for the most part this is easy thanks to key menus and shortcuts. However, adjusting certain things, like the steering feel for example, requires you to dig into sub-menus. It also doesn’t take long for the driver attention monitor to ding at you for glancing away from the road…Looking elsewhere around the cabin, it’s open and light. The glovebox is located at the front of the centre tunnel, plus the cupholders shoot out from the centre armrest. I would like some more covered storage up front, though.Speaking of storage, there’s massive front and rear boots. The latter even features a trick split load floor that allows you to reveal just a portion of the underfloor section.As expected with a Volvo, safety is a major focus. It’s expected the full safety suite will be standard, however exact Australian specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.The same can be said for the ownership package. To date all Volvos are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty which is standard for premium brands but mediocre when compared to mainstream marques.

Volvo has a history of making boxy, unexciting sedans - the ES90 does not follow that path. This all-new electric sedan (or liftback, technically) is the SUV alternative for those willing to think outside the box. We drive the new-for-2026 ES90 to tell you about its performance, range, value, design and practicality.

Volvo has taken a knife to prices of its small SUV line-up with $10,000 sliced off cost-of-entry for its small EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus - now $49,990, before on-road costs.Base pricing for the slightly larger EX40 has also been cut with the entry-level EX40 Single Motor Extended Ultra reduced by just over nine per cent to $69,990, before on-road costs (was $76,990, BOC).When contacted for background on the pricing changes a Volvo Car Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “In preparation for the introduction of the game-changing EX60 to local shores Volvo Car Australia has repositioned its 30 and 40 series all-electric vehicles.“To accommodate the arrival of the EX60 it is paramount that we alter our current game plan. “When the all-electric mid-size SUV arrives, it will change the game in the largest electric market segment in terms of range, charging speed, performance, and price,” they said.The repositioned EX30/EX40 pricing (before on-road costs) is below.Speaking at Volvo Cars’ most recent investor briefing in Stockholm, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer Erik Severinson confirmed the upcoming EX60 mid-size EV SUV will be priced at the same level as an equivalent plug-in hybrid (PHEV).So, these small SUV price reductions point to a starting price position for the EX60 at around the same $74,990, before on-road costs, level as the entry-grade XC60 Plus B5 Bright AWD.The flagship XC60 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark AWD sits at $101,990, BOC.The mid-size pure-electric EX60 SUV will initially be offered with a choice of two powertrains.The P6 Electric comes with a single rear motor that produces 275kW/480Nm which delivers a sharp 5.9-second 0-100km/h acceleration time.And the dual-motor P10 AWD Electric’s dual motors send 375kW/710Nm to all four wheels for a 4.6-seconds 0-100km/h sprint.Claimed WLTP range is 620km for the former and 660km for the latter, thanks to its larger 95kWh battery.Charging is near top of the class thanks to Volvo's all-new ‘SPA3’ platform's 800-volt electrics. The P6 can be topped up at up to 320kW, while the AWD P10 rampd that rate up to an impressive 370kW.

Volvo has announced a series of updates for its small EV, the EX30, with new variants and tech coming.

Volvo's EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in the company's small electric SUV line-up. This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up (producing a combined 315kW and 543Nm), all-wheel drive, raised suspension, 190mm ground clearance and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations and is peppered with cool quirky touches.

Volvo is reportedly looking to make a new flagship SUV to sit above the XC90 and EX90 due to rising demand for such vehicles in the US and China.As reported by Autocar, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said “bigger SUVs are something we’re looking into”, however the company has “still not made any decision on going there”.“Especially in China and the US, the real three-row SUV is a growing segment and an interesting segment, but so far we have the 90 which covers the three-row,” said Samuelsson.Samuelsson didn’t mention any specific details on what form this new flagship SUV could take, though he did note that the customers in the US and China “probably at least for the next few years would be more interested in a hybrid” and that US production would be likely to minimise tariffs on US vehicle sales.Volvo already has a production facility in South Carolina and currently builds the EX90, along with the related Polestar 3 there.It’s reported this new flagship Volvo SUV could use the Zeekr 9X as a base. Zeekr is another brand that falls under the Geely umbrella and the company is known for sharing its tech between brands.Measuring in at 5.24-metres long, the Zeekr 9X is longer than the circa-5.0-metre Volvo EX90 and XC90. It also has a more overt luxurious focus.The 9X is based on Geely’s SEA-R platform, which is a version of the SEA platform but for large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or range-extender (REEV) vehicles. It’s set to form the base of the forthcoming Lotus For Me, which is a REEV version of the Eletre SUV.Power in the Zeekr 9X comes from 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine along with three electric motors for a humongous total system output of 1030kW and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 3.1 seconds.Depending on the variant there are two battery packs available, a 55.1kWh unit which offers up to 235km of range, or a 70kWh unit which offers up to 302km of range, both according to lenient CLTC testing. It’s unclear whether this type of vehicle will ever come to fruition, nor what name it will receive. Previous reports have indicated it could potentially be called the EX100.In mid-2025 digital artist, Sugar Design, mocked up what this new flagship Volvo SUV could look like with current Volvo exterior design language.This includes the iconic ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights and a full-width rear tail-light set-up with Volvo script written out on the tailgate.

The all-new 2026 Volvo EX60 might be the classiest Tesla Model Y rival yet, and it is due in Australia later this year.The perfect antidote to both the Model Y anonymity and the unnecessary visual aggression dished up by German rivals, the EX60 and rough-road ready EX60 Cross Country's smooth styling should be a hit with buyers, and it is heartening to know that its beauty is more than skin deep.When the EX60 touches down late this year, the mid-size battery-powered SUV will initially be offered in just two powertrains. The P6 Electric comes with a single rear motor that produces 275kW of power and 480Nm and provides for a brisk 5.9 second 0-100km/h dash.Need all-wheel drive and the second P10 AWD Electric delivers with its dual motors boosting traction and producing 375kW and 710Nm of torque for a quicker 4.6 seconds 0-100km/h sprint.The P6 (620km) can travel 20km further than the longest-range Tesla Model Y on the WLTP test cycle with its 83kWh battery.The punchier P10 AWD can go further still (660km), thanks to its larger 95kWh battery.In earlier teases, ahead of the the EX60 reveal, the Swedish brand made headline news when it revealed its latest EV could cover up to 810km on a single charge but that car, the P12 AWD, won't rock up until the middle of 2027, at the earliest.Shame, because the P12 AWD is capable of driving further on a charge than both the BMW iX3 (805km) and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (750km) that was rolled out in the middle of 2025.If you're a performance fan, the P12 AWD might be worth the wait. Combined with its bladder-busting long range is a pair of dual motors that produce a whopping 500kW and 790Nm of torque that sees 0-100km/h take just 3.9 seconds.It's a similar story for the EX60 Cross Country that has yet to be given a release date for Down Under but should land in 375kW P10 AWD power in either 2027 or 2028.Engineers say the EX60's low-drag body and weight-saving from Tesla-style mega castings and mounting the battery cells directly to the body saving valuable kilos have contributed to enhancing efficiency, which may be true but the secret behind the P12 AWD long-leggedness is the enormous 117kWh battery pack mounted between its axles.Charging is near top of the class thanks to Volvo's all-new SPA3 platform's 800-volt electrics, the P6 can be topped up at up to 320kW, while the all-wheel drive P10 and P12 ramp that rate up to an admirable 370kW with both the entry and mid-spec Volvo taking just 18 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent refill, while the P12 with its massive battery only takes a minute longer.The catch is few will be able to find a new breed of 450kW ultra-fast DC chargers Down Under but if you do, after ten minutes, you can add up to 340km of range. All models come with 22kW AC charging.Volvo says the rear-drive P6 can tow up to 2000kg (braked) while the pair of AWD versions can tug up to 2400kg.All EX60 models come with optimum double front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension with or without adaptive dampers the EX60 Cross Country is the only version to get single-chamber air suspension that can hoist the ride to offer up to 234mm ground clearance.The bad news, despite its more adventurous styling that includes revised front and rear bumper, complete with bash-plates, plus extra black protective cladding all-round, the EX60 Cross Country can't wade any deeper (450mm) than the standard version, although the off-road driving modes are said to work better with the adjustable air springs.Within, designers claim they have strived to create a calming uncluttered place to spend time.Deduct points for a lack of physical buttons with only a crystal roller and skip back and forward controllers cited below the curved 15-inch infotainment systemThere's also no head-up display, but an 11.4-inch digital instrument cluster mounted high-up on the fabric-wrapped shelf-like dash.As well as mirroring the exterior's minimalist design the cabin doesn't let the side down for tech with it adopting a new powerful 'HuginCore' brain that runs powerful processors from NVIDIA and Qualcomm that can crunch high volumes of data quicker.With built-in Google and advanced AI present, Volvo says you can now have a natural conversation with your car. Owners will also get four years of unlimited data that keeps the car connected for free.The same tech runs the advanced autonomous driving aids but it's unlikely this generation will ever run Level 3 or Level 4-style hands and eyes off the road driverless tech, although a supervised hands-off Level 2+ tech will be rolled out during the EX60's lifespan.Space is generous both in the front and rear when it comes to leg- and headroom thanks to the decent 2970mm wheelbase. Volvo has ruled out a three-row seven-seat version, so the rear 523 litre luggage space will remain untouched.Under the bonnet is a 58-litre frunk that can stow the cables and a soft bag.Volvo is confident the latest EX60 will be judged as its safest creation yet when Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety body get their hands on it and the mid-sizer is the first car yet to get its pioneering multi-adaptive seat belts that uses camera and sensors within the car to judge your size and weight to adjust its tension and force to manage load in the event of an impact, reducing belt-related injuries.Despite preparing itself for limited supply initially from the EX60's factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo Australia is confident that its all-electric EX60 will overtake the current XC60 and fast become its best-selling model.The ancient nine-year-old XC60 that was updated last year, meanwhile, will live on with combustion and hybrid powertrains and receive a third refresh to ensure it can remain on sale beyond 2030 for those not ready to commit to an EV.Pricing for the 2026 Volvo EX60 will be released late this year, with the entry P6 expected to arrive with a price tag just below $100,000 (plus on-roads), with the P10 AWD tipped to cost around $110,000, with the Swedish mid-size SUV set to command a hefty premium over the  Tesla Model Y (from $63,400 plus on-roads) but should cost around $10,000 less than the equally all-new BMW iX3.

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!