Ever since its introduction back in 2008, the Volvo XC60 has steadily become one of their customers’ favourite models. So much so that despite being a mid-size SUV, the love was certainly not “mid-sized” as it has now surpassed the legendary Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever with over 2.7 million units sold.
For years since it was first introduced way back in 1974, the Volvo 240 estate has been one of the most popular family cars worldwide, thanks to its practical, spacious design courtesy of the estate bodystyle, and of course, renowned Volvo safety, thanks to its advanced innovations such as an engineered front and rear crumple zones, as well as the world’s first integrated child booster cushion.
Now that SUVs have replaced estates as the preferred family car body style, the Volvo XC60 has naturally taken over the mantle as the ideal family car pick, offering many of the same benefits of flexibility and safety that the 240 once did. Volvo says that its success is a result of them adapting to shifting market demands.
Originally built exclusively in Europe, the Volvo XC60 later became the brand’s first global model to be assembled in China. The second-generation XC60 was launched in 2017 and went on to win the prestigious World Car of the Year award in 2018. Volvo continued to innovate with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, broadening its appeal—and last year, the XC60 became the best-selling PHEV in Europe.
Volvo Cars head of Global Offer, Susanne Hägglund, said, “Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car – you could spot one in almost every driveway. Today the XC60 has taken over that position in two ways. Not only as the family favourite, but also becoming our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the ultimate proof point of a successful car.”
ALSO READ: Volvo reinvents the seat belt – new multi-adaptive safety system to debut on EX60
In Malaysia, the Volvo XC60 is currently offered in two variants: Essential and Ultra. The Volvo XC60 Essential features the B5 mild-hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill, delivering 249 hp and 350 Nm for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds.
The Ultra meanwhile gets the T8 PHEV powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with an electric motor for a total combined output of 462 hp and 709 Nm. A nmew larger 18.8 kWh battery gives it an electric-only range of up to 81 km. Both variants feature all-wheel drive, are limited to a top speed of 180 km/h as per Volvo standard. Prices start at RM328,888 and RM357,888 respectively.
Although not yet in Malaysia, the XC60 has been recently refreshed to keep up with Volvo’s latest models, particularly the latest electric cars. The SUV received an updated exterior design, mirroring that of the also recently refreshed XC90. Similarly, the interior has been fitted with Volvo’s new infotainment system with Google Built-in.
READ MORE: The 2025 Volvo XC60 gets a refresh with XC90-like styling and infotainment
