Some cars sell well for a few years. Others quietly become part of family life for decades. The Volvo XC60 belongs to the second group. With more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide, it has now overtaken the legendary Volvo 240 to become the best-selling Volvo of all time. That milestone is about far more than numbers. It reflects how families live today and what they expect from a car they trust every single day.
For Volvo, the XC60 has become the modern equivalent of the 240. It fills the same emotional space. It is the dependable family car. The one parked outside schools, homes, and offices across the world. Only now, it wears an SUV shape and speaks the language of modern technology.
Why This Record Matters More Than Sales Figures
Surpassing the Volvo 240 carries real weight. Introduced in 1974, the 240 defined family motoring for nearly two decades. It was safe, durable, and reassuring. It remained in production until 1993, with 2,685,171 units built in Sweden and Belgium.
The XC60 taking over as Volvo’s top seller signals a generational shift. Estates are no longer the default family choice. SUVs have stepped into that role, offering flexibility, a higher driving position, and a sense of confidence that modern buyers prefer.
Importantly, the values have not changed. Families still want safety, comfort, and longevity. The XC60 simply delivers those qualities in a form that fits today’s lifestyles.
From Estate Royalty to SUV Leadership
For years, estate cars dominated family driveways. They were practical, predictable, and trusted. As cities expanded and driving conditions evolved, buyers began to favour SUVs that felt more adaptable.
The XC60 arrived in 2008 at exactly the right time. It offered premium refinement without excess size. It carried Volvo’s safety heritage while introducing a calmer, more modern design approach.
Rather than chasing trends, the XC60 focused on balance. That decision helped it age gracefully while competitors came and went.
How the XC60 Became a Global Bestseller
From the outset, Volvo treated the XC60 as a global model. Initially built in Europe, it later became the first Volvo produced both in Europe and China. That move allowed Volvo to support local markets while maintaining consistent quality worldwide.
The XC60 appealed across regions for different reasons. Urban drivers valued its manageable size. Families trusted its safety systems. Long-distance drivers appreciated its comfort.
In 2018, it was named World Car of the Year. More importantly, demand never slowed. That consistency is what turned the XC60 into a record-breaker.
Why Families Keep Choosing the XC60
The XC60 does not rely on a single headline feature. Its strength lies in how well everything works together.
Families choose it because it offers:
- A size that feels easy to live with every day
- Calm Scandinavian interior design that does not age quickly
- A composed driving experience focused on confidence
- Strong build quality and long-term trust
- One of the most respected safety reputations in the industry
This balance explains why many people who grew up riding in a Volvo 240 are now choosing an XC60 for their own families.
Two Generations, One Safety Philosophy
Safety is the thread that connects the Volvo 240 and the XC60.
When the 240 launched, it introduced advanced crumple zones, a reinforced passenger cell, and early side-impact protection. In 1978, Volvo added the child booster cushion, a world-first innovation that reshaped child safety standards.
The XC60 continued that tradition. In 2008, it introduced City Safety, the first standard low-speed automatic emergency braking system, designed to help avoid or reduce collisions at speeds up to 30 km/h. In 2017, it added Oncoming Lane Mitigation, capable of steering the car back into its lane if it drifts toward oncoming traffic.
Just as the 240 once was, the XC60 remains one of the safest cars on the road today.
The 2026 Refresh: Technology That Improves Daily Life
(Image Source: Volvo cars)
Success alone does not keep a car relevant. For the 2026 model year, Volvo introduced a significant refresh to the XC60, with the biggest changes happening inside the cabin.
The refreshed XC60 is already available to order in certain markets, with availability differing by region. At the centre of the update is Volvo’s new-generation user experience. It is cleaner, more focused, and more intuitive than before. Built-in Google services remain central, allowing navigation, voice commands, and apps to work seamlessly.
What sets this update apart is its scale. All new Volvo cars now leave the factory with this interface. Around 2.5 million existing Volvo owners globally will also receive it through an over-the-air update later this year.
A Larger Screen With Better Clarity
(Image Source: Volvo cars)
The refreshed XC60 now features an 11.2-inch free-standing central touchscreen. Pixel density increases by 21 percent, resulting in a noticeably sharper display.
Text is clearer. Icons are easier to read. Navigation requires fewer glances. The screen feels integrated rather than distracting, which matters far more in daily use than sheer size.
Faster Infotainment That Reduces Distraction
Powering the system is Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. The infotainment system is more than twice as fast as before, with graphics performance improving by up to ten times.
Menus load instantly. Maps respond quickly. Voice commands feel natural. More importantly, the system shows the right information at the right time, helping drivers stay focused on the road.
Subtle Exterior Updates and Richer Interiors
(Image Source: Volvo cars)
Externally, the XC60 receives careful refinement. A redesigned front air intake with Volvo’s iron mark mirrors the latest XC90. New wheel designs add freshness, while darker rear lights sharpen the look.
Three new colours join the range: Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and Mulberry Red, available on the XC60 for the first time.
Inside, new materials elevate the cabin. Quilted Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave bring a more premium feel. Storage solutions improve. Cupholders are redesigned. The wireless phone charger works more reliably. The load compartment remains flexible and spacious.
Comfort and Audio That Impress Over Time
(Image Source: Volvo cars)
The refreshed XC60 is quieter than before, enhancing long-distance comfort. Volvo’s renowned seats remain standard, offering support rather than softness.
Optional air suspension and laminated windows further reduce road noise. An advanced air purification system improves cabin air quality. Combined with one of the best-sounding audio systems in the segment, the XC60 delivers a calm, refined driving environment that reveals its quality over time.
Plug-In Hybrids as a Bridge to Electric
(Image Source: Volvo cars)
The XC60 plays a central role in Volvo’s electrification strategy. The current generation introduced plug-in hybrid drivetrains to a broader audience and became Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid last year.
Volvo data shows that around 48 percent of distance driven in its latest plug-in hybrids is completed on electric power. This makes the XC60 an effective bridge for drivers not yet ready to go fully electric.
How the XC60 Compares With Rivals
| Model | Powertrain | Electric Range | Drive | Starting Price USD |
| Volvo XC60 Recharge | Plug-in hybrid | ~80 km | AWD | ~$57,000 |
| BMW X3 xDrive30e | Plug-in hybrid | ~81 km | AWD | ~$55,300 |
| Audi Q5 TFSI e | Plug-in hybrid | ~62 km | AWD | ~$58,200 |
| Lexus NX 450h+ | Plug-in hybrid | ~76 km | AWD | ~$59,650 |
The XC60 stands out for its safety legacy and interior calmness rather than headline performance figures.
Specification Snapshot
- Body style: Mid-size SUV
- Seating: 5
- Powertrains: Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid
- Electric range: Approx. 80 km
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
- Curb weight: Approx. 2,100 to 2,300 kg
MotorHub UAE Insight: Supporting Trusted Family SUVs
Keeping Advanced Hybrid Vehicles Reliable in Extreme Conditions
In the UAE, family SUVs face high temperatures, heavy traffic, and long-distance driving. Hybrid batteries, cooling systems, and advanced driver assistance features require expert care to perform reliably.
MotorHub supports vehicles like the Volvo XC60 with advanced diagnostics, hybrid system inspections, and preventative maintenance tailored for modern automotive technology. As vehicles grow more sophisticated, professional servicing helps protect the features families depend on every day.
