The Mk2 XC60 arrived in 2017 but only one thing betrays its age: its used price
In the dog-eat-dog mid-size SUV class, a distinctive exterior design is crucial to stand out from the crowd. Case in point: the second-generation Volvo XC60, which even at eight years old still looks fresh, enticing and just a little bit different.The minimalist, Nordic-chic aesthetic gives the XC60 the distinct edge for kerb appeal next to the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 – and now that you can bag this upmarket, tech-rich SUV for as little as £12,000, it starts to look all the more attractive.The show continues once the doors open too. The XC60’s airy cabin is modelled on the flagship XC90’s so it is among the slickest, most comfortable and most technologically advanced in its segment.There are plush leathers, soft materials adorn all the key touchpoints and, while there is a big portrait-oriented touchscreen, it’s supplemented by a useful array of chunky switches and buttons to satisfy your analogue proclivities.All trim levels are well equipped. You can spend around £2000-£3000 more on a range-topping Inscription model, which gets 20in wheels and massage seats, but you won’t feel short-changed by entry-level Momentum, with its all-important heated steering wheel and ‘Thor’s hammer’ LED headlights.If you’re after a more sporting look, then R-Design is your best bet but just be aware of the slightly firmer front seats.Rear accommodation is good, and although the second row doesn’t slide fore and aft, adults will have no trouble getting comfortable in the back. The boot is slightly short of class standards, at 505 litres, but it’s still big enough for several carry-on suitcases and has no lip so is easy to load.Boot capacity drops to 468 litres if you opt for the 401bhp T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid, but it compensates for its reduced cargo capacity with a 27-mile EV range and cheaper tax.It’s no slouch, either: its turbocharged and supercharged (yes, we do mean ‘and’) engine, coupled with an electric motor, allows for a 5.3sec sprint to 60mph.As for the other engines, there’s nothing bigger than 2.0 litres and no more than four cylinders. The 187bhp diesel D4 is smooth and will do around 45mpg day to day, but we would opt for the 232bhp D5, which is punchier and no less economical.It’s better for towing duties too. There’s also the 251bhp T5 petrol, and while it’s quick, you’ll do well to get more than 30mpg.In 2019, Volvo rolled out a range of hybridised engines. There’s the 247bhp B5P and the sprightly 298bhp B6P. The B5P is widely available and costs around £20,000 for a four-year-old example with about 50k-60k miles on the clock.You’ll pay similar money for a younger 197bhp B4D or 232bhp B5D diesel: both are smooth, efficient and pleasant to drive. Volvo also added the T6 Recharge PHEV, which can do an impressive 48 miles on electric power – more than the equivalent X3.A facelift in 2021 helped the XC60 keep pace with its German competitors, when it gained a new front end, upgraded 12.3in Android-based infotainment system and quieter, more comfortable cabin.A tidy post-facelifted car with around 50,000 miles under its belt will set you back something like £25,000, about the same as an equivalent Audi Q5 – and, more importantly, half the price of a near-identical, showroom-fresh XC60.
