by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 05/20/2024
As ever, the 2024 Volvo XC60 maintains its esteemed reputation as a paragon of style, safety, and comfort in the luxury SUV segment. Seamlessly blending Swedish elegance with cutting-edge technology, the XC60 receives notable updates this year, including revamped powertrains and refined interior features, ensuring it stays competitive in the bustling midsize luxury SUV market.
Volvo’s hallmark design ethos is unmistakably present in the XC60’s sleek, minimalist exterior and opulent interior. The cabin is a testament to Swedish craftsmanship, featuring premium materials like leather, wood, and metal accents that exude sophistication. Renowned for their comfort, the seats make long drives a pleasure, while the user-friendly layout and large central touchscreen—integrating Google services like Maps and Assistant—offer a seamless and intuitive user experience.
While luxurious, some critiques highlight that storage space could be better optimized, with the interior feeling slightly more compact than competitors like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Nevertheless, the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, making the XC60 a practical choice for passenger transport. Unique touches such as built-in booster seats for children underscore its family-friendly design.
The 2024 XC60 offers two primary powertrains. The base B5 model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup ensures smooth acceleration and is expected to achieve 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The mild-hybrid system enhances fuel efficiency and smoothens the start-stop function, making urban driving more enjoyable.
For those desiring more power and efficiency, the Recharge model combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and offers an all-electric range of up to 36 miles, ideal for daily commutes and short trips. The Polestar Engineered variant, while not increasing horsepower, includes performance enhancements such as Ohlins dampers and larger brakes, making it the most exhilarating option in the lineup.
The XC60 excels in delivering comfort, particularly on long journeys. Its suspension is adept at absorbing road imperfections, though larger wheels may slightly compromise ride quality on rougher surfaces. The B5 model offers a refined driving experience with smooth power delivery and quiet operation at city speeds, though it may feel somewhat underpowered when fully loaded or climbing steep inclines.
The Recharge model shines with its powerful and responsive electric motor, providing brisk acceleration and the convenience of electric-only driving for many daily needs. However, its heavier battery pack slightly reduces cargo space compared to the B5 model.
Volvo’s commitment to safety is unwavering, with the XC60 equipped with an extensive suite of advanced safety features. Standard offerings include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add features like a 360-degree camera system and Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving mode that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capabilities.
The infotainment system, now fully integrated with Google services, stands out for its intuitiveness and responsiveness. Crisp graphics and straightforward navigation enhance the user experience, while over-the-air updates ensure the software remains up-to-date and can accommodate new features and improvements.
The XC60 offers decent cargo space, with 483 liters behind the rear seats and 1,430 liters with folded seats. Though slightly less than some rivals, the flat floor and useful storage nets enhance practicality. Rear seat comfort is a highlight, with ample space for adults and children. Features such as rear climate controls and multiple USB-C ports ensure passengers remain comfortable and entertained on longer journeys.
Available in several trims—Core, Plus, and Ultimate for the B5 model, with an additional Polestar Engineered trim for the Recharge model—the 2024 XC60 starts at around $47,845 for the base B5 Core and can exceed $76,545 for the fully loaded Recharge Polestar Engineered. Each trim offers a range of standard and optional features, allowing buyers to tailor the XC60 to their preferences and budget.
While it may not be the sportiest SUV in its class, the 2024 Volvo XC60 excels in providing a refined, relaxing ride, making it ideal for families and long-distance travelers. The plug-in hybrid Recharge model adds versatility with its powerful performance and electric driving capability, catering to those seeking a greener option without sacrificing luxury or convenience.
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