Last updates to the XC60 has been approved for South Africa from the first half of 2027.
Latest updates to the XC60 comes after an initial facelift in February last year. Picture: Volvo
Its most recent update having taken place in February last year, Volvo has given the now nine-year-old second-generation XC60 its third refresh ahead of sales in South Africa starting next year.
Long Range PHEV
Following revisions applied to the XC40, the XC60’s main update involves a longer range all-electric for the plug-in hybrid models (PHEV), as well as more exterior and interior revisions.
Now powered by a streamlined powertrain range spanning two engine options, the biggest arrival is the new T6 in place of the previous mild-hybrid B6.
While it and the flagship T8 still use the 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine as the combustion option, the unit in the T6 outputs 132kW/280Nm.
New, though, is the size of the battery pack at 41.2kWh versus the previous 18.1kWh. At the same time, the electric motor has also been updated, resulting in the electric hardware now developing 130kW compared to 107kW. Torque is unchanged at 309Nm.
Combined with the combustion engine, the T6 produces a combined 262kW, which results in a claimed all-electric range of 200km.
While drive is still routed to all four wheels through the eight-speed Geartronic transmission, the drivetrain now supports DC charging for the time,
Accordingly, the T6 will get from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 180km/h.
Stepping up to the T8, the same size battery and new electric motor feature, though with increased outputs of 184kW/360Nm from the petrol engine.
The combined output is 340kW, the same as before, but with an EV-only range of 189km instead of 81km. Top speed is still limited to 180 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking 4.8 seconds.
Staying steady is the mild-hybrid B5, whose 48-volt system adds 10kW/40Nm to the 2.0-litre Drive-E for short spells.
Without it, the B5 output an unchanged 183kW/350Nm, which goes to all four wheels through the eight-speed transmission. Offsetting the 180km/h top speed is a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds.
New outside
Externally, the XC60 builds the changes applied last year by gaining a new bumper and grille, restyled Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, a new bonnet and front wings, and redesigned alloy wheel options.
At the rear, the bumper has been altered, along with the tailgate and design of the LED light clusters.
Limited changes inside
Inside, the 11.2-inch infotainment system remains. However, Volvo has changed the dashboard and door panels, while also further upgrading the materials and trim finishes.
Similar to the XC60, the Lane Change Assist system is said to have been improved, along with the 360-degree surround-view camera system.
Arriving next year
Currently spanning eight models over two engine options priced from R1 058 400 to R1 530 700, Volvo Car South Africa is only expected to confirming pricing next year.
As mentioned, Gothenburg has approved a local market launch in the first of 2027.
