The Volvo XC60 has officially taken the crown as the best-selling model in the company’s history, passing the long-reigning Volvo 240 with more than 2.7 million units sold since 2008. This remarkable achievement marks a significant shift in automotive preferences and demonstrates how the mid-size SUV has transformed from a niche offering into a global phenomenon that redefined what it means to be a family vehicle.
A Historic Milestone in Swedish Automotive Excellence
The Volvo 240, discontinued in 1993, sold about 2.68 million examples during its production run from 1974 to 1993. The XC60’s achievement is particularly impressive given that it accomplished this feat in just 17 years compared to the 240’s 19-year production span. This milestone represents more than just numbers – it symbolizes a fundamental shift in consumer preferences from traditional estate cars to versatile SUVs.
Reflecting on the milestone, Susanne Hägglund, head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars, 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, becoming our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the ultimate proof point of a successful car.”
The Journey from Concept to Crown
Early Beginnings and Market Introduction
The Volvo XC60 debuted in 2008, about a year after the Swedish company unveiled the concept car at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Initially positioned as Volvo’s second SUV after the larger XC90, the XC60 joined the company’s 60 Series lineup, which includes the S60 sedan and V60 wagon variants.
Initially manufactured only in Europe, it later became the first global Volvo model produced in China to support local sales. This strategic global manufacturing approach proved crucial to the vehicle’s international success and accessibility across diverse markets.
Second-Generation Success and Recognition
Volvo continued to lead the segment with the introduction of the second-generation model in 2017, which became the World Car of the Year the following year. This prestigious award validated the XC60’s design excellence, safety innovations, and overall appeal to automotive journalists and consumers worldwide.
The second generation introduced several groundbreaking safety features that would become industry standards. The car introduced Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which would detect if the car was veering into oncoming traffic and steer it back.
Electrification Leadership and Environmental Impact
Pioneering Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Drawing from the XC90, the second-gen XC60 also brought plug-in hybrid technology to the segment; in fact, even eight years after its launch, it still managed to become the best-selling PHEV in Europe last year. This achievement demonstrates the vehicle’s staying power and adaptability to changing market demands for electrified transportation.
Volvo says that the latest XC60 PHEV provides a bridge to customers still not ready to drive a full EV, offering full electric driving with the fallback of a combustion engine. And the company adds that to date, around half of the distance driven by its latest PHEVs globally was done using electric power alone.
Environmental Commitment
The XC60’s success aligns with Volvo’s broader environmental goals. The plug-in hybrid variants serve as a crucial stepping stone for consumers transitioning to fully electric vehicles, supporting the company’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2040.
2026 Model Year: Continuing Evolution
Design and Technology Refresh
The refreshed XC60 comes equipped with Volvo Cars’ new-generation, new-look user experience, designed to be a safe and enjoyable way to interact with the car’s central infotainment screen, more focused and personalised than its predecessor, with several Google services built-in.
A larger 11.2-inch, free-standing central touchscreen further enhances the experience in the XC60, opening a world of new features, apps and over-the-air updates. The pixel density is increased by 21 per cent, resulting in an even crisper display.
Performance and Efficiency
Thanks to the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, the infotainment system with Google built-in is more than twice as fast as the outgoing system, with ten times faster graphics generation.
Powertrain Options
The 2026 XC60 continues to offer versatile powertrain options to meet diverse customer needs:
| Variant | Engine | Power Output | Fuel Economy | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 Mild Hybrid | 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl + 48V system | 247 hp / 266 lb-ft | 23/30 mpg city/highway | Standard AWD, 8-speed automatic |
| T8 Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L Turbo + Electric Motor | 455 hp / 523 lb-ft | 63 MPGe, 36-mile electric range | Dual-motor AWD, 560-mile total range |
Safety Heritage and Innovation
Building on Volvo’s Safety Legacy
While the 240 was known for introducing crash safety innovations in the 1970s, like reinforced passenger compartments and side-impact protection, the XC60 has built on that legacy with systems like City Safety (automatic braking at speeds up to 30 km/h) and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which can steer the car away from a head-on collision.
Modern Safety Technologies
The current XC60 incorporates advanced driver assistance systems that represent the evolution of Volvo’s safety-first philosophy. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alert systems that actively work to prevent accidents before they occur.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Redefining Family Transportation
The popularity of the XC60 also reflects how much the family car has evolved. Buyers who grew up in the back seats of Volvo 240s are now choosing the XC60 for their kids, favouring SUVs over estates. This generational shift represents a broader automotive trend toward higher-riding, more versatile vehicles.
Global Manufacturing and Accessibility
The XC60’s success stems partly from Volvo’s strategic decision to manufacture the vehicle both in Europe and China, making it more accessible to global markets while maintaining quality standards. This approach has enabled competitive pricing and faster delivery times across different regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long did it take the XC60 to become Volvo’s bestseller? A: The XC60 achieved over 2.7 million sales in just 17 years since its 2008 launch, compared to the Volvo 240’s 2.68 million sales over 19 years of production.
Q: What makes the 2026 XC60 different from previous models? A: The 2026 model features a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, faster infotainment system with Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, updated exterior styling, and improved interior materials.
Q: Is the XC60 available as a plug-in hybrid? A: Yes, the T8 plug-in hybrid variant offers 455 horsepower, 36 miles of electric range, and 63 MPGe efficiency, making it Europe’s best-selling PHEV.
