Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

2019 Volvo XC60 review - design

It’s a premium mid-sized SUV, so unsurprisingly popular, but is Volvo’s XC60 actually any good?

Evo rating
RRP
from £43,845
  • Solid, comfortable, safe and sophisticated, executed with a Swedish flair that now defines modern Volvos
  • Only really advisable as a cruiser; it just gets worse the sportier you spec it

Design

Contrary to many rivals, Volvo’s on a bit of a design roll at the moment, and the XC60 is no exception, with a cool, clean aesthetic that looks expensive yet not intimidating. The clean surfaces are driven by a subtle curvature lacking in the bigger XC90. Its shared platform with the 90 also drives the 60’s chunky, almost cartoonish proportions, with a relatively long bonnet and large wheels in proportion to the overall footprint.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Pretty much all models look good though, and whether on small wheels and with simple body styling, or the biggest 22-inch wheel option and sporty body styling, it always looks right. Compared to the dull German competition, this is a revelation, and the XC60 has no problem living up to the strong price points of the higher-end models.

Those top-spec Polestar Engineered variants pick up a bespoke wheel design, gold brake calipers, black design elements and a unique grille. Although the effect is subtle, it’s just about distinctive enough to make it feel special, even if that’s not something that can be said for the driving experience.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Aston Martin DB12 S review – Forget Bentley, Ferrari should be worried
Aston Martin DB12 S front
Reviews

New Aston Martin DB12 S review – Forget Bentley, Ferrari should be worried

Comprehensive dynamic upgrades not only make the new Aston Martin DB12 S a better GT car, but it’s now a far better performance car, too
6 May 2026
The £48k VW Golf GTI Edition 50 is Pagani quick around the Nürburgring
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50
News

The £48k VW Golf GTI Edition 50 is Pagani quick around the Nürburgring

Volkswagen let the Mk8 Golf GTI off its leash with the hardcore, track-honed Edition 50, and its new Nürburgring lap time proves just how effective th…
7 May 2026
This unseen Slovenian tech is about to change cars forever, and I've already tried it
In-wheel motors
Features

This unseen Slovenian tech is about to change cars forever, and I've already tried it

In-wheel motors promise a revolution in vehicle dynamics, offering lightning-fast control and superior grip for performance hybrids and EVs. I put it …
6 May 2026