New grille the most obvious styling change, cabin gets a new screen for faster infotainment action.

EIGHT years on from initial release, Volvo’s stalwart XC60 has gained a significant freshen-up, which New Zealand can expect to see in the second half of this year.

In announcing the likely arrival timing for the enhanced car, Volvo New Zealand has yet to spell out what variants it is considering and whether price revisions are also incoming.

It currently provisions solely as a plug-in hybrid, with a 2.-litre petrol engine married to two electric motors, starting from $119,900.

That drivetrain genre has become much less favoured by New Zealand car buyers since last April, when that drivetrain technology attracted Road User Charges.

Also still unclear is how much longer the XC60 has to go in its production life. Volvo has previously indicated it will remain on sale only while it continues development of an all-new all-electric successor, called the EX60.

At present, they seem happy enough to keep it in stock, for for good reason. The XC60 has been a big seller for a marque that, now it is in the hands of Geely, is a Sino-Swede. Total cumulative sales since 2017 have passed the 1.5 million mark.

The latest refresh follows a tidy up in 2022 and delivers a new styling signature. The cross-cross design of the radiator grille is a touch shared with the recently updated XC90. The bodywork is otherwise untouched, but there are also two new colours, new alloy wheel options, darkened rear light lenses.

The big revision within the cabin is the addition of a 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, essentially the same one as now used in the XC90. Whereas the previous XC60’s touchscreen was inset into the dashboard, the new one stands proud of the dash and slightly extends above the top of the dashboard.

As with other Volvo models, it’s based on Google operating software and has the likes of Google Maps and the Google Play Store built-in. According to Volvo, the pixel density is increased by 21 percent, resulting in an even crisper display. Adoption of next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies makes this infotainment system more than twice as fast as the outgoing system, with 10 times faster graphics generation.

The update also introduces air purification technology, it gets an improved wireless phone charger and there are some new interior trim choices.

Locally-provided comment attributed to a Volvo NZ spokesperson said: “We look forward to welcoming the new generation XC60 to New Zealand in the second half of 2025. Our mid-size SUV continues to be a favourite amongst Volvo drivers, and we’re excited to introduce its improvements across design and tech to New Zealand drivers everywhere.”