Volvo's XC60 SUV Model Surpasses Previous Sales Records, Emerging as the Brand's Best-Selling Vehicle Ever
The Volvo XC60, a key model in Volvo's lineup, has achieved remarkable success as the Swedish automaker's best-selling vehicle. This luxury compact SUV, which first rolled off the production line in 2008, has surpassed the iconic Volvo 240, a car produced between 1974 and 1993, to claim this prestigious title.
The first-generation XC60, launched in 2008, was designed to fill the niche between the smaller XC40 and the larger XC90 SUVs. It quickly gained recognition for its emphasis on safety, a core Volvo value, with numerous safety innovations including City Safety autonomous braking technology. The XC60 offered a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains throughout its lifecycle, gradually incorporating more efficient and electrified options.
Praised for its Scandinavian design, comfort, and versatility, the XC60 helped Volvo penetrate the highly competitive compact luxury SUV market. This success continued with the introduction of the second-generation XC60 in 2017, which built on the first generation's success. Based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the second-generation XC60 offers enhanced safety features, improved driving dynamics, and the ability to incorporate electrified powertrains.
Notably, the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered model became available from 2020, combining a 4-cylinder 1969 cc plug-in hybrid engine with 415 PS and all-wheel drive, highlighting Volvo’s push toward performance and electrification.
The Volvo XC60's success as Volvo’s top-selling model globally is a testament to its well-rounded package and adaptability to changing automotive trends. Its combination of advanced safety technology, attractive design, and versatile powertrains has made it highly popular, particularly in Europe, North America, and China.
Susanne Hägglund of Volvo Cars stated, "The XC60 has taken over the position of the Volvo 240 as the family favourite and the top-selling vehicle for Volvo." The Volvo 240, a classic saloon and estate car, remains one of Volvo's most recognizable products, particularly during the 1980s in Sweden. However, the XC60's pioneering role in safety technology and its embrace of electrification have propelled it to new heights.
The XC60's latest updates include a refreshed exterior design and an improved infotainment system, ensuring it remains competitive amid growing demand for electrified vehicles. These updates, according to Susanne Hägglund, make the XC60 even better.
The original XC60 was the first Volvo built for the local market in China, following the purchase of the Volvo brand by the Chinese Geely conglomerate in 2010. The XC60 shares a platform with the second-generation Land Rover Freelander, with engine and drivetrain components common to both vehicles.
The XC60's success serves as a reminder of the trends in the new car market, with luxury SUVs surpassing traditional saloon and estate cars. As Volvo continues to innovate and push the boundaries of safety and electrification, the XC60 is poised to maintain its position as the brand's flagship model.
[1] Sources: Volvo Cars, Automotive News Europe, Car and Driver.
- Volvo's best-selling vehicle, the XC60, first entered production as a luxury compact SUV in 2008, surpassing the Volvo 240, a saloon and estate car produced between 1974 and 1993.
- Initially designed to fill the gap between the XC40 and XC90 SUVs, the XC60 quickly gained recognition for its safety features, such as City Safety autonomous braking technology.
- Throughout its lifecycle, the XC60 offered various powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, gradually incorporating more efficient and electrified powertrains.
- The XC60's success in the global market is attributed to its well-rounded package, featuring advanced safety technology, Scandinavian design, comfort, versatility, and attractive pricing.
- The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered model, introduced in 2020, showcases Volvo's push toward performance and electrification, featuring a 4-cylinder 1969 cc plug-in hybrid engine and all-wheel drive.
- The XC60's latest updates include a refreshed exterior design and an improved infotainment system, catering to growing demand for electrified vehicles.
- Built for the local market in China following the purchase of Volvo by the Chinese Geely conglomerate in 2010, the XC60 shares a platform with the second-generation Land Rover Freelander, demonstrating the trends in the new car market, where luxury SUVs are surpassing traditional saloon and estate cars.
