The Volvo XC60 is set to arrive in India with its second facelift on August 1, 2025, bringing subtle design updates, improved tech features, and an upgraded interior, all while retaining the core of what has made this SUV a popular premium mid-size choice. Volvo’s focus with this refresh seems to be less about reinvention and more about refinement – maintaining the XC60’s Scandinavian identity while ensuring it keeps pace with rapidly evolving luxury SUV standards.
Let’s take a closer look at what this new version offers and how it fits into the Indian automotive landscape.
Launch Timeline & Pricing at a Glance
- Launch Timeline
The Volvo XC60 facelift is officially set to go on sale in India on 1 August 2025 - Pricing (Ex‑Showroom, India)
Current base price of the XC60 B5 Ultimate is approximately ₹70.75 lakh
The facelift model is expected to be priced slightly higher, with an estimated range of ₹72.50–74.00 lakh
Exterior Styling: Familiar Elegance With a Modern Twist
The Volvo XC60 facelift introduces a cleaner, more streamlined design language. At the front, a newly designed grille with diagonal slats replaces the older vertical-slat design, lending the SUV a sharper and more contemporary face. This updated aesthetic mirrors the changes seen in Volvo’s larger XC90, promoting brand consistency across the range.
Other design enhancements include reprofiled bumpers and smoked rear tail lamps that offer a slightly sportier look. A fresh set of dual-tone alloy wheels complements the profile, and while global variants offer new paint shades like Forest Lake and Mulberry Red, it remains to be seen which color options will reach the Indian market.
Interior & Comfort: Tech-Forward Luxury
Step inside, and the most noticeable change is the larger 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen, which offers 21% higher pixel density and a snappier interface courtesy of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. It’s an upgraded digital experience that integrates Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store natively, rather than through smartphone projection.
Volvo elevates the tactile charm with refined cabin materials—think Quilted Nordico upholstery, Navy Herringbone trim, and upgraded speaker mesh. Comfort is prioritized via amenities such as four-zone climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a crisp digital instrument cluster, 360° cameras, and refined noise insulation
Powertrain and Performance: No Surprises, Just Consistency
Under the hood, the Volvo XC60 facelift doesn’t introduce new mechanical components, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. The SUV retains its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology, delivering a refined 247 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the powertrain offers a smooth, balanced driving experience that aligns with Volvo XC60’s comfort-first philosophy.
While some enthusiasts may wish for a plug-in hybrid option in India, Volvo XC60 appears content to offer a single, well-rounded powertrain here. That decision likely reflects the current market demand and infrastructure limitations for hybrids and EVs.
The Digital Shift: Embracing Google and Over-the-Air Updates
One of the most significant behind-the-scenes changes to the Volvo XC60 lies in its digital DNA. Volvo’s infotainment platform now runs on Android Automotive OS (AAOS), a deeply integrated system developed in partnership with Google. Unlike traditional Android Auto or Apple Car Play, AAOS runs natively on the car’s hardware, offering users a more immersive and responsive experience.
Volvo XC60 has committed to over-the-air (OTA) updates for its infotainment software, much like Tesla’s model. This allows for ongoing improvements without requiring dealership visits. However, while the ambition is strong, execution has been mixed. Some global users have reported delays in receiving updates, system lags, or a dependency on strong network connectivity to function optimally.
Real-World Experience: The Double-Edged Sword of a Digital Dashboard
The shift to Android Automotive has been met with both praise and criticism. On the plus side, the Google ecosystem offers intuitive navigation, voice commands, and access to apps directly from the dashboard. For many users, the experience feels like a seamless extension of their smartphone life.
However, others point out a few drawbacks. Touchscreen-only interfaces mean fewer physical controls, which can be less ergonomic when driving. Some drivers have also reported sluggish profile switching when multiple key fobs are in use or inconsistencies in voice assistant performance. While newer models appear to perform better with the updated hardware, the transition has not been without hiccups, especially for earlier adopters.
Safety & Digital Impact: Keeping Volvo’s Reputation Intact
Despite mixed tech experiences, Volvo XC60 remains unmatched in the safety domain. The facelift retains standard City Safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Improvements such as laminated acoustic glass and refined insulation make the cabin not just safer but significantly quieter From a data and privacy standpoint, Volvo provides four years of complimentary Google built-in services in India—with subscription required thereafter. These services are transferable to a future owner, offering continuity in ownership plans while fostering recurring cost awareness
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Volvo XC60 facelift is less about reinvention and more about quiet evolution. It builds on a solid platform with thoughtful upgrades that enhance the user experience, particularly in terms of infotainment, design, and comfort. For Indian buyers looking for a tech-savvy, safe, and elegant luxury SUV, the XC60 continues to be a compelling option.
While it’s not without its imperfections — particularly in the digital UX department — Volvo’s direction is clear: smarter, safer, and more connected vehicles are the way forward. The XC60 is a fine example of that vision in action.