Swedish best-seller updated: 2026 Volvo XC60 facelift revealed to rival Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead of anticipated EX60 launch

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After eight years of production and one prior facelift in 2021, Volvo has once again saddled up its dependable XC60 SUV for another stint in Aussie showrooms. 

Rather than building a new, ground-up XC60, Volvo has chosen to revise its best selling mid-sizer that first went on sale globally in 2017. The XC60 facelift is in dealers now. 

The upcoming facelift aims to keep the XC60 competitive against premium mid-size SUV rivals, primarily the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mazda CX-60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and more.

Volvo XC60 pricing is up across the range, with the entry-level XC60 Plus B5 Bright now $1000 dearer, at $74,990. All prices are before on-road costs. 

The range stays the same, with the B5 Dark sitting above (now $81,990), followed by the plug-in hybrid XC60 Plus T8 Dark ($92,990) and the Ultra T8 PHEV at the top of the tree for $101,990. 

The freshly released facelift of the Volvo XC60 features new front and rear bumper bars, new wheel options, a new grille akin to the XC90 facelift, along with electric EX60 and EX90 models, and three new colours: Forest Lake (a heavily muted green), Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red.

Inside, the XC60 gains new cupholders and an upsized 11.2-inch infotainment screen (previously 9.0 inches) which promises faster processing and better graphics. 

That’s thanks to a new Snapdragon processor with built in Google services, which Volvo claims will benefit further from over the air updates.

The XC60 will continue to offer a choice of plugless or plug-in hybrid drivetrains:

B5-badged models make use of a 48-volt mild hybrid system coupled with a 183kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic. Combined fuel economy is 7.6L/100km.

The plug-in hybrid T8 XC60s utilise a more powerful four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, eight-speed gearbox, and electric motor mounted to the rear axle. 

The T8’s combined system output is 340kW/709Nm for an impressive 1.6L/100km.

All models of XC60 make use of a full-time all-wheel drive system, which sends power to the wheel with the most traction in slippery conditions. The system is also capable of powering just two wheels to improve fuel economy.

Keen-eyed readers will note that this second-generation XC60 has already undergone one makeover in 2021. The main changes were to the infotainment system and various cosmetics. 

But what about the all-electric EX60? While Volvo Australia’s intention was to sell 100 percent electric cars by 2026, last year its EV share made it just over a quarter and this year’s figures remain consistent with 2024’s. 

As such, Volvo has decided to roll back that commitment, in the process rolling out second facelifts for popular models, including first the XC90 large SUV and now the XC60. 

An all-electric EX60 is still expected to launch late next year using the brand’s SPA3 modular architecture, likely with 800-volt electronics and a wealth of Geely-derived tech. 

2026 Volvo XC60 facelift pricing

Prices listed are before on-road costs

• XC60 Plus B5 Bright – $74,990 (up $1000)
• XC60 Ultra B5 Dark – $81,990 (up $1000)
• XC60 Plus T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark – $92,990 (up $600)
• XC60 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark – $101,990 (up $600)