Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC60 D5 SE Lux Auto

Shapely newcomer brings a dash of new style to the class.

He Q5 isn’t the only newcomer in the premium compact SUV class – the Volvo XC60 also aims to make an impression in the sector.

The Swedish model has stayed true to the original concept, which was revealed at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show. As a result, the production version is a real head-turner.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With its swept-back lamp clusters, shapely profile and high-stacked rear lights, it drew admiring glances on our test route, while the Audi passed by virtually unnoticed.

Inside, you get a typical Volvo cabin, with big, comfortable seats and a simple, modern layout. The ‘floating’ centre console dominates the dashboard, while white backlighting gives the dials a smart look.

Get behind the wheel, and you won’t enjoy the range of adjustment offered in the Q5, but the soft seats are very comfortable. It’s a similar story in the back. The XC60 has a shorter wheelbase than the Audi, but legroom is a close match and a flatter transmission tunnel means the middle chair is more accommodating. The rear seats split fold 60:40 – but they don’t slide – while the boot is wider and longer than the Q5’s. Other neat touches include illuminated door kick plates and a built-in child booster seat.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

45,539 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £17,697
View Golf
ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

29,650 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £17,397
View ID.3
Sportage

2023 Kia

Sportage

46,172 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,597
View Sportage
Discovery Sport

2021 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

61,307 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,297
View Discovery Sport

Unfortunately, the driving experience doesn’t impress as much as the cabin. The XC60’s chassis feels rigid and unwieldy, and it lacks the Audi’s body control and agility. It rolls more when cornering, and there’s greater weight transfer as you change direction.

Combined with the numb steering, this means the Volvo doesn’t inspire the confidence of its German rival on twisty roads. The suspension’s ample travel doesn’t stop nasty crashes entering the cabin, either, and on bumpy tarmac the XC60’s ride is unsettled. Even on the motorway, expansion joints can upset the otherwise impressive cruising refinement.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The combination of five-cylinder D5 diesel and optional Geartronic auto doesn’t gel, either. Despite having six ratios, the box searches for gears too readily, and has the annoying habit of shifting up as you lift off the accelerator. Manual mode gives you more control, but the changes don’t have the speed and accuracy of the S tronic gearbox that is offered with the Q5. And while the D5’s five-cylinder engine note
is unique, it’s gruff under load.

Despite a 50Nm advantage over the Audi, the XC60 doesn’t have the performance to match the Q5. This is largely due to the extra 97kg it carries, which certainly contributes to the car’s poor dynamics.

As you would expect, the Volvo is packed with safety features, and it feels solid and substantial. Hill descent control is standard, but the XC60 isn’t an accomplished off-roader like the Land Rover. Crucially, it isn’t as refined or relaxing as the British contender, either. Given that it falls short of the Audi for comfort and involvement on the tarmac, its impressive style, quality and design might not be enough to take victory.

Details

Model tested: Volvo XC60 D5 SE Lux Auto
Chart position: 3
WHY: Volvo’s small SUV aims to build on the XC90’s reputation for quality, safety and style.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,825 off RRP*Used from £8,910
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025