You might be somewhat surprised to learn that the Volvo XC60 is actually the best-selling premium SUV in its class in Ireland, outstripping the likes of the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5 so far this year. Well, Volvo Ireland is now looking to underline that success with a round of updates and improvements to the XC60.
New grille and bumpers
On the outside, there is a new grille, new front bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs and new paint colours, all of which are grey or silver (rather disappointingly...) - Platinum Grey, Silver Dawn and Thunder Grey.
Inside, there's quite a profound change, with a new operating system for the big upright touchscreen infotainment setup. The software is a collaboration between Volvo and Google and is similar to the system used in the all-electric Polestar 2 (Polestar being Volvo's spinoff electric and high-performance brand).
Android-based infotainment
The infotainment has, as part of its native software, access to Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice recognition and the Google Play Store for installing a wide range of apps for in-car use.
There's also now wireless smartphone charging and four USB connections. The XC60 now has an updated 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which gets new graphics.
Mild-hybrid diesel or plug-in hybrid petrol engines
The engine lineup is carried over, so you get the B4 and B5 mild-hybrid diesels, with either 197hp or 249hp, or two plug-in hybrid models, badged T6 Recharge or T8 Recharge, which offer a choice of 340hp or 405hp, and an all-electric range of up to 53km from an 11kWh battery.
Prices for the updated XC60 start from €55,950, and there's an offer at the moment of a 'Lounge Pack', for €1,299, which includes four-zone electronic climate control, a sunroof, a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, and air quality system. Volvo Ireland is also offering a 2.9 per cent APR finance package.