The Volvo XC60 is about to get a fresh coat of Swedish restraint. The 2025 facelift, the second round of updates for the current generation, arrives in India on August 1, and while it won't shout about it, there are just enough tweaks to keep things interesting.
Mild updates, mildly interesting
The India-spec XC60 facelift looks almost identical to the outgoing car, but keen eyes will spot the new diagonally slatted grille, redesigned bumper vents, and a subtle smoky tint on the tail-lights. The wheels are new too, with a more intricate multi-spoke dual-tone design that appears to be aimed at people who regularly notice wheel design.
Three new international colour options, Forest Lake, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red—may or may not arrive here. Volvo hasn't said, which is very Volvo. The existing six shades remain for now, including safe choices like Crystal White and Onyx Black, and more adventurous hues like Bright Dusk and Vapour Grey.
Inside, it's all screen.
Inside, the biggest change is the 11.2-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen. It now runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, which Volvo claims is twice as fast as before and has better image quality. That sounds great, although the previous screen didn't feel slow unless you were particularly impatient.
Speaker grilles now wear a new mesh pattern, which probably won't change your life but is still worth noting.
Same powertrain, steady as always
Under the bonnet, the XC60 facelift is expected to continue with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, delivering 250bhp and 360Nm. That's paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive. Volvo calls this the B5 AWD Mild Hybrid, and it's not here to set your hair on fire—it's here to get you to the office and back without fuss.
Acceleration should be brisk enough, cruising will remain serene, and the whole thing should feel exactly as Swedish luxury should: unfussy, smooth, and very well-behaved.
Expected price and rivals
The current XC60 is priced at ₹70.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelift will likely nudge that price upward slightly, staying just under the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC (from ₹78.30 lakh) and BMW X3 (from ₹75.80 lakh), while still brushing shoulders with the Audi Q5 (from ₹68 lakh).
So, what should you expect on August 1? A quiet evolution. Not a revolution. The XC60 remains the sort of SUV that doesn't need to shout to be heard. It just gets on with it, and now does so with a better screen.
