While you consider a generic Volvo, your thoughts most likely conjures up photos of the delightfully boxy 240 sedan and wagon. It is smart. The 240 was on sale from 1974 to 1993, and in that point, over 2.6 million of them have been bought. That made it the best-selling Volvo ever — a distinction it held till very just lately. Now, when you concentrate on Volvo, it’s best to most likely take into consideration the XC60.
That is proper. With greater than 2.7 million automobiles bought the world over, the XC60 crossover has changed the 240 as Volvo’s best-selling mannequin ever. On sale since 2008, the XC60 shortly turned the Swedish model’s hottest mannequin, giving consumers an fascinating various to German crossovers just like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
Up to now, there have been two generations of the XC60. The primary was on sale from the 2009 mannequin yr till 2017, and the second has been kicking ass with regards to gross sales for the reason that 2018 mannequin yr. At the moment within the U.S., Volvo affords the automotive in each gentle and plug-in hybrid flavors. The mild-hybrid B5 will set you again $48,345, together with vacation spot, to begin. The extra highly effective and extra environment friendly PHEV XC60 T8 begins at $59,345. Although it’s going to technically be a distinct mannequin, Volvo did only in the near past tease a brand new all-electric EX60 that’ll function an EV various to the XC60. If gasoline energy continues to be your factor, don’t be concerned. Volvo says it has refreshed the XC60 for the 2026 mannequin yr in an effort to maintain it aggressive with newer opponents. Volvo loves an extended life cycle, and the XC60 is not any completely different.
An ideal household automotive
In a press launch asserting the XC60’s achievement, Volvo accurately asserted that it’s the pure successor to the 240. I imply, it makes loads of sense. When that automotive was on sale, sedans and wagons have been the clear alternative for many households around the globe, however that world has modified. Sedans and wagons have just about fallen by the wayside. Of their place, we discover crossovers just like the XC60.
“Rising up in Sweden within the Eighties, the Volvo 240 was the enduring household automotive – you could possibly spot one in nearly each driveway. Right this moment the XC60 has taken over that place in two methods. Not solely because the household favorite, but in addition changing into our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the final word proof level of a profitable automotive,” Susanne Hägglund, Volvo’s head of World Provide, stated in a press release.
Just like the 240, the XC60 can be designed with security in thoughts. The 240’s security options like crumple zones, a bolstered passenger compartment, a side-impact safety system and a built-in baby booster seat, have been cutting-edge for the time. The XC60 got here jam-packed with forward-thinking security options from the bounce. When it was launched in 2008, it got here with the world’s first commonplace low-speed automated emergency braking system. We take stuff like that with no consideration lately.
Take a bow, Volvo 240. Your domination lasted for many years, however it is time to transfer over for Volvo’s new king of gross sales: the XC60.