So here’s the thing. The XC60 is Volvo’s best-selling SUV pretty much everywhere it’s sold; however, there’s a good chance that it may not be your first choice if you are in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV. It’s just that Volvo in India has never been in the forefront when it comes to absolute luxury and brand value even though the cars itself are very special and competent. The new XC60 is exactly all those thing and more! I would have struggled to say the same for the old XC60 because that car was frankly quite vanilla next to the earlier generations of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The second-gen XC60 though was a revelation even for fans of Volvo. Based on the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture platform, the second generation XC60 made its way here in early 2018 and since then, it has become one of the highest selling models for Volvo India. Fast forward to 2021 and what you are looking at here is the midlife refresh for the second generation XC60 which is now a petrol only SUV although you do get a mild-hybrid system for efficiency. So is the XC60 yet another Volvo that’s quietly impressive and worthy of your money if its design, safety, comfort and value that you are after? Time to find out.

Last month, Volvo launched an updated range of products including the S90 and XC60 facelifts, with prices for both starting at Rs 61.90 lakh (ex-showroom) each. We recently had the opportunity to get up close with the S90, and you can read our opinions about it here. We also spent some time with the XC60 facelift, and here’s what we think about it. In terms of design, the updated Volvo XC90 facelift gets a revised fascia, which now includes a new set of air intakes, a new grille with vertical chrome slats, and the new Volvo emblem, and a new front bumper with a chrome strip running on the lower end. Also on offer are the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps. On either side, the new Volvo XC60 facelift features a new set of 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The model is now available in six colours such as Crystal White Pearl, Osmium Grey, Onyx Black, Denim Blue, Pine Grey, and Fusion Red. Towards the posterior, the refreshed SUV receives LED tail lights, a reworked rear bumper with a chrome insert, a body-coloured rear insert, the signature vertically stacked LED tail lights, an integrated spoiler, a rear wiper and washer, as well as a shark-fin antenna. Get inside the Volvo XC60 facelift and you are greeted by brown Nappa leather upholstery all around. The dashboard is dominated by a large, vertically stacked touchscreen infotainment system that now comes equipped with google services and Volvo Cars app connectivity. The Volvo XC60 is available in a single, fully-loaded variant known as B5 Inscription, which is priced at Rs 61.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The model rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque, and the Lexus NX.