If you’re shopping for a luxury compact SUV, you’re in luck. The market is teeming with prime examples that range from popular models seen everywhere, such as those at your local Whole Foods parking lot, to rare specimens that fly under the radar to untrained eyes. Some shout luxury, some simply whisper it. The Volvo XC60 falls into the latter. Volvo has always exuded a quiet type of grandeur, one emboldened by silence and minimalism. It’s a theme that has served this Swedish brand well during its modern resurgence, thanks to a tidal wave of investment from Geely and its partners. 

New for 2024 is the Black Edition, which adds exactly what the name entails. Black elements adorn both the exterior and interior, from the 21-inch wheels, grill, and badging, to the cabin seats and details. Onyx Black paint gives the XC60 a blacked-out look that is rare for a Volvo. They are typically known for their conservative and minimalistic specs but we have to admit, this dark side is oozing with curb appeal.

Of note, Volvo will stop using the term ‘Recharge’ to name their plug-in hybrid and electric models, now with the wave of new EX- models coming in. So this XC60 Plug-in Hybrid still uses the T8 AWD powertrain, which means a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 143-hp electric motor to produce a grand total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

While its charger doesn’t support fast charging, the battery can be charged at home via Level 1 and 2 chargers. Volvo quotes an electric-only range of 58 km, and our real-world testing yielded 55 km, close to the claim. Acceleration is quick, but its grand output of 455 hp is deceiving, as that’s the combined total travelling to all four wheels via both modes of propulsion, but it doesn’t all hit the ground at once. As such, the XC60 T8 won’t feel as rapid as a Macan Turbo or a GLC 43 AMG. It rides stiffer than the latter two, and doesn’t absorb low- and medium-speed impacts as effectively. Body roll is also heavily apparent, exhibiting significant lean when caressing it through higher-speed bends. This definitely isn’t a sporty or performance-tuned SUV – Polestar Engineered has a whole department tailored for that instead. 

Rather, the XC60 excels at more leisurely paces when the engine can rest and breathe, and while the batteries can take over and work in tandem for maximum efficiency. It’s here that the XC60 feels polished, gentle, and worth the premium, if the badges on the rear don’t already signal that. It wears them like military ribbons. 

The second-generation XC60 has been with us since 2018, but its interior design has successfully stood the test of time and held its own in a changing landscape. Even now, it appears fresh and modern with its minimalist cues and uncluttered surfaces. The thick leather steering wheel is soft and plush under our grasp, and we appreciate its ergonomics as we click through the glossy button panels. The centrally mounted touchscreen is large and easy to use, thanks to its Android interface and Google-based functionality. You can use it just as you would a Google Home device to change any of the car’s parameters. 

The center console is ideally shaped and contoured for maximum storage. There’s even a slidable cover to hide your goods should you be wary of thieves peering through the glass. And speaking of which, the cherry on top: the Orrefors crystal shifter, a subtle nod to its Swedish origins and a more successful play at luxury garnish than the somewhat pretentious glass switchgear in the BMW iX. 

It’s understandable to overlook the Volvo in comparison to its German counterparts, all of which offer somewhat more brand prestige and performance for their stated price. However, the XC60 excels in both ergonomics and functionality, and has aged well in both its exterior and interior design. We expect a fully electric variant to be launched soon after the EX90 and EX30 finally reach customers, but for now, the XC60 continues to chug along as an enticing yet often overlooked alternative in the luxury SUV space.

Specifications:

Model: 2024 Volvo XC60 Black Edition T8 AWD
Paint Type: Onyx Black
Base Price: $83,950
Price as Tested: $83,950
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,708 / 1,902 / 1,651
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 455 combined hp
Torque: 523 combined lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, Electric motors, AWD
Claimed Electric-only Range: 58 km