With global sales exceeding 2.7 million units, the Volvo XC60 has officially overtaken the legendary Volvo 240 to become the highest-selling model in the Swedish carmaker’s history.
Since its launch in 2008, this mid-size SUV has maintained widespread appeal among drivers who prioritize safety, comfort, and a premium experience behind the wheel. Initially manufactured solely in Europe, the XC60 later marked a milestone as the first Volvo produced in both Europe and China, supporting its growth in key international markets. Its global recognition was cemented in 2018 when it earned the title of World Car of the Year.
In recent years, the XC60 has led the charge in plug-in hybrid adoption, emerging as Europe’s top-selling PHEV last year. This underscores its significance not just in Volvo’s lineup, but in the broader shift towards electrified mobility.
“Growing up in 1980s Sweden, the Volvo 240 was the quintessential family car—it was everywhere,” recalls Susanne Hägglund, Volvo Cars’ Head of Global Offer. “Today, the XC60 has inherited that legacy—not only as a family favourite but now as our best-selling model of all time, which speaks volumes about its success.”
The XC60 stands out as a go-to SUV for families, merging modern safety innovations with practical Scandinavian design. Its popularity underscores Volvo’s longstanding reputation for creating dependable family vehicles.
Where the Volvo 240 once reigned as the estate of choice for families worldwide, the market has shifted. SUVs have replaced wagons as the preferred body style, and the XC60’s record-breaking success is a clear reflection of evolving customer expectations.
Interestingly, many former 240 owners have come full circle—now opting for the XC60 to transport their own children. Just as the 240 left a lasting impression on past generations, the XC60 is shaping new family experiences today.
When Volvo introduced the 240 in 1974, it set a new standard for vehicle safety. Featuring front and rear crumple zones, a reinforced passenger cell, and early side-impact protection technology, it laid the groundwork for future safety systems. It also debuted innovations like the Child Booster Cushion in 1978—another global first.
Today, the XC60 continues this legacy with class-leading safety features. Among its breakthroughs is City Safety, introduced in 2008 as the world’s first standard low-speed automatic emergency braking system, designed to reduce collisions at speeds up to 30 km/h.
In 2017, it debuted Oncoming Lane Mitigation, a safety feature that can steer the car back into its lane to prevent a head-on collision—another industry first. These innovations have earned the XC60 widespread recognition from safety organizations around the world.
Just as the 240 defined safety in its era, the current XC60 remains one of the most secure vehicles on the market, equipped with cutting-edge driver assistance technologies and a robust structural safety design.
The XC60 also plays a pivotal role in Volvo’s transition to a fully electric future. With its plug-in hybrid variants, it offers an ideal bridge for drivers not yet ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle. According to Volvo Cars, around 50% of the distance covered by its latest PHEV models is completed on electric power alone.
