Let’s get one thing straight — the Volvo XC60 isn’t just another premium SUV. It’s the model that outsells everything else in Volvo’s global lineup. And after spending time with the T8 AWD plug-in hybrid (RM367,888) in Malaysia, it becomes very clear why.
This isn’t about one standout feature. It’s about how everything just comes together — design, performance, efficiency, size — in a way that feels perfectly judged.
On paper, the latest XC60 T8 doesn’t look radically different from the model it replaces. But dig deeper, and the updates are meaningful.
The biggest upgrade lies underneath – a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor. That alone significantly improves electric driving range compared to earlier versions, while also boosting overall performance. It feels like a proper evolution rather than just a mild refresh.
Inside, you now get a cleaner, more modern interface thanks to a larger touchscreen running Google-based software, along with improved materials and better sound insulation. Everything feels more polished, more refined, and more in line with what buyers expect in this segment today.
Externally, the tweaks are subtle — new wheel designs, updated trims — but Volvo clearly knows not to mess with a winning formula. Because let’s be honest, the XC60 is already one of the best-looking SUVs in its class.
There’s something about Volvo’s design language that just works. Clean lines, perfect proportions, and just enough aggression to give it presence. The XC60 sits in that sweet spot visually — not as imposing as the Volvo XC90, but with more road presence than smaller SUVs. It looks expensive without trying too hard.
In a market filled with over-styled rivals, the XC60’s restraint is its biggest flex.
Under the hood, you’ve got a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, delivering over 450 PS and instant torque. What that translates to in the real world is effortless speed.
Put your foot down and the XC60 surges forward with a smooth, almost silent urgency. There’s no drama, no lag — just clean, instant acceleration thanks to the electric motor filling in the gaps.
And because it’s AWD, traction is never an issue. Rain, highway, tight corners — it just grips and goes. But what really stands out isn’t outright speed. It’s how the XC60 delivers it. The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, the ride is composed, almost soothing, and the steering is precise without being overly sporty.
It’s not trying to be a hardcore driver’s SUV like some German rivals — and that’s exactly why it works. It’s fast when you want it to be, but always comfortable.
If you’re expecting razor-sharp dynamics, you’re missing the point. The XC60 prioritises stability and confidence. Body control is excellent, the chassis feels planted, and it never feels unsettled — even on less-than-perfect Malaysian roads.
In real-world driving conditions — traffic, uneven tarmac, long-distance cruising — the XC60 feels effortlessly competent. It’s the kind of SUV that makes every journey feel easy.
This is also where the plug-in hybrid system quietly becomes one of the XC60’s biggest strengths.
You can drive silently in EV mode for daily commutes, fuel consumption drops significantly in mixed driving, and the electric motor adds a layer of smoothness and immediacy that traditional powertrains simply can’t match.
In short, it gives you the best of both worlds — efficiency when you want it, power when you need it.
And in Malaysia, where traffic and daily usability matter just as much as outright performance, that balance makes a lot of sense.
Another key reason why the XC60 works so well here is its size.
It’s big enough to feel premium and spacious, yet compact enough to deal with tight parking spots and urban roads. For many buyers, the XC90 is simply too large for everyday use. The XC60, on the other hand, hits that “just nice” balance.
Rear seat space is generous, boot capacity is practical, and overall usability is spot on for families and daily driving alike.
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice Volvo’s signature approach — clean, uncluttered, and calming. Unlike rivals that go heavy on flashy elements, the XC60 keeps things minimal yet premium.
You get high-quality materials, extremely comfortable seats, and a cabin that feels airy and refined. The infotainment system is intuitive once you get used to it, and the overall experience is designed to reduce stress rather than overwhelm you.
No car is perfect, and the Volvo XC60 does have a few shortcomings worth pointing out. For starters, if you don’t keep the battery charged, the whole PHEV advantage drops off quite noticeably — fuel consumption worsens and it loses that smooth electric-assisted character, which defeats the purpose of the T8 setup.
The infotainment system on the other hand, while modern and Google-based, isn’t the most user-friendly one around and takes time to get used to. Then there’s the driving feel — while composed and refined, it’s not the most engaging SUV in the segment, especially next to sportier rivals like the BMW X3, but it is definitely better than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
That being said, after spending time with the XC60 T8, the conclusion is simple.
This is one of the most complete SUVs you can buy today. It’s fast, efficient, comfortable, beautifully designed, and perfectly sized for Malaysia. More importantly, it doesn’t try too hard — it just gets everything right.
And that’s exactly why the XC60 has become Volvo’s best-selling model worldwide.
