The facelift of the 2021 Volvo XC60 will refresh the luxury compact crossover for the first time after 2017. The future plans include complete electrification. However, the Swedish company was not precise when this is going to happen for the XC60. The good news is that the XC40 subcompact model has already debuted. It seems like a larger XC90 EV is a priority over the compact model. Nevertheless, the cosmetic update will keep fans interested while engineers are developing the electric drivetrain.
The whole lineup of current engines is based on a 2.0-liter petrol unit. Engineers manage to squeeze up to 400 hp from it, but with help of electric motors in the T8 PHEV configuration. Still, there are conventional drivetrains available for the 2021 Volvo XC60. Three trim levels are certain. The base model comes as Momentum, the mid-range offering is R-Design, while the most equipped version is Inscription. We still don’t know if the company is going to continue cooperating with Polestar. The partnership delivered the special package for the compact crossover that used the PHEV configuration and added some of the most advanced features in the market.
2021 Volvo XC60 Facelift
The new 2021 Volvo XC60 will get the first facelift since the new generation arrived three years ago. Still, the compact crossover remains the premium five-seater with plenty of room for passengers. The company will continue to use the SPA platform, that has proven itself already for the XC60 and a larger XC90 mid-size SUV. Currently, the compact classes in all segments are the most popular, so there is no room for mistakes, especially with plenty of rivals trying to catch up.
Designers will revisit the front fascia. The trademark feature – Thor’s Hummer headlights will be kept, but small modifications are making them fresh. Also, the grille should be a little bit larger than before, with the Volvo striped badge on it. The design language is the same, inside and out. the interior is clean and you will find natural materials covering most surfaces.
Related: Is the 2021 Volvo XC70 Coming Back?
Trim Levels
The entry-level for the 2021 Volvo XC60 remains the Momentum. Highlights of this package are 18-inch wheels and black grille. Even after a facelift, we believe the base trim will keep these features. The company will improve safety, which was already at the highest level with the City Collision Avoidance system. The panoramic moonroof is standard, as well as the LED lamps. The premium offer right from the start is completed with the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The R-Design model will upgrade the offer with Nappa leather interior and more driver aid features. Outside, you will notice that chassis is closer to the ground, which provides sportier driving. A larger set of wheels are also included.
The top of the line version is the 2021 Volvo XC60 Inscription. A lot of premium upgrades are waiting for buyers of the most expensive crossover in the lineup. For example, navigation is added, as well as the four-zone climate control. Plus, wooden accents improve the overall elegance and comfort of the interior. We are waiting for the news about the Polestar trim. This one enhanced driving and appearance. The PHEV system was combined with special suspension setup and brakes. Unique features, such as gold seatbelts, made this XC60 pretty expensive.
2021 Volvo XC60 Engine Configurations
The main setup for the 2021 Volvo XC60 is called T5. It is based on a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. These are the numbers we expect from the premium compact crossover SUV. The XC60 keeps an excellent fuel economy with 22/29 mpg when the front-wheel drive is used. The AWD consumes slightly more gasoline.
The T6 adds the supercharger and 65 ponies. Plus, the torque jumps to 295 lb-ft and the system is available only with all-wheel drive. The extra power doesn’t harm the mileage, returning 19/27 mpg. A T5 with AWD makes 20/27.
The most impressive setup is the 2021 Volvo XC60 T8. Now, a 2.0-liter petrol engine pairs electric batteries to provide maximum power. The PHEV system is ready to crunch 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Enhanced with the Polestar Engineered package, the output jumps to 415 horsepower. The combined fuel economy is 27 mpg, and the crossover can cover some distance by using only an electric motor. It is not special with 20 miles before the next recharge.
Electric Crossover to Debut in 2022
The 2021 Volvo XC60 is not getting the fully-electrified version. However, we won’t wait for too long before it happens. Some sources indicate it could happen already in 2022. Volvo is serious about the electrification and the Swedish company announced that all their vehicles will become EVs eventually. However, the schedule of release dates is not available yet. The evolution started with the XC40 and we can already expect the XC90 to appear with the pure-electric model.
Source: Volvo