Volvo XC60 Review 2025: Scandinavia’s Quiet Beast That’s Conquering Southeast Asia’s SUV Market
Learn about the 2025 Volvo XC60 review – a luxury mid-size SUV sweeping Southeast Asia with Scandinavian opulence, hybrid economy, Google technology, and unparalleled safety.

A Swedish Story with an Asian Twist
Picture a Viking in a bespoke suit drinking coconut water in Kuala Lumpur traffic – that is the Volvo XC60 for you. It is refined, unflustered by mayhem, and boasting more safety devices than a Swiss bank. Since its launch in 2008, the XC60 has gradually refined itself, combining Scandinavian style with state-of-the-art technology, yet faithful to Volvo’s DNA: safety, sensibility, and refinement.
In Southeast Asia, the XC60 has emerged as a quiet star — not the glitzy, Instagram-famous variety, but the practical, envirole-friendly family SUV your neighbors look up to (and surreptitiously covet). On Bangkok’s whirring flyovers or Bengaluru’s bumper-to-bumper dance, this Swedish gem is holding its own against the Germans.

Interior That Whispers Luxury
Get inside the XC60 and you won’t see garish lights and shades of suede. You will see zen. The interior is a masterclass in serenity — gentle Nappa leather, open-pore driftwood inlays, and a crystal gear knob (yes, actual crystal on higher trims) have you feeling like you just checked into a spa on wheels.
Google Built-In: Maps, Assistant, and even Spotify operate natively on the 9-inch portrait infotainment display — essentially having a Pixel phone integrated into your dashboard.
CleanZone Air Quality System: Southeast Asia’s haze? Forget about it in your XC60. Breathe cleaner air than the outside.
Panoramic Sunroof: Because what is a luxury SUV without the Southeast Asian sun shining gloriously in?
This is Volvo's way of saying: "Luxury isn't about more. It's about better."

Performance: Smooth and Smart
Let’s be honest — the XC60 won’t outdrag a BMW X3 M40i. But it doesn’t try to. What it does is waft. The B5 mild-hybrid system, with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and 48V battery, offers:
250 hp and 350 Nm torque
8-speed automatic transmission
0-100 km/h in \~6.9 seconds (because you’ll rarely need more)
The understated hybrid configuration has you drinking gasoline like a Swede drinks coffee — moderately. No matter threading the Jakarta maze or gliding across the Malaysian Highlands, the XC60 stays balanced, rooted, and tranquil.

Sleepless Safety (So You Can)
Volvo created the 3-point seatbelt, so you can bet your brake pads they don’t mess around with safety. The XC60 unleashes the whole arsenal:
Pilot Assist: Semi-autonomous highway driving that’s smoother than your last date.
City Safety with Collision Avoidance: Keeps you safe from distracted scooter riders in Ho Chi Minh or rogue goats in Goa.
BLIS (Blind Spot Info System): Because tuk-tuks come at you like stealthy ninjas.

5-Star Euro NCAP Rating: As safe as a Volvo can get — which is to say, very.
This SUV doesn’t just save you. It saves the people around you.
Can It Do More Than City Roads?Absolutely. No, it won’t scale Everest, but for Southeast Asian terrain? It’s more than capable.
Ground Clearance: 216 mm — ideal for monsoon puddles and unexpected potholes.
AWD: Holds you in place on slick hills.
Hill Descent Control & Off-Road Drive Mode: For the occasional surprise detour.
Whether attacking Penang’s hills or Ubud’s soggy backroads, the XC60 won’t sweat.

Pricing and Availability
Volvo’s local play means the XC60 is poised region-wide across Southeast Asia:
Malaysia: RM 328,888 for the B5 Plus — locally assembled in Shah Alam.
Thailand: Approximately ฿3 million+ based on variant.
Indonesia: From Rp 1.3 billion — Recharge T8 PHEV on offer as well.
Look forward to 5-year warranties and complimentary service across most areas — a good value for the premium SUV segment.

Pros and Cons (The Love and the Meh)
Pros:
Charming Scandinavian looks that stand out quietly
Industry-leading safety features
Google integrated infotainment = effortless technology experience
Smooth hybrid acceleration with fuel economy
Cons:
Not as overtly sporty-looking as German competitors
Limited variants in some countries
No diesel option for traditionalists

Final Verdict: The Smart Choice for the Smart Urbanite
If you’re someone who values understated luxury, exceptional safety, and real-world efficiency — the Volvo XC60 checks all the right boxes. It’s a perfectlycalm confident and capable SUV.
Yes, it lacks the brand snobbery of a GLC or X3, but it does not have to. The XC60 is for thinkers, not flashers.
In an age fixated on horsepower and hashtags, this is the SUV that speaks softly, yet continues to attract the right sort of attention.

FAQs
Q: Is the Volvo XC60 a good family car in Southeast Asia?
A: Yes, definitely. With class-leading safety features, generous rear seats, and great air filtration, it’s perfect for families.
Q: How economical is the XC60 mild hybrid?
A: You can expect about 12–14 km/l in mixed conditions — not bad at all for a premium SUV.
Q: Is the XC60 has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
A: Yes, but with Google built-in, you might not need either.
Q: What’s the best value variant?
A: The Indian assembled B5 Ultimate or Malaysian assembled B5 Plus is excellent value for money considering the features.
Q: Is it superior to a BMW X3?
A: It depends. If safety, comfort, and technology are your concerns, yes. If you need sporty driving, the X3 might just take the cake.
