Volvo has a new sales champion. The Swedish automaker’s mid-size SUV, the XC60, has officially earned the title of the best-selling Volvo model in the brand’s history, overtaking the iconic Volvo 240—a name once synonymous with the company’s reputation for durability and safety.
Since its debut in 2008, the XC60 has enjoyed a steady climb in global popularity. Now, 17 years later, with over 2.7 million units sold worldwide, it has surpassed the Volvo 240, which held the crown for decades with 2,685,171 units produced between 1974 and 1993.
The XC60’s journey has been one of both innovation and adaptability. The first-generation model marked a milestone for Volvo as the first car it produced in China, signaling the brand’s expanding global manufacturing strategy. A decade later, the second-generation XC60, launched in 2017, solidified its place in the premium SUV market by winning the prestigious World Car of the Year award in 2018.
Even as competition in the luxury SUV segment intensifies, the XC60 continues to evolve. Most recently, the model received a mid-cycle update for the 2026 model year, featuring subtle exterior refinements, upgraded cabin materials, and Volvo’s latest Google-based multimedia system.
Powertrain options have also kept pace with the times. The current XC60 is offered exclusively with plug-in hybrid variants—the T6 and T8 Recharge—delivering 350 and 455 horsepower, respectively, and offering an impressive electric-only range of up to 81 kilometers in mixed driving conditions.
Production remains rooted in Volvo’s Swedish heritage, with the Torslanda plant continuing to assemble the XC60—just as it did with the last Volvo 240 produced in 1993. Today, production is split between Torslanda and Volvo’s modern facility in Chengdu, China, reflecting the model’s global reach.
In surpassing the Volvo 240, the XC60 not only sets a new benchmark for the brand but also symbolizes the transformation of Volvo from a safety-first stalwart to a tech-savvy, electrification-forward premium automaker. As the industry continues its shift toward electrification and sustainability, the XC60’s blend of Scandinavian design, safety, and plug-in hybrid efficiency ensures it remains a cornerstone of Volvo’s lineup—and a favorite among buyers worldwide.
Source: Volvo