Volvo XC60 B5 Mild Hybrid 2.0 (A) Facelift Review

Cars are becoming increasingly more complex as they advance, and while this is often seen as a good thing, the downside is that many are becoming less user-friendly.

For instance, having a greater number of features and menu options to tweak may seem cool at first, but the reality is that most drivers don't want to face a learning curve after buying a new car.

Fortunately, there are brands that are heeding consumers' calls for more user-friendly interfaces. Mazda, for one, has implemented this in their current 3 Sedan and Hatchback models.

Volvo has also simplified the interface in its facelifted models to make them simpler. In fact, it has gone a step further by also making its latest models more intuitive to drive.

Minor changes

The current generation XC60 is already a good-looking car, so there was no need for a major restyle.

So, Volvo kept the changes to a minimum while ensuring they complemented the car's looks. Like the XC60 B6, the B5 variant receives a new grille, along with a new front bumper and revised air intakes.

There's a new bumper at the rear as well. More significant here, though, is that unlike in the pre-facelift model, the exhaust finishers have been hidden. This change is in line with the brand's move towards full-electric vehicles, which obviously do not need tailpipes.

Open the driver's door, though, and at first glance, it may seem as if nothing inside has changed. You still see the same steering wheel and tablet-style infotainment display.

However, once you're behind the wheel, it's hard to miss the new instrument panel and infotainment. Both are greatly simplified, with far fewer menus to navigate and options to adjust.

The instrument panel only offers two layouts, whereas the pre-facelift version had at least three. Now, you can only choose whether to have the map displayed in the centre or not. The speedometer and tachometer remain in place.

It's a move that most - if not all - drivers will appreciate. But some Volvo owners who are familiar with the old system may not like the screen's new look, which is less attractive than before.

More appealing, on the other hand, is the latest Android-powered infotainment system, which comes with Google Maps and Assistant as standard.

Unlike the preceding Sensus system, which has loads of options and functions to explore and tweak, there's little to do here. You can no longer, for instance, adjust the dimming level for the mirrors, or the distance for City Safety system.

Easy-going drive

Driving the latest XC60 is also a much easier affair, even if you're new to the brand (or a newbie driver).

The ignition dial is still present. But unlike the preceding model, the drive modes (and that cool roller used to select them) have been eliminated. All you have to concern yourself with is putting the car in 'D' or 'R'.

Speaking of a lack of tweakable options, you can't switch off the SUV's stop-start function, which is permanently active. This is because a major part of the XC60's upgrade is that the powertrain now has a 48V mild hybrid system.

Said system makes the stop-start system, which helps save fuel, nearly imperceptible. In comparison, conventional stop-start systems are usually known for the dreaded shudder that accompanies engine restarts.

The mild hybrid system is also the reason why Volvo's T5 and T6 variants have been renamed B5 and B6 instead. According to Volvo, the 'B' stands for Battery - yet another link to the move towards pure electric models.

Still powering the XC60 is a turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four that sends 247bhp and 350Nm to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The lack of all-wheel drive makes the 1,799kg SUV feel surprisingly sprightly when taking off from a standstill. Indeed, if you mash the accelerator to the floor, it'll even make the tyres squeal in protest.

At full throttle, the XC60 B5 needs seven seconds to go from rest to 100km/h, which is respectable considering the amount of sheet-metal it has to haul. As expected, handling is not this SUV's forte. Its strongest suit is its tank-like feel, which makes both the driver and his passengers feel very secure indeed.

Swede improvements

The B5 is the most popular XC60 variant, and the numerous changes have made it even more convincing.

Personally, I wish Volvo retained the car's driving modes. There are drivers who wish to the 'Eco' or 'Sport' settings were still available.

I also wish the gorgeous instrument panel from the pre-facelift model made a reappearance. Although unlikely, perhaps an 'Advanced' menu tab that lets more seasoned users access these options could be available in the future.

At any rate, Volvo's new approach is likely to attract buyers. While other carmakers are trying to outdo one another by making their cars more advanced, complex and harder to use, Volvo is keeping things simpler and making their cars more intuitive. If only more brands followed suit.


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