New Volvo XC60 B5 facelift review: Scandi SUV is starting to feel a bit senior

Then there’s the engine – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol fitted with mild-hybrid tech, sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you’re after a semi-skimmed electric experience, this is not the powertrain for you. The MHEV system does little more than help cut the engine at junctions and traffic lights; there’s no EV-only running, and with an average of 37mpg, the set-up has seemingly little impact on fuel consumption.

It settles down nicely at a cruise, but can appear quite coarse under load. It doesn’t feel that fast either; despite posting punchier numbers than the equivalent X3 or Q5, the slow-to-respond auto gearbox makes it feel less urgent on kickdown.

We’d therefore recommend stepping up to the superior T6 plug-in hybrid. Not only do you get the benefit of silent, cost-effective all-electric running (up to 50 miles), the added power and torque from the e-motor also fill the flat spots left by the often-hesitant transmission. As such, it’s a much more enjoyable car to live with.

Elsewhere, the XC60 remains a spacious family car – especially for those in the back seats. The boot isn’t as big as rivals’, but it’s still a reasonable size and shape, and the 40:20:40 split-fold rear bench allows you to post longer items through the middle without compromising comfort for those in the two outer chairs. Our car was even fitted with a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor.

As mentioned, Plus is the second of four trim levels available on the updated XC60. All cars come with twin screens inside, a reversing camera, wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate control. Plus commands a premium of just over £5k, and brings slightly sportier styling, a Harmon Kardon stereo, extra interior lighting and more. 

Plus Pro is another £4,000, adding front-seat ventilation, upgraded headlights and bigger wheels. Top-spec Ultra (from £62,740) gets all the bells and whistles, with a panoramic roof, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, plus a massage function for the front seats.