2028 Volvo XC60 T8 First Look: Familiar Design, Far More Electric Range

2028 Volvo XC60 T8 First Look: Familiar Design, Far More Electric Range

The Volvo XC60 T8 has long been one of our favourite plug-in hybrids. The current model combines genuine winter-ready electric driving, strong performance and the sort of comfort expected from a Volvo. Its main limitation has always been range. For 2028, Volvo is addressing that weakness with a much larger battery and a projected 126 kilometres of electric driving. We saw the updated XC60 T8 Long Range during a studio presentation in London. We were able to sit inside briefly while photographing it, but we did not drive it. These are therefore first impressions based on its design, cabin and preliminary specifications rather than a road test.

A careful evolution, executed with good taste

The XC60 remains immediately recognizable. Volvo has not tried to reinvent the SUV or chase a dramatic new design direction. Instead, it has refined the details with a redesigned grille, front bumper, hood and front fenders, along with new wheels and a cleaner interpretation of the brand's Thor's Hammer Matrix LED headlights.

The rear receives revised LED lighting, an updated tailgate and a new bumper that places more emphasis on horizontal lines. Together, the changes give the XC60 a broader and more contemporary appearance without disturbing its familiar proportions. The Heather Bronze vehicle shown in London demonstrated how well this restrained approach works. The colour shifts with the lighting and gives the SUV more presence without looking flashy. Nothing about the redesign is drastic, but it is cohesive and executed with good taste.

A warmer version of a familiar cabin

The interior follows the same philosophy. The general architecture remains recognizable, but Volvo has revised the dashboard and door panels while introducing new trim and upholstery choices. The London display vehicle combined Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather with wood decor, creating a warmer and more relaxed atmosphere.

A new 11.2-inch centre display brings Volvo's latest user experience to the XC60. The company says frequently used functions require fewer taps, although a studio presentation cannot tell us how intuitive the interface will be while driving. Google Gemini continues to provide more natural voice interactions, while over-the-air updates give Volvo room to refine and expand the system after delivery. The available Bowers & Wilkins audio system also returns. Based on our experience with the current XC60, it remains one of the strongest sound systems offered in this segment. We will need a proper road test to judge cabin isolation, seat comfort and the updated interface in normal use.

The battery is the real transformation.

The major change is beneath the floor. The 2028 XC60 T8 Long Range uses a 41.2-kWh battery with 37.9 kWh of usable capacity. Volvo is projecting up to 126 kilometres of electric range, more than double the roughly 58 kilometres offered by the current Canadian model. If the final Canadian rating remains close to that figure, many owners will be able to complete their weekday driving without starting the gasoline engine. It also moves the XC60 beyond the short electric range traditionally associated with plug-in hybrids and closer to the daily usability of a fully electric vehicle.

Volvo has verbally confirmed a 7.2-kW onboard charger for Canada, with a projected Level 2 charging time of approximately 5.7 hours. There is no DC fast-charging capability, so longer electric trips will still require planning around overnight or destination charging.

Performance has not been sacrificed.

The longer electric range does not come at the expense of performance. The system pairs a 247-horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine with a 208-horsepower electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower. All-wheel drive remains standard, and Volvo lists a preliminary 0-to-100-km/h time of 4.8 seconds. Volvo also projects approximately 950 kilometres of combined driving range when the battery and fuel tank are both full. That combination is what makes the concept appealing: enough electric range for most daily driving, with the flexibility to cover long distances without depending on charging infrastructure.

Still well suited to family life

The XC60 remains a two-row, five-seat SUV, positioned between the smaller XC40 and the three-row XC90. Its practical shape and wide-opening rear doors should continue to suit families, while Volvo lists up to 1,519 litres of cargo capacity. The larger battery has been integrated beneath the floor, helping the XC60 retain the packaging expected from a premium family SUV. However, we will wait for a Canadian test vehicle before judging child-seat access, rear-seat comfort and whether the new battery affects real-world cargo flexibility.

More sensors and updated driver assistance

The refreshed XC60 also receives Volvo's latest active-safety hardware. Its upgraded sensor suite includes new cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, supported by a new safety computer and updated software. Automatic emergency braking and steering continue to form the foundation of the system. New or upgraded functions include Door Opening Alert, lane-change assistance through the optional Pilot Assist system and a 360-degree camera with a 3D view. As with the infotainment system, we will need a drive on Canadian roads to determine how naturally these systems intervene.

First impressions

The 2028 Volvo XC60 T8 Long Range is a careful design evolution wrapped around a much more significant mechanical update. The exterior looks fresher without losing the XC60's identity, and the warmer cabin materials suit the calm Scandinavian atmosphere Volvo is trying to create. The real story is the 126-kilometre projected electric range. The current XC60 T8 is already one of our favourite plug-in hybrids, including in harsh Canadian winter conditions. Giving it more than twice the electric range could make it considerably easier to use as an EV during the week while retaining gasoline flexibility for longer family trips.

Canadian pricing has not yet been announced. Volvo plans to bring the 2028 model to Canada in early 2027 after extending production of the current version. Once the new XC60 arrives, the more interesting question may be whether to choose this long-range T8 plug-in hybrid or move fully electric with the upcoming EX60.