In a defining moment for Volvo Cars, the XC60 has officially surpassed the legendary Volvo 240 to become the company’s best-selling model of all time, with over 2.7 million units sold globally. Launched in 2008, the mid-size SUV has steadily gained popularity thanks to its blend of Scandinavian design, family-friendly features, and industry-leading safety innovations.
Initially manufactured exclusively in Europe, the XC60 became Volvo’s first truly global model when production also began in China, bolstering its presence in international markets. The model earned worldwide acclaim, including being crowned World Car of the Year in 2018, and last year emerged as Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid.
Now, for the 2026 model year, Volvo has unveiled a refreshed version of the XC60, offering modernized design, enhanced comfort, and a more intuitive infotainment experience — reaffirming its place as the quintessential family car for the modern era.
Legacy of Trust: From the 240 to the XC60
The XC60’s milestone evokes memories of the Volvo 240, the company’s former best-seller and a global family favorite from 1974 to 1993, with 2,685,171 units built. Known for its revolutionary safety features, including crumple zones, side-impact protection, and the world’s first Child Booster Cushion, the 240 helped establish Volvo’s reputation for safety — a legacy now carried forward by the XC60.
“Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car – you could spot one in almost every driveway,” said Susanne Hägglund, Head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars. “Today the XC60 has taken over that position… and now, with the latest updates, it gets even better.”
Safety Still at the Core
The XC60 builds upon Volvo’s heritage of safety with features such as City Safety, the world’s first standard low-speed emergency braking system, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which actively steers the car away from potential head-on collisions — innovations that have earned it numerous independent safety awards.
Its advanced safety cage, paired with the latest driver assistance technologies, ensures the XC60 remains one of the safest vehicles on the road, staying true to the ethos that defined the Volvo 240 decades ago.
Driving Toward an Electrified Future
With Volvo aiming to go fully electric by 2030, the XC60 plays a critical role as a bridge between combustion and electric mobility. Its plug-in hybrid version has helped introduce electric driving to a wider audience — with Volvo Cars’ data showing that 48% of distances driven globally in its latest PHEVs use electric power alone.
Currently produced in Torslanda, Sweden, and Chengdu, China, the XC60’s ongoing success reflects a broader shift in consumer preference from estate cars like the 240 to versatile, technology-rich SUVs.
As Volvo continues to evolve, the XC60 remains a symbol of the brand’s core values: safety, innovation, and sustainability — creating new memories for families across generations.
