2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra Review

While it’s the new EX models, the 90 and forthcoming 60, getting the headlines for Volvo lately, one shouldn’t forget that the best sellers are still the XCs. Like the 60, which goes well here in New Zealand. It’s a given really, as it plays in the popular mid-size SUV segment.

And the recurring theme with Volvo at present is they stack up quite well in the value sense, within the premium market that is. For instance, the XC60 B5 Plus starts from a tick under $90k, while this Ultra is just under 100 grand. And it’s well stocked with a head-up display, full panoramic roof, air suspension, premium HK sounds and heated surfaces with seats trimmed in ‘recycled and bio-attributed materials’. While that sounds artificial, it is, yet it still manages to feel premium, especially in its cardamom hue. There’s also a tasteful interior decor with a mix of wood inlays, brightwork and ambient lighting.  

The XC60’s been around for a wee while but looks fresh with its restyled front end. It’s striking without being offensive (we are looking at you X3). These SUV things are popular because they’re right sized for most people being spacious enough for the family but easy to pilot around town. This is not too cumbersome in inner city car parks, which can be a bit of a nightmare in something XL in nature. The outward vision is sorted and supplemented with an around view camera. There’s auto reverse braking which can detect if you’re about to back into something and apply the anchors. But as we found out, it’s not completely fool proof. 

The XC60 is one of those no-fuss machines; you don’t have to get to grips with any operational idiosyncrasies. It has conventional things like a start button, an easy to use gear lever, and then there’s the actual powertrain itself. This is a 2.0-litre turbo with mild hybrid assistance, its 184kW and 360Nm of torque more than sufficient. It’s ably aided by a smart eight-speed auto, with traction sorted by on-demand all-wheel drive.

Volvo has focused on the low-end torque, the everyday figure that matters most. And with a whiff of electrical assistance off the mark (and ultra quick restarts for the idle/stop system), what strikes us is just how easy it gets on with it. There’s no palpable turbo lag and the gearbox doesn’t need a moment to think about what it’s doing, usually with the right gear sorted in a timely manner. 

And it’s not too bad on gas either, with a long term average of 8L/100km. On a cruise up the Northern Expressway, it returned 6L/100km. So it’s not a super economical hybrid but it’s efficient. And it’s one with enough power to get going when in a hurry. 

We like that there aren’t too many confounding setup modes, which suits the Volvo. You can change a couple of things if you must, like the ‘firmness’ of the air springs and steering, but that’s it. And like it does in the suburbs, the XC60 just gets on with it without worry. It turns into the corners competently, the steering well assisted with a hint of feedback to keep things tidy. And that air suspension helps manage the roll while also sorting the lumps. The engine is not a revver, but the midrange makes the XC60 surprisingly brisk in the real world; it seems quicker than its 6.9sec 0-100km/h time hints at. No, it’s not super sporty, you’ll have to buy the BMW if you want that sort of ‘dialled in’ feel, yet this is strangely satisfying. 

Volvo is still all about the safety, and the full set of systems is on guard to save you from yourself. And they manage to do so without frustration; no annoying beeps and very few false alerts. While there aren’t a lot of buttons in the cabin, the infotainment is well laid out, and responsive, most ops achieved with one or two quick taps. Well, at least once you’re familiar with it all. The better way is to use the voice control, with Volvo immersed in the Google world, the assistant particularly sharp when it comes to getting things done.

Rounding out a solid package is the usual versatility of a mid-size SUV. The rear accommodates the family with well formed seats for rear facing child seats (and appropriate tie down points), while the integrated booster seat helps keep the (grand)kids safe as they get older. There’s a well formed boot too, while space expands with a 60/40 split folding seat, complete with a ski hatch. With the right hook it’ll haul up to 2400kg braked. 

So this is a thoroughly competent machine, no wonder it’s the best seller in the range. The price and specification see it stack up favourably against the Germans, and shouldn’t be thought of as an alternative, but rather a rival at a more attractive price point.  

Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra 

$97,990  /  8.7L/100km  /  194g/km
0-100 km/h 6.9s
Engine  1969cc  IL4 / DI / T
Max power  184kW@5400rpm
Max torque  360Nm@2000-4500rpm
Drivetrain  8-speed auto, on-demand AWD
Weight (claimed)  1900kg