Volvo XC60: The New King of Gothenburg

Move over, Volvo 240. There’s a new sheriff in town. After decades of faithful family hauling, the iconic 240 estate has finally been dethroned as Volvo’s all‑time best‑seller. Its successor? The Volvo XC60—the stylish, safety‑packed SUV that has quietly become the brand’s global superstar.

Since its launch in 2008, the XC60 has now sold over 2.7 million units worldwide, making it the single most popular Volvo in history. That’s a lot of Swedes (and the rest of us) trading in their flat‑pack bookshelves for high‑tech SUVs.

From Practical Box to Premium SUV

The Volvo 240 defined an era—boxy, bulletproof, and adored by families who measured weekends in IKEA runs. The XC60, by contrast, is a modern interpretation of that same formula: still practical, but with curves, clever tech, and a hint of Scandi luxury.

Two generations have carried it to the top. The first XC60 introduced the world to City Safety, Volvo’s clever automatic braking tech that’s now an industry standard. The second generation added plug‑in hybrid powertrains, a minimalist cabin with Google integration, and the kind of design that makes you stop and think, “Yeah, that’s a nice‑looking Volvo.”

A Bestseller With Momentum

Becoming the best‑selling Volvo of all time is more than just a number—it’s a shift in the brand’s DNA. The 240 was a family wagon for a simpler, analog age. The XC60 is the family car for a world of electric charging cables, safety assist systems, and Spotify road‑trip playlists.

And Volvo isn’t slowing down. With electrification and software updates rolling in, the XC60 looks ready to keep its crown for a while yet—though if history has taught us anything, Gothenburg is always working on the next icon.