In a milestone moment for Volvo Cars, the Swedish carmaker’s mid-size XC60 SUV has officially overtaken the legendary Volvo 240 estate to become the brand’s best-selling model of all time. With over 2.7 million units sold worldwide, the Volvo XC60 has cemented its place in Volvo’s history and is parked in the driveways of millions around the globe.
First introduced in 2008, the Volvo XC60 quickly became a favourite among drivers looking for a balance of safety, design, and practicality. Initially produced in Europe, the mid-size family SUV later became the first global Volvo model to be manufactured in China, boosting local sales and accessibility.
From family estate to family SUV
For decades, the Volvo 240 was the quintessential family car. Known for its tank-like build and groundbreaking safety features, it earned a reputation as one of the most reliable cars of its era. But times have changed—and so have customer preferences. While estates once dominated the family car segment, SUVs now lead the charge, offering higher ride heights, versatile interiors, and a more modern take on everyday usability. That’s exactly what the Volvo XC60 delivers with an added dose of assurance with leading safety features.
“Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car—you could spot one in almost every driveway,” says Susanne Hägglund, Head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars. “Today the XC60 has taken over that position…becoming our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the ultimate proof point of a successful car.”
A legacy of safety, uncompromised
Safety has always been Volvo’s focal point with automobiles, and the Volvo XC60 continues this tradition with a suite of advanced features. The original model introduced City Safety, the world’s first standard low-speed AEB (automatic emergency braking) system, helping drivers avoid or mitigate collisions in urban settings. In 2017, the Volvo XC60 became the first car to offer Oncoming Lane Mitigation, automatically steering you back into your lane to prevent a head-on collision.
Most recently, Volvo revealed their latest safety innovation – multi-adaptive seatbelts – which will debut in the EX60, the all-electric future of the XC60.
Electrification, without the range anxiety
While fully electric cars are growing in popularity, many drivers still prefer the reassurance of a hybrid. That’s where the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid steps in. According to Volvo, nearly 48% of all kilometres driven in its long-range hybrids are powered by electricity alone, without sacrificing the backup of a petrol engine when needed.
Last year, the Volvo XC60 was also Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid, making it a strong choice for those looking to transition toward electric mobility.
The numbers behind the names
Here’s how the two top-sellers for this Geely-owned Swedish carmaker stack up:
- Volvo 240 (1974–1993): 2,685,171 units sold
- Volvo XC60 (2008–present): 2.7 million+ units and counting
The 240 was produced in Sweden and Belgium, with the last one rolling off the line in 1993. Today, the Volvo XC60 is built in Torslanda, Sweden and Chengdu, China, marking Volvo’s truly global footprint.
Final thoughts
The rise of the Volvo XC60 signals more than just a shift in vehicle preferences—it represents Volvo’s evolution from a brand rooted in sturdy estates to one that leads in SUVs. At its core, the carmaker prioritises innovation, sustainability, and world-class safety. Just as the 240 shaped the lives of families in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the Volvo XC60 is now doing the same for a new generation.
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