Let’s take a trip back in time, to an era when cars looked like bricks on wheels and safety wasn’t exactly the sexiest selling point. The Volvo 240, a car so indestructible you’d probably still spot one rust-free on some farm, ready to roll for a few more decades. With 2,685,171 units built, this Swedish workhorse was the undisputed king of Volvo’s sales charts for years. Until now. Because there’s a new champ in town, and its name is XC60. That’s right, this mid-size SUV has overtaken the 240 to become the best-selling Volvo of all time. And honestly? That’s a story worth telling.
Launched in 2008, the XC60 isn’t just a car. It’s a symbol of how the world has changed. Where the 240 was the poster child of the family estate—practical, reliable, and about as thrilling as a rainy afternoon in a library—the XC60 is a modern-day crowd-pleaser. With over 2.7 million units sold, it’s knocked the 240 off its pedestal. And that’s no small feat. The 240 was in production for nineteen years, from 1974 to 1993, becoming an icon thanks to its unyielding character and safety obsession. But the XC60? It pulled this off in just seventeen years, across two generations, with a flair the 240 never had.
Why is the XC60 such a hit? Well, for starters, it perfectly captures the spirit of the times. The estate is dead; long live the SUV. People want to sit higher, look tougher, and still drive a car that feels at home in a posh suburb. The XC60 delivers all that, with a Scandinavian design so sleek it could’ve been sketched by a minimalist interior architect. Add a hefty dose of tech—like an infotainment system that responds faster than a barista on a hectic morning—and you’ve got a winner. The 2025 facelift brought a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, improved sound insulation, and some fancy new colors like Mulberry Red. Because who wouldn’t want to drive a car that sounds like a fine wine?
But let’s be real: the XC60 isn’t just popular for its looks. It’s also a pioneer in safety, just like its forebear. The 240 introduced crumple zones and side-impact protection that set industry standards. The XC60 took it further with features like City Safety, an automatic emergency braking system that could prevent low-speed collisions as early as 2008. And in 2017, it introduced Oncoming Lane Mitigation, a system that gently nudges you back into your lane if you accidentally veer off course. The result? A car that’s not just comfortable but feels like it’s trying to save your life, even on a quick run to the supermarket.
Then there’s the plug-in hybrid factor. The XC60 is a darling in Europe, where it was the best-selling plug-in hybrid last year. With options like the T6 (350 hp) and T8 (455 hp), it blends power with a conscience. You can drive up to 82 kilometers on pure electric power, letting you impress your neighbors with your eco-credentials while still rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. That’s the kind of versatility that gets even the pickiest car enthusiast a bit excited.
Yet, there’s something bittersweet about this victory. The 240 was a car from another time, when you bought a vehicle for life, not a three-year lease. The XC60, brilliant as it is, is a child of the modern age: it has to compete in a world of touchscreen dominance and electric dreams. Volvo’s even planning a fully electric EX60 for 2026, which will coexist with the XC60. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, the XC60 is king, and it’s earned its crown.
For the purists, the 240 might always be the true Volvo—a tank that could drive through an apocalypse. But the XC60 proves you don’t need to be a brick to win hearts. It’s stylish, safe, and sells like hotcakes. And honestly? If even the Swedes, who once saw the 240 as their national pride, are flocking to this SUV, who are we to argue?
For those now itching to hit the road in an eco-conscious ride, check out our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/. You’ll find 100% electric cars ready to make your drive as legendary as the XC60.
