2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra Review, the calm one in a noisy segment

The XC60 is what happens when a brand decides not to chase the loudest segment trend. In 2026, with the German rivals doubling down on giant grilles, oversized screens, and "performance" badges, the Volvo answers with the same quietly tasteful cabin it has had for three years, a modest mid-cycle refresh, and the B5 mild-hybrid powertrain. It is the easiest premium SUV to live with at this price point. We have said that for years and it remains true.

The B5 is a 2.0L turbo four with a 48V mild-hybrid assist. Output is around 184 kW and 350 Nm. It drives all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic. It is not fast in the way an XC60 Recharge T8 is fast, but it is genuinely quick enough for a real family commute, and the fuel use is honest at around 7.5 L/100 km in mixed driving.

Inside, the Ultra spec brings the ventilated nappa seats, the Bowers and Wilkins audio, the head-up display, and the Pilot Assist driver suite as standard. The 9-inch portrait centre screen is on the small side compared with the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 but the interface is the calmest in the segment. Nothing flashes at you. Nothing bings. It is a deliberate design decision and after a week in it, the German competitors feel slightly hysterical by comparison.

Cartell Verdict

If you are cross-shopping the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Genesis GV70 and the XC60 B5 Ultra, the Volvo is the calm one. It is not the fastest, the most powerful, or the most digitally clever. It is the one where you arrive at the dinner reservation actually wanting to sit down. For an Australian family that does the school run, the long weekend up the coast, and the airport run, and wants the badge without the noise, this is still the right pick.