The Volvo XC60 made its debut in 2007 as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show. This preview of the in-production XC60 was an update on the previous Volvo style, with a glass roof, a bigger Volvo logo, and a new grille. There were also mechanical changes like a new shifter, as well as exterior updates like 20-inch wheels. The new XC60 provided a new framework for Volvo, and it slowly integrated the design features of the XC60 into the rest of the lineup.

The following year, the production version of the XC60 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, with sales beginning in Europe in late 2008 and American sales starting in early 2009. A R-Design became available in 2010 featuring additional features for both the interior and exterior. The XC60 comes in ES, SE, and SE LUX trim levels in the United Kingdom.

The Volvo XC60 also comes with a variety of engines and transmissions, including several diesel engines that help to increase power and fuel economy. In 2012, a plug-in hybrid version of the XC60 was introduced at the North American Auto Show. It manages up to 35 miles on pure electric battery before the gasoline-powered generator kicks in.

The XC60 has always earned exceptional safety ratings since its debut in 2008, when it received a 5-star safety rating and was one of only three cars to earn full points from Euro NCAP. Volvo also introduced a driver support system called City Safety in the XC60 which reportedly resulted in a dramatic decrease in property damage, injury, and collisions.

The XC60 quickly became Volvo's most popular vehicle and still holds that position today.