Living with a Volvo V60 PHEV: all the reasons I love it, and the one reason I don’t

I’ve long had a soft spot for Volvo design – from the classic boxy models of old to the Scandi-chic cars we have today. However, having lived with a Volvo V60 for a couple of months now, this is the first time I’ve spent a prolonged period of time with one, and I’m smitten.

The V60 has settled into family life seamlessly, but not everything is perfect. Here’s everything I like so far, and the one thing that would stop me buying one.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Volvo V60 first impressions: how’s it been in the first 2,000 miles?

In my previous role as reviews editor, I would constantly be in and out of new cars, testing them for Carwow’s in-depth car reviews. In this context, I always liked the Volvo V60, but felt the interior was a bit dated because of the small infotainment screen, by modern standards.

However, I’ve actually grown to love the simplicity of the setup. At 9.0 inches it’s big enough to display everything you need – I’ve found that the digital driver display is clear enough to use for your maps, then I can leave Spotify open on the main screen. The built-in Google operating system is seamless, too.

After jumping out of the Mercedes CLA Electric – an, admittedly, less expensive car – I was glad to be rid of the huge display panels that dominate your view forward, and get back into the plush surroundings of the Volvo.

It’s also really practical. Despite being one of Volvo’s smaller models and therefore easy to place on the road, there’s loads of rear seat space for my son’s bulky child seat. And the huge boot has proved able to swallow whatever we’ve needed it to, from tip runs to weekends with the in-laws.

I love driving, and the V60 is a pleasure behind the wheel. It’s not the most comfortable car around town, but it doesn’t jostle you around enough to be a problem. The rest of the time it’s a smooth, refined and relaxing way to get from A to B.

This does bring me to my only complaint, and that’s the plug-in hybrid engine. After 2,000 miles I’m now convinced that I’d be better off in an electric car. I’m yet to do a drive that couldn’t have been completed by a typical EV, and with home charging and cheap overnight rates, having to use the expensive petrol engine at all is really annoying.

I’ve learned to flick between modes to make the car use electric or petrol power when it’s most efficient to do so, and as a result have averaged 66mpg. That’s incredibly impressive, but every mile on petrol power is costing me a fortune compared with running an EV.

So while I love the V60 I couldn’t justify buying one – unless Volvo fancies converting it to an electric car. Then I’d be first in line.

While I wait to see if an electric estate appears in Volvo’s line-up, I’ve decided to switch my plug-in hybrid for… another plug-in hybrid. My car is a T8, and while it fared me well in a recent drag race on the Carwow YouTube channel, its sports car-rivalling performance feels wholly unnecessary in day-to-day life. I’m curious to see if switching to the less powerful T6 yields even better fuel economy. Stay tuned to find out.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.