Volvo V60 Review & Prices

The Volvo V60 — now re-introduced to the UK market after Volvo dropped it for a short time — is a sleek and still-useful estate car which can be bought in either mild-hybrid diesel or plug-in hybrid forms. It’s quite sleek on the outside, but still comfortable and practical inside, so think of it as being like cargo trousers, but made by Gucci.

The V60’s styling really is very handsome, from the big grille and the sleek headlights (with those still-cool ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime running light signatures) to the way the big brake lights wrap around the whole rear end. It’s definitely a more handsome car than a BMW 3 Series Touring, but the new Audi A5 Avant might give it a run for its money in the styling department.

Inside, the V60 is getting on a bit, and alternatives from BMW, Mercedes, and even Skoda have cabin layouts that look — and feel; the V60 still has a few cheap cabin bits and pieces — much more modern.

The V70’s upright touchscreen, built into the dashboard rather than standing up on its own, looks rather old-fashioned but it does work reasonably well, and is slightly simpler to use than more modern systems. It’s let down, though, by some on-screen buttons that are too small and which make the screen more awkward to use when driving than is ideal.

Space in the cabin is reasonably good, although a Skoda Superb Estate makes mincemeat of the Volvo in terms of rear legroom. The boot is impressive though, not least because Volvo has managed to keep the reduction in boot volume for the plug-in hybrid models to a minimum. In fact, the plug-in hybrid V60s have considerably more luggage space than an equivalent BMW 330e Touring. If you need more space than that, go for the B4 mild-hybrid diesel version, even though the increase in space isn’t dramatic.

That diesel version will be the V60 of choice for those who drive regular long-haul journeys, but anyone whose daily driving consists mostly of short urban hops would be well-served by the plug-in hybrid T6 or T8 models, as those can manage up to 57 miles of electric-only running, and they’re not overly thirsty on longer journeys. Plus, they’re both much more affordable to tax, especially for company car buyers.

The V60 isn’t as sharp to drive as a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C-Class Estate, but it’s far from disgraced when the roads turn twistier. The weight of the plug-in hybrid models works against them in corners (both T6 and T8 weigh more than two tonnes) but the slightly lighter diesel version feels more engaging, if only slightly so.

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The V60 is priced more or less directly against the BMW 3 Series Touring, in both diesel and plug-in hybrid forms, but the V60 does have one advantage over the BMW — it can be bought with the 455hp T8 plug-in hybrid, which is more powerful than the all-petrol BMW M340i Touring, but which is far more tax efficient (the BMW is way more fun to drive in this comparison, though).

The V60 is also much more sharply-priced all-round than the equivalent Mercedes C-Class Estate, although — unsurprisingly — a Skoda Superb Estate is far better value than any of the other cars here, even if it can’t truly be considered a premium-brand competitor.

Comfortable for long drives, but not the sportiest estate

In town

Although you sit quite low to the ground in the V60, you have a clear view out. The pillars are relatively thick but not chunky enough to really obstruct your vision, and the view over your shoulder is pretty good. It makes life easy when pulling out at angled junctions or checking that the road is clear before changing lanes.

Any of the V60’s engines are up to the job of town driving, as even the least powerful diesel has 197hp. Both the plug-in hybrid models have plenty of electric poke at low urban speeds.

Every V60 comes with an automatic gearbox – there’s no manual available - which makes for easy and relaxed driving in heavy traffic. The T6 is the most relaxing of all, as it will travel on electricity alone for slightly more than 57 miles, according to the official figures.

Plus models come with a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, so although the V60 is a long car, squeezing into parking spaces shouldn’t be a problem. The Ultra model goes one better with a surround-view camera system, but for all models the turning circle is quite large.

On the motorway

This is where the V60 feels most at home. The Volvo eats up motorway miles in quiet comfort.

Volvo is renowned for its comfortable and supportive seats, and the ones in the V60 are brilliant on long journeys. There’s powered adjustment with a memory function on Plus cars, and the passenger gets the same if you upgrade to Ultra spec.

The ride is comfortable at high speeds, although we’d stick with the standard 19-inch alloys rather than upgrading to 20-inch wheels if you want to keep things smooth and serene.

For a bit more overtaking punch than the the 197hp B4, you could upgrade to the 455hp T8 plug-in hybrid, which can get to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds, but any of the engines will briskly pull your car, kids, and the family Labradoodle up to 70mph.

With Pilot Assist taking care of steering and adaptive cruise control to keep a safe distance from the car in front, Ultra-spec cars will almost drive themselves on the motorway, although obviously always under the driver’s supervision.

On a twisty road

Ready for some B-road fun? You’re in the wrong car. Perhaps that’s a bit harsh, but the V60 doesn’t entertain the way a BMW 3 Series Touring does. The steering is too slow (and the steering wheel is too large) and overall it lacks feel. The suspension has been tuned to put comfort first rather than agility and precision.

The automatic ’box can be slow to grab a lower gear when you want to get a move on if you’re in the diesel, although the plug-in hybrids have better responsiveness than that, thanks to their electric motors. It’s also worth remembering that the plug-ins both have standard four-wheel drive, which helps when conditions get greasy in the winter (or, let’s face it, summer).

For most of us, though, the V60 is just fine on a twisty back route. It holds the road well and won’t spring any nasty surprises.

Roomy for people and luggage, but there are even bigger estate cars for less

Step into the Volvo’s somewhat old-fashioned-looking cabin and settle down behind the wheel, and you should have no trouble getting comfortable.

The chunky three-spoke steering wheel adjusts for height and reach. With every-which-way electrical adjustment for the driver’s seat, people of all shapes and sizes can find a sound and supportive driving position. That includes back pain sufferers, as adjustable lumbar support is standard on all V60 models.

If you share driving and will often be sat in the front passenger seat, think about the top-spec Ultra model. This comes with electrical adjustment for the passenger seat as well. You’ll also be glad of the memory function, which means once you have stored your ideal position for the driver’s seat and mirrors it’s just a button-press away.

Whichever model you pick, both front seats are heated, as is the steering wheel.

Storage is plentiful, with large door bins and a decent glovebox. There’s more space under the driver’s armrest, but it’s not as well set-up for storing your bits and pieces as, say, the new Skoda Superb.

Twin cupholders sit between the front seats. They’re big enough to hold a large cup, and there’s a sliding cover to keep things neat and tidy when they’re not in use.

Space in the back seats

There’s plenty of space in the back of the V60. A six-foot-tall passenger can sit behind an equally lanky driver without feeling cramped. Even in the Ultimate model with its full-length sunroof, headroom is pretty good.

Four-zone climate control is standard on the mild-hybrid petrol models, so rear-seat passengers can set their own temperature. However, this feature isn’t available if you choose the plug-in hybrid.

There’s a big hump in the middle of the floor, but otherwise the V60 is reasonably comfortable for three to sit on the rear bench.

The ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers and the rear doors open wide, so fitting a bulky child seat is easy.

Boot space

Estate cars are all about carrying lots of luggage, and it’s a job the V60 is pretty good at. There’s slightly more space in the back than you’ll find in an Audi A4 Avant or a BMW 3 Series Touring, although the Skoda Superb Estate offers even more room at a lower price.

It’s easy to make the most of the Volvo’s 519-litre capacity, as the boot is a good square shape. Tie-down points help secure a load, and with a low floor and no lip, lifting heavy items in and out doesn’t put too much strain on your back. There’s also a handy pop-up panel which allows you to separate out the boot space as needed.

Plug-in hybrid T6 and T8 models lose some luggage space to the battery pack, and space falls to 488 litres for those models. That’s still quite a bit more than you get in the equivalent BMW 330e Touring plug-in hybrid, and much better than the 360 litres of the Mercedes C300e Estate plug-in hybrid, but all of those are sidelined by the mighty Skoda Superb and its 510-litre plug-in hybrid boot.

Both the Plus and Ultra models have hands-free opening and closing of the tailgate – if your hands are full of bags, just waggle your foot under the rear bumper.

Minimalist Scandinavian style, but it’s looking old and the infotainment is fiddly to use on the move

Volvo interiors are very stylish places to sit. Well finished, uncluttered and inviting, the V60’s cabin might be getting on a bit now, but it still appeals the moment you get behind the wheel. Look really closely and you may find the Volvo falls short of the attention to detail you’d find in an Audi or BMW, but it’s not far off. Most of what you can see or touch is of a very high quality.

Look straight ahead, and you’ll notice the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster instead of a regular speedometer and rev counter. Volvo calls it the Progressive Driver Display. You can tweak the screen to prioritise different information and it’s easier on the eyes at night than most alternatives’ screens.

In the centre of the dash sits the 9.0-inch infotainment screen. The system still looks good, and it’s reasonably straightforward to use when you are not moving. The trouble is, when you do drive it’s too difficult to use without becoming distracted. The iDrive system in a BMW 3 Series Touring is easier to use on the move, because it still uses a physical controller as well as the infotainment screen. That said, the Volvo’s menu layout is simpler overall than that of many more modern systems.

It’s a shame Volvo hasn’t kept the aircon as separate physical controls – they’re part of the touchscreen too, making temperature adjustments too fiddly while driving.

On the other hand, the system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay, something that was frustratingly absent from the Google-based system earlier in the V60’s life. Android Auto isn’t fitted, but much of the functionality of an Android phone is already built into the Google Automotive Services system so it’s not really an issue.

A DAB radio is included, and there are 10 speakers and a 220-watt output as standard. If you like to play your Swedish death metal really loud, Ultimate-spec cars upgrade to a Harman Kardon system with 13 speakers and a 600-watt output. Those buzzsaw guitar riffs have never sounded so good…

If you worry about the cost of fuel, or want to keep your emissions right down, the best bet is the T6 plug-in hybrid. It emits just 17g/km in official tests and achieves 353.1mpg.

To get near that figure, you’ll need to recharge regularly – although the V60 T6 will go a lot further on a charge than most plug-in hybrids. Reckon on close to 57 miles, according to the official figures, and 45 miles in real life, if it’s chilly out. That’s a match for the BMW 330e Touring, but a good bit behind the 69 miles offered by the plug-in hybrid Mercedes C300e Estate.

On paper, the mild-hybrid diesel B4 won’t get near the plug-in hybrid’s official fuel economy, but of course that 353mpg figure is something of a fictional one. In real-world driving, on a long run, you’ll get more like 40-45mpg out of the plug-ins, while the B4 diesel will easily top 50mpg.

All V60 models cost over £40,000. That means that the B4 diesel faces the extra charge for cars costing over this amount. The plug-in hybrids, with CO2 emissions of 17-18g/km, are technically zero-rated, but the high list price means that you will have to pay this extra surcharge here too.

Company car drivers looking to keep their benefit-in-kind tax bill down would be wise to choose the T6 or T8. Thanks to low emissions and a long all-electric range it will cost business drivers less in tax than any other V60.

Volvo and safety go together like pickle and herring in Swedish cuisine. So it’s no surprise that the V60 earned a five-star rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP in 2018. The Volvo scored 96% for adult occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection, 74% for pedestrian safety and 76% for its safety assistance systems. However, the test has become stricter since that time.

Every car has City Safety, Volvo’s name for its autonomous emergency braking system. The car’s sensors can detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as other cars.

Other safety devices include dual-stage driver and passenger airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

Among the Volvo’s security features are an alarm, an immobiliser, and a private locking luggage compartment.

Volvo finished well in the recent Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, coming 13th out of 30 brands. It’s some way off the likes of Lexus near the top of the table, but there’s usually nothing major to put buyers off. We’re certainly not hearing of any significant problems with the V60.

Anything that does go wrong should be covered by Volvo’s warranty, which lasts for the basic three years and 60,000 miles. The battery in the plug-in hybrid is covered for eight years and 100,000 miles (for the original owner).