Volvo V60 estate - Practicality & boot space
The Volvo V60 estate is a bit longer than rivals, and that shows in its interior and boot space
Volvo has gone somewhat full circle, because after shunning its reputation for boxy estates by making the last V60 sleek but somewhat impractical, the latest model has a far bigger boot. Thankfully, clever design means Volvo has ensured it still looks good, too.
Volvo V60 interior space & storage
The V60 is longer than both the BMW and Audi, but you probably wouldn’t notice until you sit inside. Because when you do, there’s plenty of space for six-footers to fit in the front and back seats with room to spare. There are a few small niggles, though, including cramped rear footwells if the front seats are in their lowest positions and a transmission tunnel that impedes on foot space for a middle passenger.
Boot space
Once the boot whirs open, there’s 519 litres behind the rear seats, making it one of the best load-luggers in the class. Crucially this beats the 505 and 495 litres of the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring in a game of executive estate Top Trumps. There are neat features that remind you Volvo has been making estates for a while, too, like the flip-up divider you can attach shopping bags to, keeping them secure on the drive home. The rear seats and headrests can be folded down at the touch of a button in the boot, and when flat there’s 1,431 litres of room.
Towing
Every V60 can tow a heavy enough trailer to satisfy most customers, with the B3 and B4 mild-hybrid petrol front-wheel drive models able to haul a 2,000kg trailer; the same amount as the Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid. It’s worth bearing in mind that the B5 mild-hybrid all-wheel drive model is capable of towing up to just 1,800kg, however. The Cross Country's four-wheel drive and extra ground clearance could also be a boon on wet campsites or greasy boat-launching slipways.