Volvo V60 estate review
“The Volvo V60 estate is a stylish, practical and comfortable all-rounder that majors on relaxation rather than driving thrills"
Pros
- Bigger boot than key rivals
- Classy design
- Comfortable and refined
Cons
- Limited trim levels
- Plug-in hybrids are expensive
- Uninvolving to drive
Verdict - Is the Volvo V60 a good car?
It’s hard to believe Volvos used to have a reputation for being dowdy – the brand topped Carbuyer’s poll asking British motorists to rank the best-designed cars, beating Land Rover and Mercedes. We can certainly see the appeal of the V60’s cool looks and stylish interior, and the fact it’s incredibly safe, comfortable and well equipped only makes it more desirable. While diesel is no longer an option, the impressive Recharge plug-in hybrids offer a great alternative for company car drivers if you’d rather not go for a traditional petrol model.
Volvo V60 models, specs and alternatives
Arriving towards the end of Volvo’s swathe of new model launches, the Volvo V60 could easily be seen as just a tick in the box marked ‘executive estate’. Instead, it’s one of the best Volvos so far. No, it’s not as sporty as a BMW 3 Series Touring, but if design, comfort and practicality are more important to you, that won’t matter.
The V60 takes a slightly more relaxing approach to getting you and your luggage to each destination, making it a closer rival to the Mercedes C-Class Estate. It’s not as curvaceous as the last V60 – Volvo cites its main inspirations as the V70, 850 and 760 – and features like an upright grille and ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LEDs ensure it cuts a striking shape on the road. Its more chiselled tail also ensures it offers a seriously practical boot.
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In fact, with 519 litres of space, its potential luggage volume is quite a bit more than that of the BMW or Audi A4 Avant, while there’s also more space for tall adults in the back seats. Not only is it spacious, neat touches like a boot divider to keep shopping bags secure and an optional three-pin plug socket makes it a strong contender for families. Caravanners will find its 2,000kg towing limit plenty, too.
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The petrol range once consisted of the B3 (P), B4 (P), B5 (P) and B6 (P), with 161, 194, 247 and 298bhp respectively, but Volvo simplified in the range in November 2021, retaining just the B3 and B4 variants. All are fitted with front-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox as standard. These are also joined by the Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid, along with the more potent Recharge T8 which we’ve reviewed in-depth separately. The Recharge T6 offers company-car drivers the lowest Benefit-in-Kind tax rating. The 2.0-litre turbo B4 (P) is the quickest standard V60, getting from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, thanks to its 195bhp power output. The help of an electric motor drops this to just 5.4 seconds in the T6 plug-in hybrid.
There was just one diesel engine until late 2021: a 2.0-litre offering 194bhp that was badged B4 (D), but this has now been phased out as Volvo shifts to petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. It could get from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and came with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Perhaps more importantly than its performance, it could also return over 50mpg, making it a hit with high-mileage drivers.
On the move, the first thing you’ll notice is that the V60’s steering feels extremely light when you pull away, because it’s designed to make driving in town and car parks a breeze. Resistance builds slightly as you go faster, for a more reassuring feel, and the suspension does a good job of filtering out lumps and bumps. The engines feel admirably refined in the V60, too, while the Recharge T8 feels almost alarmingly quick.
TrustpilotThe original Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trim levels were changed to Core, Plus and Ultimate at the start of 2022. The entry-level Core trim level comes with an intuitive infotainment system and Google navigation with Google Assistant as standard, as well as a useful wireless mobile phone charging feature for all models except the V60 Recharge.
Plus brings upgraded alloy wheels, front LED fog lights, a hands-free tailgate, heated windscreen and steering wheel, a premium leather interior with heated rear seats, keyless entry and more safety kit. Plus also comes in a choice of two themes; the ‘Dark’ theme finishes the exterior grille and trim pieces in gloss black, and the ‘Bright’ theme adds touches of chrome and silver.
The top-of-the-line Ultimate trim level includes everything Plus offers as well as more driver aids, a 360-degree parking camera, a panoramic sunroof, tinted windows and an upgraded sound system.
The rugged off-road style V60 Cross Country – which we've also reviewed separately – brings increased ground clearance and tougher looks.
