Volvo V60 estate - Interior & comfort

Hop inside the V60 and it feels as well-finished and relaxing as we’ve come to expect from the Swedish manufacturer’s models since the arrival of the Volvo XC90 SUV. There’s a little less opulence than the pricier V90, with more soft-touch plastic as opposed to wood and metal, but you’re only likely to notice if you run between them in the showroom.

30

Volvo V60 dashboard

The dashboard is an all-digital affair, dominated by a portrait touchscreen that’s attractive, but also attracts fingerprints, so you might want to keep a cloth handy. Its user interface isn’t quite as quick to use as a control wheel, but Volvo has beefed up the processor to make it more responsive to your prods. Analogue dials have also been replaced by digital ones, with clear and intuitive graphics. We only wish the plastic used on the centre console didn’t let the side down, with a cheap look and feel.

Equipment

At launch, the Momentum and Inscription trims were available, with a sportier R-Design version arriving later to rival Audi’s A4 Avant S line and BMW 3 Series Touring M Sport trims. These trim levels were replaced in early 2022 with the Core, Plus and Ultimate trims; these are more hierarchical – from entry-level Core to the more luxurious and better-equipped Ultimate trim. The tough-looking V60 Cross Country offers a genuine rough-road capability, thanks to its four-wheel drive, raised ground clearance and rugged bumpers to help fend off the elements.

Standard kit on the Core model includes desirable features like heated front seats, Google sat-nav with Google Assistant and a large touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless mobile phone charging is a welcome inclusion as standard on all but the Recharge plug-in hybrid model. Using the Volvo On Call smartphone app, it’s also possible to summon help in an emergency, send destinations to the sat-nav, unlock the car remotely, check trip information and even track the car if it’s stolen.

30

The Plus trim brings keyless entry and a powered hands-free tailgate which boosts convenience, as do rear parking sensors. Plus also adds extras like leather upholstery, keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windscreen. The Plus trim can be specified in one of two themes: ‘Bright’ or ‘Dark’. On models specced in Dark theme, the grille and exterior trim pieces are finished in gloss black, whereas the Bright theme adds touches of chrome and silver.

Ultimate adds even more tech to the V60, with a power-adjustable front passenger seat as well as a panoramic sliding sunroof and upgraded sound system. Volvo’s driver assistance technology is also included on Ultimate, allowing your V60 to adapt its speed and stay in lane while maintaining a safe distance from cars ahead and around you up to motorway speeds. Ultimate also includes adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera.

Options

Volvo’s revised trim level structure means that a lot of equipment that used to be optional is now included as part of the Core, Plus or Ultimate trims, and options have been simplified to streamline car orders. Options include a choice of three alloy wheel upgrades all costing £750 per set. Tinted windows, while standard on Ultimate, cost an extra £350 for Plus models. A retractable tow-bar will be an essential for caravanners or those with a trailer and is a £1,250 option.