Volvo V60 estate review – a classy estate that prioritises comfort

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 plug-in hybrid models 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 in 2018, 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 understated, elegant design, comfort and practicality are more important to you, you’ll struggle to find a better estate car. 

Perhaps that’s why it came as a bit of a shock when Volvo pulled the V60 from production in 2023 along with its pricer V90 sibling. Both models were still at the top of their respective classes, but Volvo cited falling sales and a greater demand for SUVs as its reasons for pulling the plug. However, the Swedish brand took a major U-turn in 2024 and reintroduced both models to the UK market, albeit with a more limited engine and trim lineup.

Even after its comeback, 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 than the BMW. 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 an 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 the plug-in hybrid’s 2,000kg towing limit plenty, too.

In the six years the V60 has been on sale, its engine lineup has been through a number of changes. As of 2024, there are only three engines to pick from: the B4 petrol mild hybrid, or two plug-in variants badged T6 and T8. The latter two were formerly sold under the Volvo V60 Recharge model name, but this badge has been dropped following a simplification of Volvo’s naming strategy. Pure petrol and diesel models were offered, but Volvo only sells hybrid and electric models today as it gears up for the 2035 ban on combustion-powered cars. 

Whether you’re shopping for a new or used Volvo V60, all models are equipped with an automatic gearbox, and all are front-wheel drive besides the plug-in hybrids and the V60 Cross Country, a raised-up model designed for tackling all terrains. This model is no longer available, but makes for an appealing SUV alternative on the used market.

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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 plug-in hybrid T8 feels almost alarmingly quick.

Just like the engines, the V60’s trim levels have been simplified for 2024. Plus and Ultra (previously called Ultimate) are the only two specifications to pick from, as the base Core model has been dropped. That means the cheapest V60 is now more expensive than it used to be – costing over £43,000 – but there’s more standard equipment and you get a more powerful engine.

The standard Volvo V60 Plus will have more than enough features for most drivers, including a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, keyless entry, heated front and rear seats and four-zone climate control. The Ultra model brings some more luxurious kit, including a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded sound system, a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control.