Volvo V60

Volvo V60 Review

The Volvo V60 is a premium mid-size estate that combines the comfort and driving manners of a saloon with the extra practicality of an extended cargo area. It sits below the larger V90 in Volvo’s estate range and shares its platform with models such as the S60 and XC60.

Depending on the market, the latest V60 is available with mild-hybrid petrol and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The range focuses on comfort, safety, practicality and understated Scandinavian design rather than outright sportiness. A more rugged V60 Cross Country is also offered in selected markets with additional ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability.

Design & Styling

The Volvo V60 has a clean and restrained exterior that gives it a premium appearance without relying on overly aggressive styling. At the front, the familiar Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights sit within slim headlamps, while the broad grille and sculpted bumper create a confident stance.

Its estate body is characterised by a long roofline, short overhangs and pronounced shoulder lines. At the rear, vertically arranged LED tail lamps extend upwards towards the roof, giving the V60 a distinctive appearance.

Wheel sizes vary by trim, with larger alloy wheels available on higher specifications. Selected variants can also be equipped with features such as a panoramic glass roof and sportier exterior detailing.

Dimensions

The Volvo V60 measures approximately 4,778mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,432mm in height, with a 2,872mm wheelbase. Overall width increases to around 2,040mm with the exterior mirrors included.

These proportions place the V60 firmly in the premium mid-size estate segment. Its long wheelbase helps maximise passenger room, while the relatively low height contributes to its sleek profile and car-like driving position.

A turning circle of roughly 11 metres also keeps the V60 reasonably manageable in urban areas despite its overall length.

Engine & Performance

Engine availability varies between markets. One of the more widely available options is the B4 mild hybrid, which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine supported by a 48V mild-hybrid system.

The B4 produces around 197hp and 300Nm and is paired with an automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0–100km/h in approximately 7.6 seconds, making it well suited to everyday commuting and long-distance driving.

Plug-in-hybrid versions offer considerably more performance. The V60 T6 AWD combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 350hp, while the more powerful T8 AWD develops approximately 455hp.

The T6 can complete the 0–100km/h sprint in around 5.4 seconds, while the T8 reduces that time to approximately 4.6 seconds. Both plug-in-hybrid models use all-wheel drive. Top speed across the current V60 range is electronically limited to 180km/h.

Fuel Efficiency & Electric Range

The B4 mild hybrid uses its 48V electrical system to recover energy during braking and assist the petrol engine. Combined fuel consumption is approximately 6.3L/100km, although real-world figures will vary depending on traffic, road conditions and driving style.

Plug-in-hybrid models use an 18.8kWh battery and can provide an electric-only driving range of approximately 90 to 98km, depending on the version and driving conditions.

This makes the PHEV models particularly useful for owners who can regularly recharge at home or work. Short daily journeys can potentially be completed primarily on electric power, while the petrol engine provides flexibility for longer trips.

Interior & Features

The V60 cabin follows a minimalist Scandinavian theme with a clean dashboard layout and limited use of physical controls. Soft-touch materials, carefully finished trim pieces and a simple overall design give the interior a premium feel.

A portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard. It includes integrated Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and access to compatible applications through Google Play. Apple CarPlay is also available.

The infotainment system supports over-the-air software updates, allowing selected functions and system software to be updated remotely.

Equipment varies by trim but can include a digital instrument display, wireless smartphone charging, multi-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, heated seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof and a 360-degree camera system.

Higher specifications can also feature a Harman Kardon premium audio system and an advanced cabin air purification system designed to reduce fine particulate matter entering the interior.

Space & Practicality

The Volvo V60 seats five occupants, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. Rear legroom measures around 895mm, helping adult passengers remain comfortable on longer journeys.

Boot capacity is approximately 648 litres with the rear seats in use. Folding the rear seats increases maximum cargo capacity to around 1,431 litres.

The wide tailgate opening and relatively flat load floor make it easy to carry suitcases, pushchairs, sports equipment and other large items. An electrically operated tailgate is also available, with hands-free opening included on selected versions.

The V60 therefore offers noticeably more luggage flexibility than a conventional premium saloon, while retaining a lower, more car-like body than an SUV.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is one of the V60’s strongest areas. A combination of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors supports several active safety and driver-assistance systems.

Collision avoidance technology can identify potential hazards involving other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The system can warn the driver and provide automatic braking assistance when required.

Lane Keeping Aid can detect unintended lane departures and provide steering assistance, while the Blind Spot Information System helps monitor vehicles approaching from areas that may be difficult for the driver to see.

Depending on specification, additional systems include Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information, Driver Alert, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera.

Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control with steering assistance. It can help maintain a selected speed, following distance and road position under suitable conditions, although the driver must remain attentive and in control.

Driving Experience

The V60 is primarily tuned for comfort, refinement and predictable handling. Its relatively low centre of gravity gives it a more planted feel than a comparable SUV, while the suspension balances ride quality with stable cornering.

The B4 mild hybrid provides smooth and adequate performance for normal driving. The T6 and T8 plug-in hybrids deliver significantly stronger acceleration and suit buyers who want more performance.

All-wheel drive on the plug-in-hybrid models also provides additional traction during hard acceleration and on slippery surfaces.

The V60 is not designed as an aggressive sports estate. Instead, it focuses on quiet cruising, comfortable long-distance travel and composed handling.

Verdict

The Volvo V60 is a practical alternative to both premium saloons and mid-size SUVs. It combines a spacious cargo area with a high-quality cabin, strong safety technology and a broad selection of electrified powertrains.

The B4 mild hybrid suits buyers looking for a simpler everyday powertrain, while the T6 and T8 plug-in hybrids offer stronger performance and useful electric-only driving capability.

With its understated design, comfortable road manners and impressive practicality, the V60 remains an appealing choice for buyers who want the versatility of an estate without moving to a larger SUV.