Name: New Volvo V60 models and Specifications
Brand: Volvo

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The B3 (P) is good but if you can opt for this 194bhp B4 (P), which is our pick of the range. It knocks a second off the B3’s 0-62mph time (8.0sec), it’s more energetic at motorway speeds and, having a bit more oomph suits a car designed to carry people plus luggage. It's also slightly more efficient than the B3 (P) because you have to work it less strenuously, so officially it still averages just over 40mpg.

2.0 B4P

If you fancy a plug-in hybrid then the Recharge T6 is a great bet. It’s impressively quick with a 0-62mph time of 5.4sec more importantly it has a claimed pure electric range of up to 54 miles. Expect 35-40 miles in real world driving, but that still puts it well ahead of the 330e (37 miles official) and Skoda Octavia iV Estate (41 miles official). Its electric range also effects the percentage of benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax you'll pay, which you can read more about in the Costs section. 

2.0 T6 [350] PHEV

2.0 T8 [455] PHEV

Stepping up from Core to Plus trim is tempting, because it bags you 19in wheels, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a heated windscreen and a gesture-controlled tailgate (just swipe your foot under the rear bumper and the tailgate opens). This is the entry-level trim on the Recharge T6 model, which comes with a Type 2 charging cable (to plug into public chargers).

Plus

Ultra

Estate

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

2.0 T8 [455] PHEV Ultra Dark 5dr AWD Auto

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2.0 B4P Plus Dark 5dr Auto [7 speed]

2.0 B4P Ultra Dark 5dr Auto

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2.0 T6 [350] PHEV Plus Dark 5dr AWD Auto

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Volvo V60

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

If you tend to keep a beady eye on costs, the Volvo V60 is worthy of your attention. Like for like, it’s generally no pricier to buy in cash than premium-brand rivals, but you could save money if you buy a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/estate/review/n17344">Skoda Superb Estate</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/estate/review/n29">VW Passat</a>.&nbsp;

The V60 is predicted to hold on to a good chunk of its value when it comes to reselling in three years. There's little to split it on depreciation with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a> but the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108"> BMW 3 Series Touring</a> is a bit better.

The engines generally come in slightly better than the 3 Series Touring in terms of CO2 output and fuel consumption. If you're a company car user, it's definitely worth looking at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2023/n22743">PHEVs</a>&nbsp;because they significantly cut your <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK&nbsp;tax bill</a> relative to other versions. An electric estate car&nbsp;– the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id7/estate/review/n27046">Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer</a>&nbsp;for example –&nbsp;will be even cheaper to run as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>.

We recommend sticking to the V60's entry-level Plus trim for the best value. It has more than enough gubbins to keep gadget lovers entertained, including a 9in touchscreen with sat-nav, a 10-speaker stereo, an electric tailgate, four-zone climate control, a heated front windscreen and steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a>, 19in alloys and keyless entry.

Ultra trim adds a panoramic roof, tinted rear windows, an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, an electrically adjustable front passenger seat and upgraded <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/headlight-bulbs-what-types-are-there-and-which-is-best/n19332">LED headlights</a> and parking aids. It's worth noting that the T6 is only available in Plus trim, and the T8 is Ultra-only.

The PHEV models come with a Type 2 charging cable (to plug into <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-home-ev-chargers/n25830">home EV chargers</a>) and have a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> of 6.4kW. At that rate, the battery is charged from empty in about five hours.

The V60 achieved the full five-star rating from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> in 2018&nbsp;but the tests have become more stringent since then and the rating has now expired. That makes it impossible to compare its very respectable scores with the more recently tested <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">3 Series Touring</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">C-Class Estate</a>.

Regardless, you get a good amount of standard safety equipment with the V60, including automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>) that will detect cars, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, traffic-sign recognition, oncoming lane mitigation (to help avoid a head-on collision) and lane-keeping assistance.

As a manufacturer, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volvo">Volvo</a> finished in a respectable 12th place out of 31 brands&nbsp;in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-reliable-cars/n27337">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. The V60 placed in the middle of the 20 models in our list of the most reliable executive cars. The V60 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile manufacturer’s <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/best-new-car-warranties/n26485">warranty</a> and breakdown cover.

"Given the importance Volvo places on safety, I think it’s a bit disappointing that the V60’s safety rating has been allowed to expire." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a>

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The Volvo V60 is available exclusively with 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines. Let’s begin with the lowest-powered option, the 194bhp B4, which is a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>. Its 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds is energetic, flexible and ideally suited to motorway speeds, especially in a car designed to be filled with people and luggage.

The remaining two options are both petrol plug-in hybrids (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEVs</a>) with four-wheel drive. The cheaper of the pair is badged is T6, and has a petrol engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rears.

It has 345bhp but&nbsp;doesn’t feel as rapid as you might expect – partly because the eight-speed automatic gearbox you get in all V60s takes time to react. Still,&nbsp;its official 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds is quicker than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3-Series Touring</a> in 330e form.

There’s an even quicker version – the T8 – with a more powerful 306bhp petrol engine for a combined output of 449bhp. That drops the 0-62mph time to 4.6 seconds, but we don't think it’s worth the extra expense.

Both PHEVs can get to motorway speeds on battery power alone, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volvo">Volvo</a> says they will manage around 57 electric-only miles between charges. That’s a few miles less than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 330e Touring</a>&nbsp;and around 10 miles less than a PHEV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C300e Estate</a>.

No V60 is as agile as the 3 Series Touring, and the heavy batteries in the PHEV versions make them even less eager to tuck in to corners or change direction. Still, if you want an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate car</a> that steers predictably, grips well and feels safe and secure on motorways and A-roads, the V60 is fine.

In terms of comfort, the C-Class Estate is one of the most supple models in the class when fitted with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">adaptive suspension</a>&nbsp;but the V60 is not far behind.

It delivers good long-distance comfort on motorways, but around town it doesn’t isolate you from potholes and ridges quite as well. The heavier PHEVs are less settled at speed, but are by no means boneshakers.

The V60’s engines are quiet for the most part, especially at a cruise, and you’ll only really notice them when you’re trying to get the most out of the engine.

At 70mph, there’s a slight rumble from the tyres and a bit of wind noise from its door mirrors, but it’s all largely subdued. Indeed, it's no noisier than a C-Class Estate, and neither car is irritatingly loud.

"After hours driving the V60 on the motorway, I was really impressed by how effortless it made it. The only thing that soured the experience was the gearbox’s slow reactions in traffic or around town." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a>

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

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T6 Recharge PHEV

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When ABC cancelled the TV thriller Designated Survivor&nbsp;after two seasons, it was viewer demand that led to it being revived by Netflix. Now&nbsp;something similar has happened with the Volvo V60.

You see, the V60 (along with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/v90/estate/review/n17192">Volvo V90</a>) was&nbsp;retired a few years ago so the Swedish brand could focus on SUVs, but a resurgence in demand for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate cars</a> means it's back.

Very little has changed from before, but that’s not a bad thing, and means that the V60 is just as practical as ever. It's&nbsp;filled with kit and comes with the choice of three great engines – one mild-hybrid and two plug-in hybrids (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEVs</a>).

Of course, the Volvo V60 also has plenty of rivals to compete with. So, should you buy one over premium rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3 Series Touring</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a>, or the likes of the cheaper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/estate/review/n29">Volkswagen Passat</a>? That’s what we’re going to find out in this review...

The Volvo V60 has a superb driving position. You sit perfectly in line with the steering wheel and pedals, with a comfortable armrest on the door and another between the front seats.&nbsp;

The driver's seat is supportive and has lumbar adjustment, and the steering wheel has a great range of height and reach adjustment. Even entry-level Plus trim comes with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory and an extendable seat base for better under-thigh support.

Every V60 has a 12.3in digital driver's display instead of analogue dials, and while it's not as&nbsp;configurable as BMW’s Virtual Cockpit, it gives plenty of useful information, including media, telephone and navigation data.

Likewise, the V60's 9in, portrait-oriented&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a> has small icons and lacks the user-friendly dial controller you get with the touchscreen in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3-Series Touring</a>. BMW's software is more responsive and better laid out than Volvo's, but you soon get used to the V60's menus and the screen is very clear.

The sat-nav system uses Google for its maps, and provides a detailed display with real-time traffic information. DAB radio, wireless phone-charging, Bluetooth, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring come as standard.

The V60 is an easy car to see out of. The windscreen pillars are not too wide and there are no substantial blind-spots. The rear windows provide a good view over your shoulder, and you get power-folding rear headrests that drop at the touch of a button to give you a clearer view backwards.

Front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view parking camera are standard on all versions, upgraded to a 360-degree camera system on Ultra trim. It’s easy to see at night because high-intensity <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/headlight-bulbs-what-types-are-there-and-which-is-best/n19332">LED headlights</a> are fitted to every version, with matrix LED headlights standard on Ultra trim.

Volvo is making quite a name for itself when it comes to great interiors and the V60 is no exception. The materials and build quality are better than both the 3 Series Touring and the C-Class. You can also option softer Napa leather upholstery and wood trim finishers that really lift the ambience.

"Despite its length, the V60’s great all-round visibility means that it’s really easy to park, even in tight spaces." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a>

The V60 is a roomy estate car with tidy handling, a beautifully built interior and&nbsp;a comfortable ride

The Volvo V60 has a generous amount of front head and leg room, but that's reduced significantly if you opt for the range-topping Ultra trim&nbsp;because it comes with a panoramic roof. More positively, the interior is good and wide, so you can get your elbows out without irking your passenger.

Rear space is a strength. Again, head room is fine (panoramic roof aside) and the rear leg room is much better than in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a>. You can get roomier <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate cars</a>&nbsp;but you'll either have to spend much more or do&nbsp;without a premium badge and consider the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/estate/review/n17344">Skoda Superb Estate</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/estate/review/n29">VW Passat</a>.

Storage space is generally good, with plenty of cubbies, compartments and a decent glovebox, although the door bins are a little small. The V60's boot has an electrically operated tailgate.

The non-PHEV versions have 519 litres of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot space</a> with the rear seats up – enough for eight <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">carry-on suitcases</a>. That’s more than the 3 Series Touring and C-Class Estate, but loads less than the Superb Estate.&nbsp;

As is often the case, the PHEV&nbsp;versions have a slightly smaller boot, with a reduction to 481 litres. That’s still more than you’ll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 330e Touring</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C300e&nbsp;Estate</a> though.

There’s more space under the floor if you don’t order a spare wheel, and you can drop the rear seats to make more space for longer items. They split 60/40 rather than in the 40/20/40 arrangement you get in the 3 Series Touring. The seats fold flat to the floor, with no step up in the long boot space.

"It almost goes without saying that interior space is really important for estate cars, and that’s one area where I've found the V60 does well." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a>

plus

ultra

The Volvo V60 edges ahead of similarly priced premium rivals thanks to its generally comfy ride and great interior quality. True, the BMW 3 Series Touring is better to drive, but we’d argue the V60’s practicality is more important for an estate. We’d stick with the Plus trim and B4 engine, but company car drivers will want the T6 plug-in hybrid.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

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