Volvo V60 (2018-2023) review

The Volvo V60 majors on technology, practicality and subtle Swedish design, making it a real competitor to the German establishment. Many of the V60’s rivals focus on driver appeal, but the Volvo takes on a more comfort-oriented approach. We also like that the cabin design is brighter than in its rivals from BMW, Mercedes and Audi, plus quality throughout is impressive. 

With front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options, plus a pair of rapid plug-in hybrids to tempt business users, the V60 is an attractive proposition to the German norm – there’s even a lifted Cross Country version to take on the slew of SUVs that are so popular at the moment.

About the Volvo V60

Volvo is famous for its estate cars, and while the Swedish brand has successfully embraced the SUV concept by offering some of the most attractive vehicles in the class, the V60 and its larger V90 sibling proves it has also stayed true to its roots.

The V60 follows in the tradition of iconic Volvo estates like the early 240 and later 850, which were generally held to be some of the most practical and family-friendly cars on the market. Volvo’s foray into the SUV sector has reduced its focus on estate buyers, but the fact the latest V60 arrived a year before its S60 saloon sister model in 2018 suggests Volvo still values its traditional strengths. The S60 also briefly went off sale in 2022, while the V60 continued on. 

This is the second generation V60, and it’s most obviously a rival to estate versions of rival German premium-exec models such as the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate. That’s about it if you’re interested only in the once dominant estate car formula, but of course many drivers these days have switched allegiance to the very many SUVs and crossovers that offer similar practicality with a commanding road view and more fashionable style. There are also plenty of estate family cars from other brands which can cross over into the premium realm with higher spec models of the Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 6 and Peugeot 508.

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The tried-and-tested running gear the V60 uses can also be found in the outgoing XC90, XC60 and V90 estate. The V60's engine line-up is made up exclusively of petrol 2.0-litre, four-cylinder units, badged as the B3, B4 and the Cross Country-only B5. All three now feature mild-hybrid technology, but for those with a focus on efficiency, Volvo also offers the T6 and T8 plug-in hybrid versions. Both V60 PHEVs produce well over 300bhp and are capable of returning over 330mpg, according to Volvo. The 296bhp B6 engine has been discontinued since the V60 launched, with the D3 and D4 diesel options also removed from the line-up now.

B3 and B4 V60s come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and are front-wheel drive only, while the B5, T6 and T8 powertrains feature an eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

Prices for the V60 start from around £41,000 and rise to just over £58,000, which is more or less on a par with rivals. The V60 was previously offered in a range of specifications, including Momentum, R-Design, Inscription and Polestar Engineered, but buyers are now given a simple choice of Plus and Ultimate trims, or the standalone Cross Country model. Entry-level Plus versions are well equipped, although the Ultimate adds some helpful technology. The T6 and T8 petrol plug-in hybrid versions offer a blend of performance and efficiency, with the Cross-Country AWD models providing 60mm of extra ground clearance and some limited off-road ability.

For an alternative review of the Volvo V60, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...